Our client is a fast-growing, US-based AI-driven SportsTech and hospitality company operating a network of premium venues across the country and expanding internationally. They are building intelligent, seamless experiences for guests, but to support this rapid physical and digital expansion, they needed an exceptional VP of Engineering hiring to own the systems that keep their venues running reliably, efficiently, and at scale. Despite the complexity of finding executive talent with the right mix of product vision and operational IT expertise, Itentio delivered a successful VP of Engineering recruitment in just 19 calendar days.

Key Details about Our Partner

  • Type of Company: AI-driven SportsTech & Hospitality Platform
  • Type of Business: B2C & B2B2C
  • Industry: Sports Technology / Artificial Intelligence / Hospitality
  • Headcount: 500-1000 employees
  • Headquarters: California, United States
  • Duration of cooperation: 2025 – ongoing

The Main Challenge: VP of Engineering Recruitment for a High-Growth AI Company

The company faced a mission-critical need for a VP of Engineering who could bridge the gap between software product development and the gritty reality of keeping physical, multi-location venues running smoothly.

The role required a leader who could:

  • Architect and scale resilient technology systems supporting multi-location venue operations.
  • Drive alignment across both product and operational/IT workstreams.
  • Lead agile delivery and portfolio management practices for international market expansion.
  • Build and mentor high-performing engineering and technical program management teams.
  • Drive outcomes through influence and exceptional communication, rather than relying solely on formal authority.

Key requirements for the role included:

  • 6–10+ years of experience in technical program or delivery management.
  • Proven multi-location or franchise rollout experience.
  • Strong expertise with modern PM tooling and agile portfolio practices.
  • Nice to have: Background in scaling technology operations across international markets and familiarity with franchise business models.

The additional challenge? Finding a VP-level candidate who possesses both the high-level strategic vision to scale internationally and the hands-on operational mindset to ensure zero-downtime reliability across physical venues. This rare combination of product and operational IT leadership is highly sought after and rarely found on traditional job boards.

The Solution Itentio IT Recruitment Delivered: VP of Engineering Recruitment

We approached this high-stakes executive search with precision and speed, leveraging our deep network of senior tech leadership talent across Europe and the US:

  • Deep Discovery Session: We conducted extensive consultations to understand not just the technical requirements, but the unique operational realities of running a multi-venue AI hospitality business, and the specific leadership qualities needed to succeed.
  • Strategic Market Mapping: We performed a rapid assessment of VP-level talent, focusing on candidates with proven experience in SportsTech, hospitality, or multi-location franchise tech rollouts, leveraging Itentio’s strong network of top-tier European tech leaders open to US-based opportunities.
  • Targeted Executive Sourcing: We activated our curated network of technical leaders who had previously scaled technology operations across international markets and thrived in fast-paced, hybrid product/IT environments.
  • Rigorous Screening Process: Each candidate was thoroughly evaluated not just for technical program management competence, but for their ability to drive outcomes through influence, their agile delivery mindset, and their cultural alignment with a bold, scaling organization.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Rather than flooding the client with numerous profiles, we focused on presenting only highly qualified candidates who genuinely matched the complex, dual-nature requirements of this leadership role.
  • White-Glove Coordination: We managed the entire cross-border interview process, ensuring smooth communication across US and EU time zones and facilitating rapid decision-making at each stage.
  • Offer Negotiation Support: We provided strategic guidance throughout the offer process, ensuring alignment on compensation, bonus, and role expectations for this critical leadership position.

The Results: A Successful VP of Engineering Hire in Just 19 Days

The recruitment timeline demonstrates exceptional efficiency for a senior executive position:

  • Vacancy opened: Brief conducted with the client, with detailed VP of Engineering role specifications and cultural fit criteria established. The JD was published within 24 hours from the moment of conducted brief.
  • Candidate sourcing & screening: Targeted search initiated same day with the job description, with senior technical leaders evaluated against strict operational and product criteria.
  • Candidates presented: 3 strong-fit profiles delivered to the client within just 4 calendar days from the moment the position opened.
  • Interview process: All 3 candidates advanced to formal interviews (a 100% submit-to-interview ratio). Itentio coordinated multiple stages, including technical intereview, operational scenario discussions, and leadership alignment conversations.
  • Offer extended and accepted: 2 candidates successfully passed the rigorous recruitment process. A final offer was extended to the top choice and accepted swiftly.

VP of Engineering Recruitment Key Metrics:

  • Time to Present: 4 calendar days
  • Time to Hire: 17 calendar days (from vacancy open to accepted offer)
  • Time to Fill: 19 calendar days (total end-to-end process completion)
  • Qualified Candidates Submitted: 3 exceptional VP-level candidates
  • Submit-to-Interview Ratio: 100% (3 out of 3 candidates advanced to interviews)
  • Success Rate: 33% offer acceptance from presented candidates (1 hired out of 3 presented, with 2 passing final stages) – an outstanding conversion rate for executive search.

The hired VP of Engineering brought exactly what this AI SportsTech company needed: deep technical program management experience, a proven track record in multi-venue rollouts, and the leadership skills to scale technology operations internationally while maintaining flawless venue reliability.

Why Itentio Excels at VP of Engineering Recruitment

Executive-level hiring requires a specific approach comparing standard technical recruitment. Our success in this VP of Engineering recruitment demonstrates our ability to:

  • Understand the Product + Operational Mindset: We don’t just match coding skills. We identify leaders who understand how software directly impacts physical, multi-location business operations and customer experiences.
  • Move Fast Without Compromising Quality: Even for VP-level positions, speed matters. We delivered all 3 highly qualified candidates within 4 calendar days while maintaining rigorous, multi-stage screening standards.
  • Navigate Complex, Multi-Location Requirements: VP roles in hospitality and SportsTech require a unique combination of technical depth, agile portfolio management, and cross-functional influence. We excel at finding the rare individuals who possess all these qualities.
  • Leverage Deep Global Networks: Our connections across the European and US tech leadership communities give us access to exceptional, passive talent that isn’t actively job hunting but is open to the right opportunity. Explore our executive search capabilities.
  • Provide Strategic Partnership: We don’t just fill roles – we become trusted advisors throughout the hiring process, offering market insights, compensation guidance, and negotiation support.

For this AI SportsTech and hospitality company, we proved that finding exceptional senior technical leadership doesn’t require months of searching and dozens of unsuitable candidates. With the right process, network, and expertise, you can identify and secure world-class leadership talent in weeks, not quarters.

Looking to Hire a VP of Engineering or Senior Tech Leadership for Your Company?

At Itentio IT Recruitment, we specialize in connecting fast-growing startups, scale-ups, and established tech companies with exceptional technical leaders who can drive your vision forward – efficiently and with precision.

Whether you need a VP of Engineering, Head of Infrastructure, CTO, or other senior technical leadership, we have the network and expertise to deliver results.

Reach out via this contact form and start building your world-class leadership team.