Senior Manager, Strategy & Operations

The role & impact

Xero's Strategy & Operations team partners across the business to shape long-term direction, drive critical decision-making, and translate strategy into execution. We're seeking a Senior Manager, Strategy & Operations to lead Xero's internal AI transformation and deliver high-impact strategic programs across the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic work streams supporting Xero's internal AI transformation, from scoping through to stabilization and adoption
• Translate AI ambitions into clear scope, requirements, and delivery plans with measurable outcomes
• Structure ambiguous business problems into sharp questions and well-reasoned recommendations for senior audiences
• Build business cases and bring commercial judgment to trade-offs and investment decisions
• Coordinate across technical and non-technical stakeholders, close alignment gaps, and keep momentum going
• Build the credibility and influence to get things done without relying on authority

Team & How They Connect

The team sits at the center of how Xero plans and executes, designing the systems that help other teams do their best work. They partner closely with leaders across the business to structure ambiguous problems into clear recommendations, then stay close to delivery to ensure those recommendations land. It's a small, tight-knit group that works collaboratively across functions.

Where And How You Can Work

This role is based in San Mateo, California, working in a hybrid model that combines in-office collaboration with the flexibility to work from home. Our boost days bring the team together in person for connection and collaborative work, with the rest of the week flexible to suit how you work best.

Qualifications

Experience at top-tier consulting firm highly preferred; or, comparable experience in strategy, operations, transformation, and/or related roles within a global technology or SaaS environment.

You've led complex, multi-stakeholder programs end-to-end, from problem definition through to delivery.

You have structured, rigorous thinking that comes naturally to you, and you can frame ambiguous problems into credible analyses and clear recommendations.

You bring a background in operating model and technology transformation, along with experience and/or aptitude in AI strategy or AI-enabled ways of working.

You model an AI builder mindset for reimagining workflows, actively building your own AI fluency, and rapidly experimenting.

Your strong financial and commercial acumen underpins how you build and interrogate business cases.

Your written and verbal communication is polished and precise, with deliverables that rarely need heavy editing.

You enjoy developing others, whether that's mentoring, giving candid feedback, or building team capability.

Skills

Experience at top-tier consulting firm highly preferred; or, comparable experience in strategy, operations, transformation, and/or related roles within a global technology or SaaS environment.

Led complex, multi-stakeholder programs end-to-end, from problem definition through to delivery.

Structured, rigorous thinking comes naturally to you, and you can frame ambiguous problems into credible analyses and clear recommendations.

Background in operating model and technology transformation, along with experience and/or aptitude in AI strategy or AI-enabled ways of working.

Model an AI builder mindset for reimagining workflows, actively building your own AI fluency, and rapidly experimenting.

Strong financial and commercial acumen underpins how you build and interrogate business cases.

Precision in written and verbal communication, with deliverables that rarely need heavy editing.

Enjoy developing others, whether that's mentoring, giving candid feedback, or building team capability.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, 21 days of paid time off, 10 days of wellbeing leave, 5 days of Xtra Leave, 1 volunteer day, 12 paid holidays, and paid parental leave.

Additional benefits include performance-based cash or equity (RSUs) incentives, and the opportunity to participate in annual bonuses and equity (RSU) programs.

Compensation range in California: $181,000 - $226,200 USD.