Senior Privacy Counsel

The role / impact

As a Senior Privacy Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in guiding our global privacy and AI programme and ensuring data use principles are integrated across all operations. You will advise cross-functional teams on complex privacy matters, navigate evolving regulatory landscapes, and help shape global privacy and AI governance strategies that protect our customers and support sustainable business growth.

Your impact will be felt across the entire organisation as you navigate complex data protection regulations and shape our privacy compliance frameworks. By balancing regulatory requirements with commercial objectives, you will enable sustainable innovation while championing the data rights of our partners and small businesses worldwide.

The team / how they connect

You will join the Privacy, Data & AI Governance team, which reports directly to the Chief Legal Officer. The Privacy team works cross-functionally with security, product, and engineering groups to enable Xeros to go fast, safely, across our international markets. Together, we share knowledge, solve intricate data challenges, and ensure Xero remains a highly trusted partner in the digital economy.

The team is currently working on / Initially, you will focus on

• Enhancing global data protection and AI governance frameworks to align with current and emerging international regulations.

• Partnering with product teams on upcoming features, including AI, to embed privacy-by-design principles from inception.

• Developing scalable privacy, data protection, AI, and cyber policy including training modules to foster a data-conscious culture across global offices.

Where and how you can work

We offer a flexible working environment that supports a healthy work-life balance, featuring a blend of remote work options and collaborative in-office days. You can work from our modern office locations, joining the team for designated boost days designed to foster connection, alignment, and team culture.

Here are some of the things we are looking for

• You bring a strong legal background with relevant qualifications and a deep understanding of global privacy/AI and data frameworks.

• A proven track record of advising within technology or software-driven environments is something you possess.

• Your communication skills enable you to translate complex legal requirements into clear, practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders.

• You have experience managing data protection impact assessments and assessing regulatory risks across cross-functional projects.

• An analytical mindset allows you to approach evolving privacy challenges with adaptability, collaboration, and a problem-solving focus.

• You use AI tools in your day-to-day work and are curious about how they're reshaping legal practice.

Apply even if your experience isn't a perfect match! At Xero, we hire based on your skills, passion, and the unique perspective you can bring to enhance our culture and team.