Head of Technical Innocation (APAC)

Posted 2 Hours Ago
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Singapore, SGP
Hybrid
Expert/Leader
Cloud • Fintech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software
At Xero, we’re here to help you supercharge your business.
The Role
Lead APAC technical innovation for external product delivery: define product strategy, build business cases, prototypes and POCs, manage development partners, map competitive and regulatory landscapes, and drive cross-functional launches and enablement to deliver AI-enabled accounting and partner solutions.
Summary Generated by Built In

The role / impact

Xero is at a pivotal moment in APAC, and this role sits right at the centre of it. As Head of Technical Innovation, you'll own the external product delivery space end to end — deeply understanding what accounting partners and small business customers need, shaping a clear product strategy, and driving execution with a network of development partners and cross-functional stakeholders across the region. Your work will directly shape what Xero's partners and customers experience, translating technical capability, AI advancements and real market insight into products and features that solve meaningful problems.

This is an individual contributor role with a leadership mindset at its core. You'll build compelling business cases, develop prototypes and proof-of-concepts, maintain Xero's competitive landscape across APAC markets, and ensure every launch lands with the internal enablement and documentation needed for success. From monitoring regulatory changes across APAC to influencing senior stakeholders, you'll be the connective tissue between market opportunity and product delivery.

The team / how they connect

You'll join the APAC Leadership Team (ALT), a tight-knit group of 10 spread across Singapore and New Zealand, who together run the APAC region. The team operates with a high degree of autonomy and collaboration, working closely with the Regional Director and a broad range of global functions to drive Xero's regional strategy. A culture crew keeps the energy up with always-on learning, development initiatives, and the occasional bit of fun along the way.

The team is currently working on

  • Building and refining the Practice Dream Suite roadmap for accounting partners, and the product suite for SME customers across APAC

  • Establishing development partner relationships and exploring grant and subsidy opportunities to grow the region's innovation capability

  • Mapping the competitive landscape across APAC's primary, secondary and tertiary markets to inform strategy and positioning

  • Laying the groundwork for an Innovation Hub that will expand into a dedicated, growing team over the next few years

Where and how you can work

This role is based in Singapore. While there are no formal rules around office attendance, the expectation is that you'll be a visible, active presence in the team — typically around two days per week, with Mondays and Wednesdays as the team's boost days. Beyond that, you have the flexibility to work in a way that suits both you and the demands of the role.

Here are some of the things we are looking for

  • You bring hands-on product experience and a strong technical foundation, including working knowledge of APIs and a practical understanding of AI and its applications

  • A track record of translating complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives for a range of stakeholders — from engineers to executives

  • Deep familiarity with accounting practice workflows and operations, or the ability to get across them quickly

  • Commercially sharp — you can identify scalable opportunities, build solid business cases, and keep a keen eye on what's viable in market

  • Confidence working cross-functionally and influencing without authority, bringing people along rather than pushing them

  • An understanding of the APAC market and regulatory landscape, particularly as it relates to tax, compliance, and accounting

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.

Skills Required

  • Hands-on product experience
  • Strong technical foundation (including working knowledge of APIs)
  • Practical understanding of AI and its applications
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear narratives for engineers and executives
  • Familiarity with accounting practice workflows and operations (or ability to learn quickly)
  • Commercial acumen to identify scalable opportunities and build business cases
  • Ability to influence cross-functionally and work without direct authority
  • Understanding of APAC market and regulatory landscape related to tax, compliance, and accounting

Xero Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Paid time off in the U.S. is extensive, including 21 days of annual leave, 10 days of wellbeing leave, five Xtra days, three year‑end company holidays, and one paid volunteer day. These layered leave types emphasize work–life balance beyond standard vacation alone.
  • Parental & Family Support Primary caregivers are offered 26 weeks at 100% pay and partners receive six weeks, with employer‑verified applicability for U.S. staff. Family‑forming support via Carrot complements these policies.
  • Healthcare Strength Coverage includes medical through Cigna/Kaiser, dental, vision, FSAs, and mental‑health support via Modern Health. The package reflects broad health support alongside time‑off and family programs.

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The Company
HQ: Wellington
4,500 Employees
Year Founded: 2006

What We Do

Xero is small business accounting software that provides a platform on which businesses can build a fully integrated solution. It’s designed to make life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. Xero minimises tedious admin by automating routine tasks, delivers valuable insights when needed, and brings together business data, trusted advisors, and powerful apps in one intuitive platform. By alleviating pain points, Xero empowers small business owners to supercharge their business, simplifying the complex and freeing up time from manual admin so they can focus on what really matters to build the business they’ve always envisaged.

Why Work With Us

Xero is a human-centric organization where you’ll have a tangible impact on the success of small businesses and their communities, globally. Our team of energised, forward-thinkers work to make life better for our customers and each other every day. We’re also always committed to supporting you with a flexible environment.

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Join us from home or at one of our beautiful workspaces. Xero has offices in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa.

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