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In person, White City, London (office based with occasional travel)
IoT Tribe
IoT Tribe is seeking an experienced Head of Partnerships to lead the growth of one of the UK's most influential defence and dual-use innovation ecosystems. Alongside a growing network of government, industry, investors and academic partners. Through the Janus programme, we are helping identify, support and accelerate dual-use technologies that strengthen UK and NATO defence capability while fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
We are looking for an experienced, proactive and highly collaborative Head of Partnerships to lead the development of this ecosystem, creating meaningful connections that enable emerging technologies to reach defence users, investors and strategic partners.
This is a high-profile role requiring someone who is equally comfortable engaging founders, senior military leaders, government officials, investors, academics and corporate executives.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Head of Partnerships will lead the development and activation of IoT Tribe's defence and dual-use ecosystem, ensuring the Janus programme delivers exceptional value to participating companies, partners and stakeholders.
Working across the public and private sectors, you will identify strategic opportunities, cultivate long-term relationships and design activities that strengthen collaboration across the UK's defence innovation landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and continuously evolve the partnership strategy supporting the Janus programme.
- Build and maintain senior relationships across government, defence, industry, academia, investment and the wider innovation ecosystem.
- Develop a high-quality pipeline of strategic partners that strengthens programme delivery and long-term ecosystem engagement.
- Create opportunities for meaningful collaboration between startups, corporates, investors, end users and research organisations.
- Design and deliver a programme of high-profile ecosystem events including showcase days, investor engagements, networking events, workshops and industry roundtables.
- Work closely with programme delivery teams to ensure participating companies receive access to the networks, expertise and opportunities required to accelerate growth.
- Identify opportunities to enhance value for programme stakeholders through new collaborations, partnerships and initiatives.
- Represent IoT Tribe at industry events, conferences and stakeholder meetings, acting as an ambassador for the organisation and its programmes.
- Maintain accurate stakeholder intelligence and partnership activity through CRM systems, using data and insights to inform future engagement.
- Lead and manage the Marketing & Communications function, owning the communications strategy and overseeing the MarComms team, budgets, campaigns and deliverables to strengthen IoT Tribe's brand, support programme delivery and maximise engagement across the defence and innovation ecosystem.
- Lead on the business development strategy that drives the continued growth and impact of IoT Tribe.
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Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will be passionate about innovation and motivated by supporting technologies that address national security and societal challenges.
You will demonstrate:
- Significant experience building strategic partnerships across innovation, technology, defence, government, academia or investment.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to establish credibility and trust with senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial acumen and an ability to identify opportunities that create long-term mutual value.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Experience engaging confidently with C-suite executives, government representatives and senior decision-makers.
- Strong understanding of the emerging technology landscape and the pathways through which innovation is adopted.
- Experience designing and delivering high-quality stakeholder engagement activities and events.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
- Experience using CRM systems such as HubSpot to manage stakeholder engagement and partnership pipelines.
- A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
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An existing network within one or more of the following sectors would be advantageous:
- Defence and security
- Government and public sector
- Deep technology
- Venture capital and investment
- Universities and research organisations
- Corporate innovation
Why Join IoT Tribe?
This is an opportunity to help shape one of the UK's most exciting defence innovation programmes, working at the intersection of emerging technology, national security and entrepreneurship.
You will join a small, ambitious team committed to building an innovation ecosystem that creates meaningful connections between founders, government, investors and industry, accelerating technologies with real-world impact.
IoT Tribe is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen innovation and encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented across technology and defence.
Terms & Application
Given the sensitivity of some of our work, you will be required to undergo a BPSS check.
Please send your CV and a cover letter to talent@iottribe.org including:
- Two projects from the last three years that demonstrate your ability to build partnerships, deliver strategic outcomes or develop innovation ecosystems, outlining your role and contribution.
- Why you are interested in joining IoT Tribe and supporting the Janus programme.
- Your salary expectations and availability.
Contract: Fixed contract until December 2027, with the possibility of extension.
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