Role overview

As SEM Senior Manager at Xero, you will lead the evolution of the company’s global Paid Search program, with a focus on leveraging automation, AI and data to drive scalable growth. This is a hands-on, technical position that shapes how Xero applies emerging technologies to search marketing, working alongside Data Science, Marketing Technology and Product teams to transform performance challenges into systematic solutions.

Key responsibilities

Evolve the technical foundations of Xero’s global SEM program by identifying opportunities to improve scalability, automation and overall performance across markets.
Build and operationalize AI-powered workflows that automate optimization, analysis, reporting and operational processes across the Paid Search channel.
Advance AI-driven SEM capabilities including automated bidding and decision-making systems, with appropriate validation, guardrails and measurement frameworks in place.
Identify and deliver new automation opportunities that convert manual or complex SEM processes into scalable, reusable solutions.
Partner with Data Science, Marketing Technology and Product teams to integrate data, AI and emerging technologies into the SEM ecosystem.
Explore emerging search and AI capabilities and test where new technologies can deliver genuine commercial advantage.
Mentor and elevate the technical capability of SEM specialists and the wider performance marketing team.

Requirements

Deep, hands-on SEM expertise with experience managing large-scale, multi-market Paid Search programs and strong knowledge of Google Ads, SA360 and modern bidding and automation approaches.
Proven technical builder capability with experience designing and deploying automation, workflows or other technical solutions that address real performance marketing challenges.
Hands-on experience with AI and workflow orchestration tools such as Tray.ai, AirOps, n8n, Make, Zapier, OpenAI, Claude or similar platforms.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work through complex performance and technical challenges and translate data into clear actions.
Proactive, solutions-first mindset that naturally identifies opportunities, experiments and builds rather than waiting for direction.
Strong communication and stakeholder skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations and influence senior leaders.
Collaborative, low-ego approach with willingness to share knowledge, mentor others and elevate team capability.

What makes this role worth considering

You’ll join Xero’s specialist global SEM team that manages Paid Search across multiple markets with a focus on data, experimentation and technology-driven growth. The role offers a hybrid working model that balances office collaboration with home-based flexibility, allowing you to work across different time zones while contributing to a performance-focused organization.