Director of Engineering at Xero

At Xero, we believe in making life better for small businesses, their advisors, and the communities they serve. Our platform is designed to be beautiful and intuitive, helping businesses grow and thrive by providing the tools, information, and connections they need to succeed. We are committed to fostering a human-first culture where our people are supported to do the best work of their lives, knowing that when our customers succeed, they make a real difference in the world.

The role

We are seeking a talented Director of Engineering to bootstrap and lead our new Syndication team. This is a full-time, executive-level position that offers a hybrid work arrangement. In this role, you will be responsible for driving the strategy and execution of a key initiative, ensuring that our technical systems are scalable and aligned with our broader business goals. You will bridge the gap between complex technical architecture and product partnerships, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver high-impact results.

Core responsibilities

• Lead the definition, architecture, and delivery of our most complex and ambiguous engineering challenges, ensuring that systems across the organization are coherent and well-integrated.
• Influence multiple teams and organizations to increase productivity, holding peers to a high standard while simplifying processes and driving innovation.
• Actively manage, mentor, and recruit senior and principal engineers, identifying future skill needs and institutionalizing engineering best practices across the company.

Skills and experience

To be successful in this role, you should possess a deep technical background and a proven track record of leadership. We are looking for the following qualifications:

• At least 20 years of professional software development experience.
• Over 15 years of programming experience in modern languages such as Java or C++.
• Extensive experience in system architecture, design patterns, reliability, and scaling.
• Preferred experience includes an advanced degree in Computer Science, a history of shipping large-scale consumer products, and experience partnering with machine learning experts.
• Strong communication skills in English are required to collaborate with stakeholders and drive technical strategy.

Compensation and benefits

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Our offerings include:

• Hybrid work flexibility.
• 401k contribution matching and an Employee Share Plan.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Disability insurance and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous paid time off and 26 weeks of paid parental leave for primary caregivers.

How to apply

If you are passionate about building scalable technology that empowers small businesses, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application to be considered for this opportunity. We value diversity of thought and encourage you to apply even if your background does not align perfectly with every listed requirement. If you have any specific support or access needs during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply.