Global Head of Talent Acquisition

Lightning AI•New York, NY

3d•$240,000 - $280,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lightning AI is seeking a Global Head of Talent Acquisition to lead the end-to-end talent acquisition strategy for hiring world-class talent in AI research and engineering, neocloud, and data center build-out. This is a builder-operator role responsible for designing and running the talent function to meet the company's rapid hiring needs across geographies and specialized roles, without compromising quality or brand. The role reports to the Chief People Officer and involves owning the global talent strategy, including team, process, tooling, employer brand, and relationships with leaders requiring rapid hiring.

Requirements

10+ years in Talent Acquisition, with significant experience leading global TA functions at a fast-scaling technology company
Proven success building and scaling recruiting teams and infrastructure from the ground up, not just running an existing machine
Deep experience hiring for software engineering and AI/ML roles, with direct exposure to infrastructure, cloud, or data center hiring a strong plus
A track record influencing senior technical and executive leaders on hiring strategy, headcount planning, and org growth
Experience building and scaling employer brand and sourcing strategy in highly competitive technical talent markets
Strong command of TA metrics and data, you run the function like an operator, not on instinct alone
Experience hiring across multiple countries and navigating the complexity of global talent markets
Excellent communication and influencing skills with senior, highly technical audiences

Nice To Haves

Direct experience hiring for neocloud, data center, or large-scale infrastructure build-outs
Experience building TA functions inside AI-native or deep-tech companies at hypergrowth stage
Familiarity with modern sourcing and AI-assisted recruiting tools
Experience partnering on workforce and location strategy as part of broader business planning
Background scaling a TA org through a major inflection point (Series C+, pre-IPO, or similar)

Responsibilities

Own global TA strategy end-to-end: build the team, systems, and processes that scale hiring across AI/ML, software engineering, neocloud, and data center functions
Partner directly with technical and executive leaders to translate roadmap and headcount plans into precise, fast-moving hiring plans
Build and lead a high-performing recruiting team, including specialized sourcing capacity for hard-to-find AI, infrastructure, and data center talent
Own employer brand and top-of-funnel strategy to compete for talent against the best AI-native and infrastructure companies in the market
Design and continuously improve interview processes, leveling, and evaluation practices so hiring stays fast, consistent, and high-bar as we scale
Build the data infrastructure behind hiring: pipeline health, funnel metrics, time-to-fill, offer acceptance, and forecasting that keeps leadership ahead of headcount needs
Navigate the complexity of hiring across multiple countries and talent markets, partnering with Legal and People Ops on compliant, scalable global hiring
Represent the People function in executive planning conversations on growth, location strategy, and workforce planning

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
Meaningful Equity: RSUs that give employees a stake in the company's long-term success.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) matching (U.S.) and pension contributions (U.K.).
Flexible Time Off: Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and floating holidays to support work-life balance.
Company-Wide Winter Break: Two weeks of company closure each winter to disconnect and recharge.
Paid Parental & Family Leave: Paid leave to support you and your family through life's important moments.
Professional Development: Annual learning and development allowance to support your professional growth.
Wellness Benefits: Wellness and work-from-home stipends to support your physical and mental well-being.
Sabbatical Program: Four weeks of paid sabbatical leave after four years of service.
Flexible Work: Flexible schedules and a hybrid work model for our office-based teams.
In-Office Meals: Complimentary meals at our office hubs.