At DSIT we’re all about improving people’s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

The Role and Our Team

The Sovereign AI Fund is setting up two new, high-profile funding programmes to strengthen the UK’s AI capabilities and support the growth of high potential UK AI companies:

• Strategic Assets Programme – a grant programme funding the creation of shared, strategically important AI assets (e.g., high value datasets, automated laboratory infrastructure).
• R&D Procurement Programme – a programme supporting start-ups through the provision of Government contracts.

We are looking for a strong and experienced Delivery Lead to take on the day-to-day management of these schemes. You will play a central role in managing grants and contracts, supporting competitions and assessments, and ensuring robust governance, financial control and assurance across both programmes. This is an unmissable role for someone who cares deeply about innovation, technology, and public sector funding.

Key Responsibilities

You will work closely with policy, commercial, financial and legal teams, and with delivery partners, to execute on these initiatives. Core responsibilities include:

Programme and scheme delivery:

• Own and lead the end-to-end delivery of grant and R&D procurement competitions, from launch through assessment, contracting and project delivery.
• Lead on the design and operation of clear, proportionate delivery processes that reflect the different nature of grant funding and pre-commercial procurement.
• Manage the rolling application process, coordinate assessment panels, prepare Investment Committee (IC) recommendations and oversee grant and contract awards.

Grant and contract management:

• Lead the management of a portfolio of live grants and contracts, including:

- Monitoring progress against milestones, deliverables and spend.

- Reviewing reports, claims and evidence submitted by funded organisations.

- Escalating risks, issues and underperformance appropriately.

• Maintain accurate records to support audit, assurance and evaluation requirements.

Financial management and assurance:

• Lead robust financial management of programme budgets, working with finance colleagues to track commitments and spend.
• Ensure funding is used for eligible, auditable activity and in line with Managing Public Money and departmental guidance.

Essential criteria

• You care about emerging technologies and supporting UK innovation.
• You have experience delivering government grants, procurement or R&D programmes end-to-end, from designing competitions through to managing live awards. You understand the mechanics of public funding: assessment criteria, panel processes, subsidy control and milestone-based delivery management.
• You can manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously without dropping quality or pace. You are comfortable making judgement calls, escalating when needed and operating in ambiguity when processes are still being built.
• You communicate clearly and concisely, whether preparing IC recommendation papers, briefing senior stakeholders or drafting applicant correspondence. You can translate technical and commercial information into clear advice for decision-makers.
• You have strong attention to detail and an ability to work confidently with guidance, processes and documentation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in AI, deep tech or science-based companies.
• Familiarity with innovation, R&D, or technology focused programmes.
• Experience working with financial information (e.g., budgets, claims, spend tracking).
• Assurance, audit or governance processes in a public sector context.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions