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.
Strategic Proposition Development
* 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.
Opportunity Identification & Business Development
* 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.
Commercial Leadership
* 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.