Commercial Director

Who we are

Helsing is a defence AI company. Our mission is to protect our democracies. We aim to achieve technological leadership, so that open societies can continue to make sovereign decisions and control their ethical standards.  

As democracies, we believe we have a special responsibility to be thoughtful about the development and deployment of powerful technologies like AI. We take this responsibility seriously.  

We are an ambitious and committed team of engineers, AI specialists and customer-facing programme managers.  We are looking for mission-driven people to join our European teams – and apply their skills to solve the most complex and impactful problems. We embrace an open and transparent culture that welcomes healthy debates on the use of technology in defence, its benefits, and its ethical implications.  

The role

Helsing is seeking a senior commer cial leader to devise and implement a strategic engagement framework with the National Armaments Director Group and DE&S. You will draw on a deep stakeholder network and a track record of delivering major defence programmes , aligning incentives between industry and government. With broad scope and responsibility, you will bridge the cultures of defence procurement and a fast-moving technology company, bringing credibility to both environments and translating complex procurement landscapes into clear, actionable strategies that advance Helsing's mission.  

The day-to-day

Devise and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy with the National Armaments Director Group and DE&S, creating the conditions for Helsing to secure major UK defence programmes  

Build and activate a senior network across UK and allied defence procurement organisations, using those relationships to align requirements, timelines, and procurement structures at the earliest possible stage  

Collaborate with Campaign Leads and senior leadership to ensure procurement strategy is tightly integrated with Helsing's commercial objectives and mission priorities  

Represent Helsing at senior-level forums, bilateral engagements, and industry events, acting as a credible and informed voice across both procurement and technology communities  

Develop internal frameworks and guidance that help Helsing navigate MoD procurement cycles effectively, reducing friction and increasing the organisation's readiness to respond to major opportunities  

You should apply if you

Have a demonstrable track record of shaping or delivering major UK defence procurement programmes at a senior level, with outcomes you can speak to directly, even from within government or from industry.   

Bring an established network within DE&S, the National Armaments Director Group, or equivalent defence procurement bodies that you can activate from day one  

Have operated effectively at the interface of government procurement and industry, navigating both cultures with credibility and ease  

Can translate complex procurement landscapes into clear strategic priorities, communicating these effectively to a technical and commercially focused leadership team  

Have led or made significant contributions to the development of defence engagement strategies, including stakeholder mapping, positioning, and relationship management  

Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically   under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points.

Nice to Have

Experience gained through a secondment in industry, a consulting environment, or another cross-sector role that bridges procurement and commercial strategy  

Direct experience of transitioning from a senior DE&S or equivalent government procurement role into an industry-facing position  

Join Helsing and work with world-leading experts in their fields  

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