AI Strategic Business Development Manager

Background

AI has been identified by the UK Government as a critical technology for the nation's future prosperity, security and competitiveness. Multiple government strategies underscore the need for high‑quality assurance mechanisms to support responsible AI development and deployment.

As the UK’s national metrology institute, NPL provides the trusted, independent technical foundations that can underpin the UK’s AI assurance ecosystem. With increasing interest from government departments and industry partners, NPL is well placed to offer authoritative testing, evaluation, verification and validation (TEVV) approaches and data‑confidence frameworks that support the safe and effective use of trustworthy AI systems.

To make the most of this rapidly evolving environment, NPL requires dedicated business development leadership to coordinate how we engage the ecosystem, prioritise partnerships, and build a sustainable pipeline of AI assurance‑related activity.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Positioning

• Build and maintain relationships with key AI‑relevant government departments and national bodies (e.g., DSIT, AISI, Home Office, NCSC, DAIC).
• Develop strong relationships with standards organisations and industry conveners such as BSI, UKAS, Alan Turing Institute, and Tech UK.
• Participate actively in UK and international AI assurance discussions to help shape the structure and requirements of the emerging ecosystem.

• Work with the Data Science and AI Department to develop a clear and compelling NPL proposition centred on providing the technical foundation for AI quality and assurance.
• Clarify NPL’s role across government, industry and international partnerships as the organisation that anchors confidence and trust in AI systems.
• Prioritise partnerships that support NPL’s long‑term positioning within the national and international standards and assurance landscape.

• Identify and convert strategic AI‑related opportunities across government and industry.
• Lead proposals that position NPL as the core technical partner for AI validation, testing and assurance.
• Coordinate with sector‑specific SBDMs to maintain coherence across NPL’s AI engagements.
• Identify opportunities for NPL to contribute to major events, thought leadership and collaborative programmes.

• Oversee sales governance, including shaping proposals and contracts.
• Manage internal governance processes to successfully convert opportunities
• Identify and develop repeatable, scalable AI assurance services that can become long‑term revenue streams.

Essential

• Strategic business development experience in AI, digital, data science or emerging technologies.
• Strong ability to cultivate influential relationships across government and industry.
• Ability to navigate complex, fast‑moving ecosystems and identify where NPL can anchor long‑term value.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proven track record of securing significant programmes of work.
• Proven ability to effectively work and deliver within a collaborative team environment

Desirable 

• Understanding of AI assurance, standards, testing, validation, security or safety.
• Experience working with UK government departments or national‑level missions.
• Knowledge of the UK AI policy and assurance landscape.
• A strong network of contacts across industry, government, assurance ecosystem and/or the third-sector.
• Experience developing and operationalising strategic plans.

Success Measures

• The quality of relationships with stakeholders is critical so this role will need to be highly visible within the NPL offices (Teddington mostly, but occasionally Glasgow and Cambridge) and externally.
• NPL recognised as a central pillar of the UK’s AI assurance ecosystem.
• Increased pipeline and secured revenue from AI TEVV‑related opportunities.
• A well‑defined and widely understood NPL trustworthy AI proposition.
• Representation of NPL in high‑impact national and international AI forums.
• Development of scalable, repeatable AI TEVV services that strengthen long‑term capability.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

• The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview.

   

  NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

  At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

  We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.