Mission Systems Manager - Air

We’re looking for a Mission Systems Manager – Air, to join a supportive, multidisciplinary team helping Defence and National Security customers understand how trusted AI/ML systems can address critical operational challenges. In this role, you’ll work at the intersection of customer need, mission context, technical possibility and commercial opportunity, building relationships, shaping opportunities and helping turn advanced AI capability into operational value across the UK Air domain. Mind Foundry is at an exciting stage of growth, with increasing demand for trusted, deployable AI capability across Defence and National Security. As our mission systems team expands, this role will play a pivotal role in shaping how we build our presence across the Air domain, develop strategic customer and partner relationships, and identify where our technology can deliver the greatest operational value. We specialise in supporting customers to make sense of the ever-increasing volumes of data collected by sensors and systems at the speed of relevance. We often find ourselves working at the edge in complex environments where power, compute, and bandwidth are in short supply. The Air domain is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for trusted AI to support decision advantage, sensor exploitation, operational analysis, human-machine teaming and the fusion of complex data in demanding environments. As our Mission Systems Manager – Air, you will be responsible for driving Mind Foundry’s growth, including engagement with the Royal Air Force, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), frontline commands, prime contractors, and delivery partners operating in demanding operational environments. This is a role for someone who wants to combine commercial ownership with mission impact. You will have the autonomy to shape how Mind Foundry grows in the Air domain, while working closely with colleagues across the business to ensure the opportunities we pursue are strategically aligned, technically credible and valuable to our customers. We are looking for someone who thrives as part of a high-performing team: humble yet ambitious, collaborative, and motivated by a strong sense of mission. Because of the nature of this work: 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. You will need to hold existing or be eligible for UK Security Clearance, details of which can be found on the Gov UK website. Key Responsibilities: Own and drive forward our business expansion into UK Air domain. Build and execute on a sales and go-to-market plan in line with our strategy. You will have a high degree of autonomy. Therefore, experience in sales and/or business development is a must. Mind Foundry’s technology offering is world class, novel and innovative. We are looking for someone who understands technology and can articulate the value our technology provides to those organisations that need it. Own the end-to-end commercial lifecycle, from market engagement and opportunity qualification through bid execution, contract negotiation, and account expansion. Own revenue delivery and growth for the Air domain, including pipeline generation, opportunity management, forecasting, and deal closure Articulate the value of Mind Foundry’s AI, translating technical capability into clear operational and mission outcomes for customers Build and grow senior customer relationships across the UK Air domain ecosystem, including government customers, primes, and partners Expand and develop accounts, securing follow-on work, programme growth, and long-term engagements This is a sales-led, commercially accountable role that requires a strong understanding of sales mechanics, including long sales cycles, complex stakeholder environments, and secure procurement processes. Act as the commercial bridge between customers and internal teams, ensuring solutions are deliverable, scalable, and commercially sound Provide market and customer insight to inform product direction and Air domain strategy Growth/Future: ‘A rising tide lifts all boats’ – this is a growth role. As Mind Foundry expands its Defence and National Security work, this role will have the opportunity to shape our Air-domain strategy, build long-term customer and partner relationships, and grow their own influence alongside the company. You will take on more responsibility as the sub-sector grows, and we are rooting for you. Core Skills & Experience: 5+ years’ experience in sales and business development and/or account management in the Air domain. Proven ability to develop opportunities, build trusted customer relationships and communicate the value of complex technology products or services. Comfortable taking ownership in ambiguous environments, creating structure where needed and moving work forward with judgement, pace and rigour. Collaborative, mission-driven and low-ego, with a willingness to share knowledge, bring others with you and contribute to a high-performing multidisciplinary team. Ability to manage complex relationships with large commercial organisations, ensuring that Mind Foundry’s products & services are meshed into the customers and partners’ current, next generation and generation after next workstreams. Highly proficient at managing multiple initiatives and activities ranging from simple to complex; short to long term Excellent negotiation and presentation skills that ensure contract renewals A track record of product and revenue growth, and high levels of customer satisfaction Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively manage and/or implement all phases of projects and tasks to ensure smooth delivery. Nice to have Experience working with or selling into the RAF, DE&S, MOD, prime contractors or Defence partners. Understanding of Air-domain challenges, mission systems, sensor data, operational analysis or command and control environments. Experience with AI/ML, data science, autonomy, ISR or other advanced technology propositions. Familiarity with Defence procurement, secure environments or long-cycle public sector sales. Experience contributing to bids, proposals or strategic partnership activity. 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 has the opportunity to 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 our 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 with a 5% employer contribution Private Healthcare (including dental and optical cover) Group Life Cover at x3 your annual salary Enhanced Paid Parental and Sickness Leave Workplace Nursery Scheme Volunteering days Pet friendly office Professional and personal development For more information, please visit our website www.mindfoundry.ai or email [email protected] Interview Process: Initial discussion with the People team 30 minute interview with the Director of Mission Systems 75 minute interview with the Mission Systems team, including a 20 minute presentation In person meet the team at our Summertown, Oxford office