Director of Sales

Working at the forefront of applied AI alongside experts across multiple disciplines, you’ll help users defend against Defence and National Security threats, directly contributing to safer, more resilient systems deployed where they matter most. We’re looking for a Director of Sales to join a multidisciplinary team delivering real-world AI/ML systems into operational environments.

In this role, you’ll be driving commercial growth across the business through strategic customer acquisition, relationship development, and long-term revenue generation. You will be a hands-on leader, thriving in a fast-growth start-up environment, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes within Defence, Government and National Security.

Because of the nature of this work:

• You will need to hold existing or be eligible for UK Security Clearance, details of which can be found on the Gov UK website.

• You will be required to travel to and work from client sites and partner locations. When not working onsite, this role can be office-based or hybrid from our Summertown, Oxford office.

Key day-to-day activities:

• Develop and execute the sales strategy to drive revenue growth across defence, government, and regulated sectors

• Lead end-to-end sales cycles from initial engagement through to negotiation and close

• Build, manage, and progress a strong pipeline of enterprise and public sector opportunities

• Engage and build long-term relationships with senior stakeholders and strategic partners

• Maintain disciplined CRM usage, forecasting accuracy, and pipeline reporting

• Work closely with leadership on go-to-market strategy, positioning, and pricing

• Represent the company at industry events across defence, security, and AI

• Identify and develop new commercial opportunities within the sovereign AI ecosystem

• Build and lead the sales team to deliver the strategy

Core Experience

• Proven track record in B2G and/or B2B sales within technology, SaaS, AI, defence, or government-related sectors

• Existing network within UK or international defence, government, or national security sectors

• Demonstrable success in meeting or exceeding revenue targets

• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder enterprise or public sector sales cycles

• Strong understanding of procurement processes in government or regulated environments

• Experience building and maintaining a structured sales pipeline and forecasting discipline

Attributes

• Humble, ambitious, confident in expressing opinion, thoughtful

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth start-up environment

• Strong commercial judgement and ability to translate technical capability into business value

Nice to Have

• Experience selling AI, cyber security, data platforms, or emerging technologies

• Experience building or scaling early-stage commercial or sales teams

• Exposure to secure, regulated, or mission-critical technology environments

• Previous involvement in venture-backed or high-growth start-up environments
• Prior experience working with government customers, defence contractors, or in military environments.

While we think the above experience is important, we’re keen to hear from people that believe they have valuable skills, ideas, or perspectives that will make an impact in this role. If our team and mission resonate with you, but you do not necessarily meet all our requirements, we still encourage you to apply.

Why Mind Foundry?

At Mind Foundry, people have the opportunity to work on problems that are technically challenging, operationally important and genuinely meaningful. We are a close-knit, multidisciplinary team working on complex problems where advanced AI has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the real world. Our work sits at the intersection of research, engineering, product, customer need and operational impact, which means everyone can contribute beyond their job title.

What makes Mind Foundry different is the way we combine technical excellence with pragmatism, responsibility and partnership. We are ambitious about what AI can achieve, but thoughtful about how it should be designed, deployed and trusted. Our teams work closely together, challenging ideas constructively, learning quickly and staying focused on building capability that is useful, credible and operationally relevant.

As a growing business, we offer the opportunity to have visible impact. You will be close to the customers, the technology and the decisions that shape our direction. We value people who ask good questions, bring others with them, and take ownership.

This is an exciting time to join Mind Foundry. Demand for trusted, deployable AI capability is increasing, our products and partnerships are maturing, and our work is helping to shape how advanced machine learning can support Defence and National Security in challenging operational environments. If you are motivated by meaningful work, collaborative teams and the chance to help build something with real-world importance, Mind Foundry is a place where you can make a genuine contribution.

What do we offer?

We believe in investing in our people by encouraging career and personal development that aligns with your goals and ambitions. We make sure all staff have the tools, time and support they need to shape their own professional development. We want to help you excel at what you do and support your growth within the company.

You’ll enjoy a competitive compensation package and great benefits such as:

• EMI options scheme

• 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays

• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme

• Private Healthcare (including dental and optical cover)

• Group Life Cover at three times your annual salary

• Enhanced Parental and Sickness Leave

• Workplace Nursery Scheme

• Volunteering days

• Pet friendly office

• Professional and personal development

Interview Process:

Online via MS Teams:

• Initial discussion with the People team

• 30 minute interview with the Director of Mission Systems

In person at our Summertown, Oxford office:

• 60 minute interview, including a 10 minute presentation

• 60 minute interview with our Chief Executive Officer

• 30 minute meet the team