Senior Talent Partner (Product & Engineering)

ABOUT MOTORWAY Motorway is the UK’s fastest-growing used car marketplace - our online-only platform connects private car sellers with thousands of verified dealers nationwide, ensuring everyone gets the best deal. Founded in 2017, our award-winning, technology-led approach has redefined the experience of selling a car. Motorway is backed by some of the world’s leading technology investors, having raised £143 million in Series C funding. This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-growing scale-up at a crucial phase of growth and help change an industry for the better. THE ROLE As a Senior Talent Partner, you won’t just be filling seats; you’ll be an architect of our future. We are looking for a critical thinker who views talent through a product lens—someone who understands that building a world-class Engineering and Product org requires more than just getting candidates into the pipe. You will act as a strategic advisor to our leadership, fully leveraging Ashby automation and pioneering cutting-edge AI-driven workflows to identify, engage, and close the best minds right for Motorway. THE MISSION Your goal is to build teams for the future, not just for "today." You’ll navigate complex stakeholder environments, balancing technical requirements with cultural values, all while driving an AI-first approach to talent acquisition. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES - Strategic Partnership: Manage diverse stakeholders across Product and Engineering, acting as a peer rather than a service provider. You will proactively drive talent decisions that align with our long-term roadmap, working closely with the Senior People Partners. - AI & Automation Leadership: Design and implement "AI-first" sourcing and engagement strategies. You’ll be expected to use automation to eliminate administrative overhead and focus on high-value human interaction. - Full-Cycle Technical Recruiting: Own the end-to-end process within Ashby, from initial discovery to the final "yes.". We care about speed but not at the expense of quality. Less admin means more critical thinking time. - Data-Driven Influence: Use talent analytics to extract insights, identify bottlenecks, and influence hiring managers to maintain an uncompromisingly high talent bar. - High-Stakes Closing: Navigate complex offer negotiations and win over top-tier candidates who are often entertaining multiple competing offers. You should be hand in hand with the business and closing for us does not start at the offer stage. WHO YOU ARE The Technical & Professional Edge - Product & Engineering Fluency: You speak the language of "ship fast," "scalability," and "system design." You understand the nuances between a great engineer and a great product-minded engineer. - The AI/Automation Mindset: You are either an AI power-user or have a background in recruitment automation. You don't just use tools; you optimize them. - Ashby Expert: You have a high level of proficiency with Ashby (or a similar high-performance ATS) and know how to leverage its data capabilities to the fullest. - In-house / Scale-up experience: You have worked in a fast-paced in-house recruiting team, ideally in a start-up / scale-up environment. Foundational Competencies - Business Acumen: You know how we make money, our sales strategy, and where we’re headed. You recruit for the business, not just the headcount. - Strategic Influence: You have the backbone to set standards and accountability with hiring managers. You’d rather get it right than hire someone who lowers the average. - Critical Thinking & Resilience: You can navigate ambiguity and stay level-headed during high-pressure hiring cycles. We are enablers, we build, we do not block. - High Signal, Low Noise: Your communication is proactive, clear, and devoid of "flannel" or corporate jargon. - Growth Mindset: You are never satisfied with "good enough" and are constantly iterating on your own process. - Team Player: We are team players through and through, your opinion and experience matters