AI-Driven SEM Lead: Global Paid Search & Automation

Xero; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Xero’s global SEM team is seeking a highly technical SEM Senior Manager to shape and lead our paid search program across markets. You will own automation, AI-driven optimisation and scalable workflows, building systems that improve decision quality and speed.

You’ll partner with Data Science, Marketing Technology and Product to translate complex performance challenges into practical opportunities for senior stakeholders, while mentoring teammates and elevating our technical capabilities across

Qualifications

• Hands-on SEM leadership across multiple markets with strong Google Ads/SA360 knowledge.
• Proven ability to design and deploy automation for performance marketing.
• Experience with AI/workflow orchestration tools and data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication to translate technical concepts for senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead the global Paid Search program, focusing on automation and AI.
• Build AI-powered workflows for optimisation, reporting and operations.
• Advance automated bidding and decision systems with robust validation.
• Identify scalable automation opportunities and produce reusable solutions.
• Collaborate with Data Science, Marketing Technology and Product teams.
• Translate complex performance challenges into clear business opportunities.

Skills

Deep SEM expertise

Google Ads

SA360

Automation

AI/workflow orchestration

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Tray.ai

AirOps

n8n

Make

Zapier

OpenAI

Claude

Job description

Xero’s global SEM team is seeking a highly technical SEM Senior Manager to shape and lead our paid search program across markets. You will own automation, AI-driven optimisation and scalable workflows, building systems that improve decision quality and speed.

You’ll partner with Data Science, Marketing Technology and Product to translate complex performance challenges into practical opportunities for senior stakeholders, while mentoring teammates and elevating our technical capabilities across