Programme Lead - Delegations & UK Landing - Tech Nation

About Tech Nation Tech Nation, supercharged by Founders Forum Group, is the leading growth platform and industry body for startups and scaleups and their teams across the UK. For over a decade, we’ve worked at the intersection of founders, operators, investors and government to strengthen the UK’s digital economy, backing ambitious people, shaping policy, and opening doors to opportunity across the ecosystem. As the global competition for tech talent intensifies, Tech Nation plays a critical role in ensuring the UK remains founder-friendly, internationally open, and globally relevant. From supporting high-growth companies to delivering the Global Talent Visa, we help exceptional talent not just arrive in the UK, but truly thrive here. About the Role As part of Tech Nation’s Global Talent team, you will lead the design and delivery of the UK Gateway programme positioning the UK as the world’s most compelling destination for international founders, startups and scaleups. This role sits at the heart of Tech Nation’s mission to reduce barriers to entry for international founders and high-growth companies, combining strategy, commercial development, partnership building and hands-on delivery to create a world-class “soft landing” experience into the UK ecosystem. You’ll shape how internationally ambitious founders and operators encounter the UK for the first time, building trust at a pivotal decision-making moment and showcasing the depth, accessibility and ambition of the UK tech landscape. Working closely with government bodies, embassies, delegation organisers and ecosystem partners, you’ll develop a structured, year-round offer that acts as the default onboarding pathway for global tech leaders entering the UK. From immersive founder delegations aligned with moments like London Tech Week, to bespoke sector-focused, national and regional missions, to account management for individual scaleups, you’ll ensure every touchpoint reflects the UK’s strengths as a place to innovate, scale and lead. Location: London, UK (Hybrid: Mon-Thurs in office, Fridays WFH) What You’ll Do Design and lead Tech Nation’s UK Gateway programme, creating a clear, compelling soft landing offering for international startups, scaleups and founders entering the UK market. Champion the UK globally as Europe’s most founder-friendly tech hub, articulating the advantages of building and scaling here across policy, capital, talent and ecosystem access. Secure and manage strategic partnerships and commercial sponsorships with corporates, banks, legal firms, accelerators and ecosystem leaders, embedding critical expertise directly into the soft-landing journey. Oversee international delegations to the UK and national/regional missions, delivering immersive, high-quality experiences that connect global talent with the UK’s most relevant networks, institutions and opportunities. Collaborate with governments, embassies and trade agencies to design, win and deliver paid, bespoke programmes, including through bids and tenders, for globally ambitious companies at key inflection points in their growth. Ensure world-class execution across all touchpoints, from programme design and logistics to on-the-ground delivery, creating experiences that build confidence, credibility and long-term engagement with the UK ecosystem. Position Tech Nation as the trusted first partner for international tech leaders considering the UK, strengthening the country’s reputation as a destination of choice for innovation and talent. Support high-growth international scaleups one-to-one through Scale in UK, giving tailored, hands-on guidance and introductions as they establish and expand their UK presence. At its core, this role is about shaping first impressions, and lasting relationships, between the UK and the world’s most ambitious founders and tech companies. Main Responsibilities Operations & Strategy Refine, develop and deliver Tech Nation’s proposition to welcome international startups and scaleups entering the UK ecosystem, building on the current UK Gateway strategy and ensuring scalability, founder impact and commercial success. Collaborate with senior stakeholders (e.g. DBIST, Home Office, trade bodies, embassies, corporates, universities) to align soft-landing initiatives with broader UK growth, trade and tech talent strategy. Ensure that delivery is maintained to the highest standard, clearly structured programme design and communication resulting in an exceptional quality of experience for partners and talent. Commercial Partnerships & Sponsors Identify, secure, and manage commercial partners and sponsors to support UK landing programmes, international delegations and national missions. Manage partnership delivery, ensuring value for both partners and talent, and maintaining long-term relationships. Build and manage strategic relationships with additional international networks and in-kind partners Routinely monitor and report KPIs on partnership performan