Head of Data Science & AI Strategy

Xero; Burwood; Hybrid; AUD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Xero in Australia is seeking a senior data science and AI leader to own the strategy and execution across analytics, ML and AI products. You will collaborate with executives to convert company goals into data initiatives that drive enterprise-wide impact across Accounting & Bookkeeping, Small Business, and AI features.

You will build and scale a high-performing team, shape governance and privacy practices, and partner with product and engineering to deliver AI-powered customer experiences at

Qualifications

• Must have led at scale within a fast‑paced tech environment.
• Experience shaping strategic agendas with C‑suite and senior leadership.
• Proven track record in building and scaling data/AI functions.

Responsibilities

• Translate company objectives into strategic data and AI sub‑objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and grow data science, analytics engineers, ML engineers, and managers.
• Design team structures and operating models across multiple locations/time zones.
• Own AI governance, model risk, data quality, privacy posture, and experimentation integrity.
• Partner with Product & Technology to advise on data utilization and AI investments.

Skills

Executive leadership

Data science

AI/ML leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

Anthropic

OpenAI

Google

Job description

Xero in Australia is seeking a senior data science and AI leader to own the strategy and execution across analytics, ML and AI products. You will collaborate with executives to convert company goals into data initiatives that drive enterprise-wide impact across Accounting & Bookkeeping, Small Business, and AI features.

You will build and scale a high-performing team, shape governance and privacy practices, and partner with product and engineering to deliver AI-powered customer experiences at