Senior Director, Ml/Ai - Search And Recommendations (AI)

TL;DR

Senior Director, ML/AI - Search and Recommendations (AI): Leading the scientific roadmap for the company’s Search and Recommendation stack, driving the shift to AI-native discovery experiences with an accent on Ranking Foundation Models and universal traveler preferences. Focus on integrating the latest AI breakthroughs, making technical architecture decisions, and leading high-performing Applied Science and ML teams.

Location: United States - California - San Jose

Salary: $323,000.00 to $452,500.00 in San Jose

Company

hirify.global brands power global travel for everyone, everywhere.

What you will do

• Lead the strategic vision for the Search and Recommendation stack, driving the shift to AI-native discovery experiences.
• Serve as a key strategic partner to senior Product and Engineering leadership, shaping the roadmap for centralized ranking capabilities.
• Make technical architecture decisions for search ranking and recommendations, integrating the latest AI into the production stack.
• Develop Ranking Foundation Models and distill intelligence into efficient, vertical-specific models.
• Lead and scale high-performing teams of Applied Scientists and ML Leaders.
• Ensure algorithms optimize for long-term business value while maintaining a healthy ecosystem for supply partners.

Requirements

• PhD or Master’s in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of experience in Data Science and Machine Learning, with 8+ years of experience managing high-performing science teams.
• Deep technical authority in Search and Ranking, with experience designing and deploying large-scale Ranking Foundation Models.
• Expertise in Model Distillation and experience training large-scale "Teacher" models.
• Architectural Leadership experience making build-vs-buy decisions and designing ML systems.
• Strong business acumen and ability to influence executive stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience leading ML/AI teams in a two-sided marketplace.
• A track record of successfully migrating legacy search stacks to modern, deep-learning, or vector-based architectures.
• Proven track record as a recognized industry leader.
• Exceptional organizational leadership skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Full benefits package, including travel perks, generous time-off, and parental leave.
• Flexible work model with cool offices.
• Career development resources.
• Wellness & travel reimbursement.
• Travel discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.