Role overview

Xero is a trusted platform serving millions of small businesses and their advisors globally. As a Senior Data & AI Governance Specialist, you will shape how Xero manages data as a strategic asset and governs artificial intelligence responsibly. Reporting to the Director of Data & AI Governance, you will move beyond traditional compliance to provide hands-on enablement services that connect policy to practical implementation across the organization.

Key responsibilities

Evolve Xero’s privacy, data, and AI governance frameworks to enable rapid, responsible data use and AI adoption across the business.
Partner with cross-functional teams to translate governance policies and requirements into practical, user-friendly guidance that teams can actually implement.
Deliver educational programmes and tailored resources that build data and AI capability across the organization.
Co-design pragmatic data and AI governance approaches with teams to address real-world challenges including bias, transparency, and explainability.
Advise decision-makers on where to set governance guardrails that empower teams to experiment and build safely.
Work with Regulatory, Privacy, and Risk functions to keep Xero aligned with evolving legislation and customer expectations.

Requirements

Deep knowledge of data governance frameworks and practical experience setting up stewardship models, governance forums, and supporting tools such as data catalogues and data quality platforms.
Recent hands-on experience in AI governance with the ability to understand AI systems and navigate ethical, regulatory, and operational challenges of responsible AI at scale.
Technical depth and hands-on experience bridging policy and technical implementation, including knowledge of data architecture, quality, and lineage.
Proven ability to translate complex regulatory and policy requirements into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences, from technical experts to policy stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build trust quickly, communicate with clarity, and address difficult topics constructively.
Familiarity with regulations such as GDPR, the EU AI Act, and CCPA, and certification frameworks such as ISO 27001 or SOC2.
A growth mindset and genuine drive to improve processes, automate solutions, and share learning across teams.

What makes this role worth considering

You will join the Data & AI Governance team within Xero’s Legal function, working closely with Product, Privacy, Security, Regulatory, Risk, and Government Relations teams. This role offers fully remote working for candidates within three hours of Australian Eastern Standard Time across Australia and New Zealand, with flexible and hybrid arrangements available, including in-person boost days in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, or Wellington.