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 develop and implement data and AI governance frameworks that enable responsible innovation across the organisation. Reporting to the Director of Data & AI Governance within the Legal function, you will move beyond traditional compliance to provide practical enablement services that help teams implement governance policies effectively.

Key responsibilities

Evolve Xero’s privacy, data, and AI governance frameworks to support rapid and responsible data use and AI adoption across the business.
Partner with cross-functional teams to translate governance policies into practical, user-friendly guidance and support their adoption at scale.
Design and deliver literacy programmes and educational resources that build data and AI capability across the organisation.
Collaborate with Regulatory, Privacy, and Risk functions to ensure Xero’s practices remain ahead of evolving legislation and customer expectations.
Work with product, security, and other teams to co-design pragmatic governance approaches that address challenges such as bias, transparency, and explainability.
Advise decision-makers on appropriate governance guardrails that balance innovation with safety and compliance with Xero’s Responsible Data Use Commitments.

Requirements

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

What makes this role worth considering

You will join a dedicated Data & AI Governance team embedded within Xero’s Legal function, working closely with Product, Privacy, Security, Regulatory, Risk, and Government Relations. This role offers flexibility, with options for fully remote work for those within three hours of AEST, or hybrid arrangements with in-person boost days for collaboration.