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Xero is seeking a Senior Data & AI Governance Specialist to help shape how the company manages data as a strategic asset and governs AI responsibly. Reporting to the Director of Data & AI Governance within the Legal function, you will move beyond traditional compliance to provide hands-on enablement services that bridge policy and practice.
You will partner with teams across the business to co-design pragmatic data and AI governance approaches that address real-world challenges including bias, transparency, and explainability. You will advise decision-makers on governance guardrails that empower teams to experiment and build safely, consistent with Xero's Responsible Data Use Commitments.
The Data & AI Governance team sits within Legal and works closely with Product, Privacy, Security, Regulatory, Risk, and Government Relations to ensure data and AI practices are robust, responsible, and deliver customer trust.
Key responsibilities include:
- Evolving Xero's privacy, data, and AI governance frameworks to enable rapid, responsible data use and AI adoption across the business
- Partnering with cross-functional teams to translate governance policies into practical, user-friendly guidance at scale
- Delivering high-impact literacy programmes and tailored educational resources that uplift data and AI capability
- Working with Regulatory, Privacy, and Risk functions to keep Xero ahead of evolving legislation and customer expectations
Xero offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. The role is based in Melbourne with options for Sydney, Auckland, or Wellington, and fully remote working is available for candidates within three hours of AEST across Australia and New Zealand. Boost days bring the team together in person for connection and collaborative work.
Requirements:
- Deep knowledge of data governance frameworks and practices, including experience setting up stewardship models, governance forums, and supporting tooling such as data catalogues and data quality platforms
- Recent hands-on experience in AI governance with ability to understand AI systems and navigate ethical, regulatory, and operational challenges of responsible AI at scale
- Experience working with engineers and technical experts, with technical depth in data architecture, quality, and lineage, and hands-on experience bridging policy and technical implementation
- Strong ability to translate complex regulatory and policy requirements into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences
- Demonstrated ability to build trust quickly, communicate with clarity, and address difficult topics
- Familiarity with regulations such as GDPR, EU AI Act, and CCPA, and certification frameworks such as ISO 27001/SOC2
- Growth mindset and drive to continuously improve and share learning
