There could be several reasons to hire new talent, or give the appearance of hiring new talent. Perhaps they intend to merely replace a retiring employee. And recognizing that this is a lead position, perhaps their intent is to promote from within, but there is more than one candidate vying for the position. Perhaps this is a newly created position, and/or they are merely satisfying EEO requirements by advertising the opening.

All I'm really suggesting is that the fact that an opening exists really doesn't tell us anything, other than that they are a "going concern". However, I don't see anything negative here - it's either status quo or good IMO.

FWIW,

SGE