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Xero is seeking a SEM Senior Manager to lead the evolution of its global Paid Search program. This is a highly technical, hands-on role focused on leveraging automation, AI, and data to unlock scalable growth and modernize SEM operations.
You will shape the technical foundations of Xero's search channel, designing AI-powered optimization workflows, automation systems, feeds, scripting, and emerging technology applications. Working closely with SEM specialists, Data Science, Marketing Technology, and Product teams, you'll translate complex performance challenges into scalable solutions.
Your impact extends beyond campaign optimization. You'll define how Xero applies AI and automation to Paid Search, build systems that improve decision quality and speed, and serve as a senior technical voice across the organization, translating complex ideas into clear opportunities for senior stakeholders.
You'll join Xero's global SEM team—a specialist group spanning technical SEM, bidding and optimization, creative, and AI—managing Paid Search across global markets with a focus on data, experimentation, and technology-driven performance improvement.
Initial focus areas include: evolving technical foundations of the global SEM program to improve scalability and automation; building and operationalizing AI-powered workflows for optimization, analysis, reporting, and operations; advancing AI-driven SEM capabilities including automated bidding and decision-making systems with robust validation and measurement; identifying and delivering new automation opportunities; partnering with Data Science, Marketing Technology, and Product to integrate data, AI, and emerging technology into the SEM ecosystem; and exploring emerging search and AI capabilities to identify genuine commercial advantages.
Xero offers a hybrid working model balancing flexibility with in-person collaboration. You'll spend time in the Auckland office while having flexibility to work from home, and will collaborate regularly with colleagues across different markets and time zones.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- Deep, hands-on SEM expertise with experience managing large-scale, multi-market Paid Search programs
- Strong understanding of Google Ads, SA360, and modern bidding and automation
- Proven technical builder capability with experience designing and deploying automation, workflows, or technical solutions for performance marketing
- Hands-on experience with AI and workflow orchestration tools (Tray.ai, AirOps, n8n, Make, Zapier, OpenAI, Claude, or similar)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work through complex performance and technical challenges and translate data into clear actions
- Proactive, solutions-first mindset; naturally identifies opportunities, experiments, and builds
- Strong communication and stakeholder skills; ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations and influence senior stakeholders
- Collaborative, low-ego approach with willingness to share knowledge, mentor others, and elevate team technical capability
Note: The posting indicates that candidates who don't tick every box are encouraged to apply, valuing deep SEM and technical capability developed through diverse career paths.
