Interim Head of Marketing & Communications (AI)

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom / Hybrid; regular travel to the Summertown office 1–2 times per week, client sites, and UK and international events. Existing or eligible UK Security Checked Vetting (SC) is required.

This is a 14-month fixed-term maternity cover leading Marketing & Communications during a period of growth.

Company

Mind Foundry develops advanced AI capabilities for technically challenging and operationally important problems, including Defence and National Security applications.

What you will do

• Deliver marketing and communications strategy aligned with company and commercial priorities, translating objectives into campaigns, budgets, priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• Own brand positioning, messaging, PR, media engagement, thought leadership, product marketing, and communications for customers, partners, investors, government, and prospective employees.
• Lead website, content, case studies, partner marketing, social content, and integrated campaigns across priority capabilities, markets, partnerships, and events.
• Own internal communications, employee engagement, company meetings, quarterly all-company events, surveys, employer brand, recruitment marketing, and onboarding communications.
• Oversee the ESG programme, roadmap, evidence, measurement, and communications for bids, customers, investors, and partnerships.
• Lead and develop a blended team while managing budgets, suppliers, agencies, hiring, delegation, and specialist resourcing.

Requirements

• Leadership experience in marketing and communications within B2B technology, Defence and National Security, and/or Government.
• Broad, hands-on experience across operations, events, brand, content, digital channels, and integrated campaigns.
• Track record of turning business strategy into prioritised plans and measurable growth outcomes.
• Strong operational experience managing budgets, suppliers, and cross-functional delivery while adapting priorities and resources.
• Experience leading a small blended team and making effective hiring, delegation, and specialist resourcing decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, editorial judgement, and stakeholder management, with confidence advising senior leaders and translating technical expertise into clear communications.
• Experience delivering internal communications and employee engagement, including company events, feedback, and employer-brand activity.
• Sound judgement in sensitive communications and credible, evidence-led messaging, including ESG-related content.
• Must hold or be eligible for UK Security Checked Vetting (SC).

Culture and Benefits

• Close-knit, multidisciplinary environment combining research, engineering, product, customer needs, and operational impact.
• Values include teamwork, purposeful delivery, positive collaboration, continuous improvement, and integrity.
• Career and personal development support with tools, time, and resources for professional growth.
• 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays, salary sacrifice pension, private healthcare with dental and optical cover, group life cover, enhanced parental and sickness leave, and volunteering days.
• Additional benefits include a UK Armed Forces Reservists Policy, Workplace Nursery Scheme, and dog-friendly office.

Hiring process

• Initial discussion with the People team.
• 60-minute interview with the Head of Marketing & Communications.
• 45-minute interview with members of the Management Team, including a 10-minute presentation.