Senior Communications Manager

Apply; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Xero is seeking a Senior Communications Manager in New Zealand to shape and deliver strategic regional communications programs. You will connect with accounting partners, small businesses, and media, translating commercial initiatives into engaging narratives across NZ.

You will partner with NZ leaders and global peers to drive local thought leadership and ensure stories align with overarching priorities, while supporting cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to craft regional communications programs across NZ.
• Strong media relations experience with local outlets.
• Experience advising senior regional leaders on sensitive topics.
• Collaborative mindset across marketing, legal, and ops teams.
• Familiarity with regional digital channels and modern measurement frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted regional PR and communications campaigns for New Zealand.
• Elevate thought leadership and policy commentary with local execs.
• Translate complex topics into clear, engaging local stories.
• Manage reputation and measure communications impact.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Thought leadership

Analytics

Job description

The role / impact

As the Senior Communications Manager, you will shape and deliver strategic regional communications programs that elevate Xero’s local brand and connect with accounting partners, small businesses, and media stakeholders across the country. You will translate key commercial initiatives and local insights into clear, engaging narratives that resonate with external media, industry partners, and regional internal teams.

By partnering with New Zealand executive leaders, local go-to-market teams, and global communications peers, you will drive local thought leadership, and ensure localised stories align seamlessly with overarching business priorities.

The team / how they connect

You will join the regional ANZ marketing and communications team, working alongside passionate storytellers who align local engagement with broader business priorities. The group collaborates closely across corporate communications, public relations, government relations, and internal engagement to deliver cohesive brand messages. You will work directly with the NZ Country Manager, ANZ Communications Director, and local leadership to ensure seamless visibility and impact.

Initially, you will focus on:

• Delivering targeted public relations and regional communications campaigns tailored to the New Zealand market
• Partnering with local executive leadership to elevate thought leadership, policy commentary, and industry storytelling
• Refining strategies and utilising analytics tools to evaluate communications impact
• Reputation management

Where and how you can work

Xero offers a hybrid working model designed to support balance, connection, and focus. You will spend regular time in our modern office space to collaborate during team alignment days, while having the flexibility to work from home for independent focus work.

Here are some of the things we are looking for:

• Proven expertise in crafting strategic regional communications programs and managing media relations across New Zealand
• Exceptional ability to translate complex business, financial, or technology topics into compelling stories for local audiences
• Experience advising senior regional leaders and executive stakeholders on sensitive communications
• A collaborative mindset to work across cross-functional marketing, legal, and regional operational teams
• Deep familiarity with local media landscapes, regional digital channels, and modern communications measurement frameworks