In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.POSITION SUMMARY
TKO is looking for a VP, Recruiting to lead talent acquisition for UFC, WWE, Professional Bull Riders (PBR), and Zuffa Boxing. Reporting to the SVP, Global Recruiting and based in Stamford, CT, this leader will manage a team of three recruiters, oversee strategic search as well as TKO's early careers internship program.
This is a role for someone who takes immense pride in their work, brings high standards, and earns a reputation as a trusted partner across the business. The VP, Recruiting will be just as comfortable building relationships on the floor of a live event as they are driving process and strategy from their desk. Presence and proximity to the businesses matter here. This person will be in Stamford 3-4 days per week, visit the NYC office frequently, and travel regularly to Las Vegas and Fort Worth to stay immersed in each business, know its leaders and employees, and maintain a pulse on the candidate market.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the team. Manage, develop, and inspire a team of three. Set high standards. Create an environment where the team does their best work, holds themselves accountable, and takes pride in the quality and consistency of what they deliver.
- Set recruiting strategy. Develop and deliver recruiting strategies that align with the priorities of each business. Translate what UFC, WWE, PBR, and Zuffa Boxing need to grow into a clear, actionable talent plan. Revisit and adapt that plan as business needs evolve.
- Partner with the business. Serve as the primary recruiting partner for UFC, WWE, PBR, and Zuffa Boxing. Build strong, trusted relationships with hiring managers and business leaders. Stay connected to each business's culture, priorities, and talent needs. Show up, be present, and be known.
- Drive results. Manage a high volume of searches without sacrificing quality. Fill roles efficiently, with the right candidates, and deliver a consistent hiring manager and candidate experience. Be measured by client feedback and satisfaction, and by the success of the people you place once they are in the building.
- Build programs that scale. Lead the development and adoption of a referral program across UFC, WWE, PBR, and Zuffa Boxing. Drive meaningful usage of AI recruiting tools including Findem and Paradox. Strengthen TKO's employer brand externally and internally.
- Develop talent pipelines. Know the candidate market. Build and maintain relationships with top talent before the need arises. Think ahead of the business, not behind it.
- Lead early careers. Oversee TKO's early careers internship program with the same rigor and client-service mindset applied to all other recruiting activity.
- Recruit for senior roles. In addition to leading the team, personally lead searches for senior and critical positions across the portfolio.
REQUIREMENTS
- 10+ years of recruiting experience, with a proven track record leading teams and managing full-cycle searches across multiple business units or brands
- A client-service mentality. You are responsive, proactive, and treat every hiring manager interaction as an opportunity to build trust and deliver value
- Strong follow-up and follow-through. You close loops, update stakeholders without being asked, and never let things fall through the cracks
- A reputation builder. The way you work and the quality of your output speak for themselves
- Genuine curiosity about the businesses you support. You want to understand how UFC, WWE, PBR, Zuffa Boxing operate, who makes them run, and what talent they need to grow
- Experience building or significantly scaling referral programs
- Hands-on experience with AI recruiting tools and a drive to lead adoption across your team and business partners (experience with Findem and/or Paradox a plus)
- A creative problem-solving approach. You find solutions, not obstacles
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment without letting quality slip
- Comfort with regular travel to Las Vegas, NV and Fort Worth, TX
- A bias toward presence. You understand that relationships are built in person and you show up accordingly
LOCATION
Stamford, CT (3-4 days per week in office), with frequent visits to the NYC office and regular travel to Las Vegas, NV and Fort Worth, TX.
