Public Sector Lead, Defence & Security

Defence is under pressure to adopt AI at pace. The 2025 Strategic Defence Review and the Defence AI Strategy push for AI to move from experiment to operational capability. Scale wants to play a foundational role in building dependable AI applications.

We're looking for someone to lead that work across UK defence and the national security community. You'd own commercial relationships across the Ministry of Defence and its enabling organisations.

Responsibilities

• Own the commercial plan and pipeline for UK defence and security
• Find, shape, and close deals yourself, from initial conversations through to contract and delivery
• Utilise existing relationships across the MOD, Defence Digital, UK Strategic Command, DE&S, Dstl, and the security and intelligence community
• Navigate defence routes to market, including the Defence Sourcing Portal, DASA, JOSCAR registration, and CCS frameworks
• Be a credible counterpart to senior military and civil service leaders
• Manage security clearance, accreditation, and information-handling requirements
• Collaborate with product and delivery teams to ensure alignment
• Hire and lead a small team, contributing to the wider UK public sector plan

Requirements

• Experience selling and delivering technology or transformation work into UK defence or national security
• In-depth knowledge of at least one part of defence, such as MOD, UK Strategic Command, DE&S, Dstl, or a single Service
• Understanding of defence and public sector procurement processes
• Proven track record of opening doors, running complex pursuits, and owning results
• Established relationships with senior people in defence
• UK security clearance (SC as a minimum; DV desirable)
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous and fast-paced environments

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI or data-heavy platforms
• Background in regulated, mission-critical, or classified government programmes
• Experience building or running a small commercial team

Benefits

No specific benefits mentioned.