Public Sector Lead, Defence & Security (AI)

Location: United Kingdom; UK security clearance eligibility required

Company

Scale AI develops reliable AI systems, data products, and full-stack applications for enterprises and governments.

What you will do

• Own the commercial plan and pipeline for UK defence and national security.
• Develop, shape, and close deals from initial conversations through contracting and delivery.
• Build relationships across the Ministry of Defence, Defence Digital, UK Strategic Command, DE&S, Dstl, and the wider security and intelligence community.
• Navigate defence procurement routes, including the Defence Sourcing Portal, DASA, JOSCAR, single-source arrangements, and CCS frameworks.
• Translate senior military and civil service requirements into deliverable AI and technology programmes.
• Hire and lead a small commercial team while helping shape the wider UK public sector strategy.

Requirements

• Experience selling and delivering technology or transformation work into UK defence or national security.
• Strong knowledge of at least one UK defence organisation or Service and its purchasing processes.
• Experience with defence and public sector procurement, frameworks, tenders, single-source rules, and complex stakeholder environments.
• Track record of opening doors, leading complex pursuits, and owning commercial outcomes.
• Existing eligibility for UK security clearance is required; SC is the minimum and DV is desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.

Nice to have

• Experience with AI or data-heavy platforms.
• Experience with regulated, mission-critical, or classified government programmes.
• Previous experience building or managing a small commercial team.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to build Scale AI's UK defence market and establish its commercial approach.
• Direct reporting to the Public Sector leader.
• Inclusive and equal-opportunity workplace.
• Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and recruiting process.