Strategic Partnerships Lead

Who We Are

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OpenMinds is a defence tech company solving the hardest problems in the domain of information warfare.

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Born from battlefield-tested experience in Ukraine, we now work with more than 30 governments and organisations across the globe, including NATO member states, leading defence and research institutions.

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Our team bridges advanced technologies with human expertise, combining machine learning, behavioural science, data journalism, strategic communications and regional expertise.

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We believe in speed as a core value, constantly experiment with new solutions, and encourage freedom and leadership in our team.

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Who we’re looking for

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OpenMinds is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Lead who combines strong partnership-building skills (including go-to-market strategy, sales, and business development) with a deep understanding of at least one the domains: of StratCom, countering disinformation, information operations, or defenсe technology.

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You will play a key role in scaling OpenMinds to become the leading partner for the UK government and defence sector actors. You’ll work hand-in-hand with our research, tech, and communications teams to translate our expertise into clear, actionable value for our partners.

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Location: London

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Reporting: CEO

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In the position you will:

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— Identify, pursue and manage strategic opportunities, including joint programs and tenders

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— Lead deal negotiations, sales, and partnership development with government agencies, defence organisations and private companies across the United Kingdom

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— Represent OpenMinds at high-level conferences, briefings, and online events

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— Collaborate closely with internal teams (research, tech, and program) to co-develop proposals and funding applications tailored to client and partner objectives

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— Maintain the Sales/BD CRM system (Hubspot), ensuring accurate, timely tracking of contacts, opportunities, funding stages, and conversion metrics

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— Co-organise knowledge-sharing events, workshops, and partner showcases to demonstrate OpenMinds’ technology leadership and foster strategic engagement

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We are a perfect match if you:

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Have minimum 5 years in one of the two domains below:

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— Business Development: Partnerships building or sales experience in defence technology, C4ISR, cyber, defence AI, countering disinformation, or strategic-communications product or service companies

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— Strategy/Programme: Ex-military (Major or higher) or civilian programme/strategy lead who has run complex, multi-stakeholder defence or StratCom programmes

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— Are an exceptional communicator and relationship builder, able to engage across senior government officials, academics, technologists, and donors

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— Are experienced in navigating complex stakeholders and procurement processes, including preparing bids and concept notes for public sector clients

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— Have experience coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver pitches and proposals

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— Have a working knowledge of CRM systems like HubSpot and are comfortable managing leads and pipeline reporting

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— Eligible for SC clearance at a minimum

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We offer:

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— Professional development within a multidisciplinary team with backgrounds in academia, tech, and defence sector.

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— Competitive market salary with room for performance-based progression.

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— Work in a fast-growing company with proprietary AI technologies, solving the most complex problems in the domains of information resilience and national security.

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— Participation in Tier-1 international industry conferences, events, and closed briefings.

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— Flexible work arrangements, including adjustable hours, and location-hybrid options.

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— A work culture that values focus, speed, experimentation, strategic thinking, and elegance in the proposed solutions.