Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist - Start up

Position: Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist
Salary: $145,000-$200,000 + Bonus + Options

Why the Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist opportunity?

• The Company: A VC backed startup engineering next‑generation AI solutions.
• The Objective: As the company’s first dedicated senior recruiting leader, you will design and implement the full talent acquisition framework needed to support rapid, high‑quality hiring across engineering, product, and operations. You will shape the hiring strategy, build the recruiting engine, and directly deliver critical early hires.
• The Impact: This role partners closely with founders and executives, providing strategic insight, talent market intelligence, and hands‑on execution. You’ll build the systems, processes, and brand narrative that enable the company to attract and convert world‑class talent.

The Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and execute the company’s early-stage hiring plan aligned with key milestones.
• Partner with leadership to define organizational structure, role requirements, and success profiles.
• Lead full‑cycle recruiting for priority technical, operational, and leadership positions.
• Build scalable recruiting systems including ATS setup, interview frameworks, and hiring metrics.
• Establish clear, equitable hiring processes that support quality, efficiency, and diversity.
• Create and refine the organization's talent brand and outreach materials to attract top candidates.
• Advise executives and hiring managers on selection best practices and candidate experience.
• Track and report hiring progress using data to guide strategy, forecast needs, and remove bottlenecks.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of talent acquisition experience, including 3+ years in a senior or lead role supporting early‑stage or scaling teams.
• Proven success building recruiting functions, systems, and employer brand from the ground up.
• Demonstrated ability to hire across technical, operational, and leadership roles.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with metrics‑driven decision‑making.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfort operating in dynamic, high‑autonomy environments.
• Commitment to building inclusive, mission‑aligned teams.
• Experience scaling an organization from under 20 employees toward 100+.
• Background in early‑stage people operations or startup growth environments.

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