Darter
Principal AI Strategy Consultant - Defence & National Security
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Principal AI Strategy Consultant - Defence & National Security
Darter is hiring a Principal AI Strategy Consultant to lead AI strategy and implementation work across UK Defence and national security.
You would join a small, senior team working directly with clients across the MOD, the Armed Forces, industry and the wider Defence enterprise. This is a senior role for someone with genuine AI fluency, strategic credibility and the confidence to advise senior military and civilian leaders on some of the most consequential technology questions facing UK Defence.
You will need to hold, or be able to obtain, UK Security Clearance for this role.
Note - Darter is a remote first organisation with an office in Reading and clients around England. Expect a hybrid working style with travel every week.
What you would do
- Lead AI strategy engagements across Defence and national security, from problem definition through to actionable roadmaps and investment decisions.
- Act as a trusted AI adviser to senior military, civil service and industry leaders — helping them understand what AI can and cannot do, and what good looks like.
- Shape AI programmes, including use case prioritisation, adoption strategies, governance frameworks, ethical risk considerations and operating model implications.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams through AI-enabled transformation, setting direction, maintaining quality and owning delivery outcomes.
- Produce and assure senior-quality briefings, reports, board papers, business cases and decision materials on AI topics.
- Translate complex AI concepts into clear, credible advice that survives scrutiny at the most senior levels.
- Identify and shape opportunities, contribute to Darter's growth and develop Darter's AI advisory propositions.
- Coach and develop consultants, helping them build sharper AI judgement and higher-quality client delivery.
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What it is like to work here
Darter operates on the basis of trust, responsibility and high professional standards. Consultants work in small teams with direct exposure to senior colleagues and clients. The environment suits people who value autonomy, clear expectations, thoughtful challenge and accountability for the quality of their work.
You will work alongside people with experience across Defence, national security, digital strategy, engineering, transformation, data and technology advisory. Our work predominantly goes directly to senior decision-makers, so clarity, credibility and precision matter.
We are selective about the work we take on. We want to do work that is useful, ethical and genuinely connected to strengthening the UK's security, resilience and prosperity.
Our values
- Force for good. We work on problems that matter and consider the wider consequences of our advice.
- Deliver excellence. We take pride in our work and aim for excellence in everything we do.
- Empathy and integrity. We act with respect and honesty in how we work with clients and with each other.
Not ticked every box? If you bring much of what we describe and have the judgement to grow into the rest, we would still like to hear from you. This description outlines the shape of the role rather than a checklist.
Adjustments or accommodations
Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Requirements
What we are looking for
This role suits a senior consultant with strong AI knowledge and the strategic and interpersonal capability to lead complex advisory work in high-stakes environments. You do not need to be a hands-on AI developer or data scientist, but you must understand AI deeply enough to challenge assumptions, ask the right questions and give genuinely useful advice to people making serious decisions.
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You bring:
- At least six years of experience in technology strategy, digital transformation or advisory roles, with a significant focus on AI.
- Deep familiarity with the AI landscape — including large language models, machine learning, data infrastructure, responsible AI, procurement and deployment considerations — at a level that earns respect from both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Credibility in Defence, national security, government or similarly complex, high-stakes environments.
- Experience shaping AI strategies, including use case identification, prioritisation frameworks, governance design and adoption planning.
- A practical understanding of the risks, limitations and organisational challenges of AI adoption — not just the opportunities.
- Strong consulting fundamentals, including structured problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, facilitation and the development of clear, actionable recommendations.
- The confidence and judgement to advise senior military and civilian leaders, including when to push back or slow down poor decisions.
- Commercial capability, including opportunity shaping and proposal development.
- Active UK Security Clearance or the ability to obtain it.
Benefits
What we offer
- Salary between £110,000 and £130,000, depending on experience.
- Pension matched up to 10%.
- Annual performance-based bonus.
- Share options.
- Unlimited holiday.
- Private health insurance, including dental and optical cover.
- Dedicated personal development budget and protected learning time.
- Flexible, remote-first working, with in-person time when it matters.
- Time off for volunteering and matched charity donations.
- Regular team socials and offsites.
- A trusting, high-standards culture where your judgement is respected.
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