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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 cross-functional teams across Product, Privacy, Security, Regulatory, Risk, and Government Relations to co-design pragmatic data and AI governance approaches that address real-world challenges including bias, transparency, and explainability. Your work will advise decision-makers on governance guardrails that empower teams to experiment and build safely, consistent with Xero's Responsible Data Use Commitments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Evolving Xero's privacy, data, and AI governance frameworks to enable rapid, responsible data use and AI adoption across the business
- Translating governance policies and requirements into practical, user-friendly guidance at scale and supporting adoption
- Delivering high-impact literacy programs and tailored educational resources that uplift data and AI capability across the organization
- Working with Regulatory, Privacy, and Risk functions to keep Xero ahead of evolving legislation and customer expectations
The role is based in Auckland with flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Fully remote working is available for candidates within three hours of AEST timezone across Australia and New Zealand.
Qualifications and 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, 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; comfortable explaining governance concepts to technical SMEs and technical concepts to policy stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to build trust quickly, communicate with clarity, and raise and work through difficult topics
- Familiarity with regulations such as GDPR, EU AI Act, and CCPA; certification frameworks such as ISO 27001/SOC2 strengthen candidacy
- Growth mindset and drive to continuously automate, improve, and share learning with colleagues
