Become Part of the Torch.AI Journey!

Torch.AI is a defense focused AI software company. Unlike traditional government contractors, our team of experts takes calculated risks to self-fund R&D behind the scenes and then sells complete products "off-the-shelf" to mission owners. We conduct deep research into understanding how AI and new data infrastructures can improve a growing array of national defense needs. This allows us to go from ideation to full capability deployment in weeks and months, instead of years. We’re passionate about solving complex problems. 

Torch.AI’s focus on the U.S. defense and national security industry offers you an unparalleled opportunity to contribute directly to the safety and well-being of our nation while building new innovative technologies. As a vital partner to the U.S. government and our allies, helping to shape global stability, we offer a dynamic environment to tackle complex challenges across multidisciplinary domains. With substantial investment in innovation, Torch.AI is at the forefront of developing AI, autonomous systems, and advanced national security solutions, founded on the premise that information is the new battlefield. Join us in our mission to help the most important organizations in the world Unlock Human Potential. 

The Role: Unlock Your Potential 

Torch.AI is seeking a Head of People to lead the development and execution of HR strategy and people operations . As a key member of Torch.AI’s leadership team, the Head of People will be essential in ensuring that the needs of our employees are met efficiently while also spearheading initiatives that enhance our overall HR lifecycle; this includes managing talent attraction, employee onboarding, engagement, development, and retention strategies as well as core operational aspects of the HR function, such as managing employee data, optimizing HR systems, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and driving process improvements. 

This role requires a dynamic leader with a blend of strategic thinking and execution, as the Head of People will be responsible for leading a team that is dedicated to delivering high-quality HR services across all Torch.AI business departments and functions. The Head of People will collaborate cross-functionally with Recruiting, Finance, Delivery, Sales & Marketing, Research & Development, and Executive teams to streamline and improve employee lifecycle processes, ensuring consistent and positive experiences from onboarding to offboarding. 

The ideal candidate is well-balanced in their ability to be both a visionary as well as disciplined, follow-through doer who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. You will be instrumental in shaping the company’s long-term success, through scaling HR as we grow rapidly, delivering mission critical solutions for the nation’s most important customers.

What Sets This Role Apart 

• Our decentralized operating model puts every employee at the forefront of our customers’ missions. You’ll work within and across both nimble customer centric solutions teams and research and development teams.  
• We value customer intimacy, unique perspectives, and dedication to delivering lasting impact and results. You’ll have the opportunity to work on the frontlines of major customer programs and influence lasting success for Torch.AI and your teammates. 
• You’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from designing and demonstrating early capabilities and prototypes to deploying large-scale mission systems.  
• You’ll contribute directly to Torch.AI’s continued position as a leader in data infrastructure AI in the market and compete against multi-billion-dollar incumbents and high-tech AI companies.  
• We develop solutions directly supporting our nation’s warfighters, national security, and prosperity; the impact of your work is directly visible.  

Critical Skills

• BA degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of HR experience; developing, implementing and aligning HR programs across the enterprise and for each component of the employee lifecycle, preferably in a high-growth or tech company.
• Strong HR functional expertise with HR strategy, HR operations, talent management and organizational effectiveness across multiple sites. Experience in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Exceptional communication and mentoring skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships at all levels of the organization; the ideal candidate will be well-known and respected as a go-to resource for all employees. 
• A genuine passion for management and developing employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and personal and professional growth, and doing so with a “take charge” mentality. 
• Ability to work as a “hands-on” manager and willingness to “roll up your sleeves” to get things done. 
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills while exercising sound judgement. 
• Ability to think strategically while also able to focus on tactical and operational issues.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing retention strategies and initiatives. 
• Proven track record of handling confidential and sensitive information with the ability to exercise discretion and show good judgment; honesty, integrity, and trust-building behaviors in all dealings is essential and required for this role.
• Informed by both employee experience and data, balancing qualitative insights with quantitative analysis to guide HR initiatives.
• Strong understanding of benefits compliance, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and 401(k) regulations.
• Experience in managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and overseeing benefits budgets. 

Job Requirements:  

• Lead an HR team and ensure consistent, high-quality HR service delivery across all functions.
• Foster positive employee experiences while streamlining processes for better service.
• Own and optimize multiple HR systems, ensuring their effectiveness and scalability.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws and regulations across locations, staying informed of changes and proactively addressing potential risks.
• Spearhead and manage initiatives and projects from inception to successful completion, assuming accountability for the project management and delivering on critical initiatives.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex HR issues, providing solutions and managing further escalation when necessary.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across all departments to streamline and improve employee lifecycle processes, ensuring consistent, positive experience from onboarding to offboarding.
• Maintain data integrity within HRIS, other systems, and files, ensuring employee data is accurate and secure.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate operations performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing necessary enhancements to processes and policies. 
• Monitor and provide insights into HR performance trends.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including process flows, user guides, standard operating procedures, and policies.
• Train HR team members and end-users on system functionality, best practices, and workflows.
• Facilitate cross-functional process mapping sessions to identify and address operational inefficiencies, collaborating with teams to enhance processes and policies, and implement programs that simplify the employee experience.
• Develop, lead, and execute Torch.AI’s benefits strategy, benefits programs, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Oversee the administration and optimization of all benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, 401(k), and other ancillary benefits.
• Partner with leadership and external consultants to assess and benchmark benefit offerings, ensuring competitiveness and alignment to Torch.AI’s compensation strategy.
• Manage and develop relationships with new and existing external consultants and benefits advisors.
• Partner with benefits advisors to resolve employee benefits concerns expeditiously.
• Lead benefits open enrollment planning, execution, and communication, ensuring a seamless and engaging employee experience.
• Oversee office supply purchasing and office administration.

Professional Ambiance 

• This role thrives in a cutting-edge, high-performance workspace.
• Our base of operations is in Leawood, KS.
• We have engineering and forward deployed mission teams in key cities across the U.S.
• This is a full-time on-site role in our Kansas City headquarters.

Equity Program 

•  All employees are eligible to participate in the company equity incentive program within their first 12 months of employment. We are proud that 100% of our employees are equity-owning partners at Torch.AI.

Incentives and Advantages

• Competitive salary, performance bonus, and benefits package. 
• Opportunity to participate in Torch.AI’s employee equity incentive program.
• Unlimited PTO.
• 11 paid holidays each year.
• Dynamic and energetic teammates.
• Incredible chance for professional advancement in a rapidly scaling high-tech environment.
• Weekly in-office catering in our Leawood HQ.
• Access to company entertainment suite at the Kansas City T-Mobile Center, with tickets to all major events and concerts.
• Exceptional medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company sponsored life and disability coverage.
• Relocation benefits.

Torch.AI is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

JOB CODE: 1000083