The role & impact
This role combines strategic People Experience partnering, end-to-end talent acquisition, and regional advisory into a true generalist role supporting our South Africa team. You will serve as the primary partner to regional senior leadership across Cape Town and Johannesburg, translating people strategy into practical business outcomes and driving recruitment for all local roles.
From guiding organisational design and leadership capability to steering our Employment Equity Plan and resolving complex employee relations matters, your work directly shapes team culture and operational success. You will move comfortably between high-level strategic planning and hands-on delivery, ensuring consistent people programs rollout in alignment with global strategy.
The team & how they connect
You will join a collaborative People & Talent Experience network, connecting directly with regional leadership, global Centres of Excellence, and the broader Talent Experience teams. The team works together to bring global consistency to the region while leveraging local insights to strengthen performance and workplace culture. Together, you will foster high-performing teams through open communication, shared expertise, and trust-based relationships.
Initially, the role will focus on
Taking full ownership of end-to-end recruitment for all South Africa based roles, from sourcing strategy to offer management.
Managing statutory compliance and driving progress on our South African Employment Equity Plan.
Partnering with senior leaders to deliver data-driven people plans that align regional goals with broader people experience priorities.
Providing trusted advisory across the entire employee lifecycle, including performance management, remuneration, change management, and leadership coaching.
Where and how you can work
We offer a hybrid working environment supporting our office locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg. You will be based in the Cape Town Office with intentional in-office time to connect, collaborate, and engage directly with local leadership and teams.
Here are some of the things we are looking for
A strong background in generalist HR or people business partnering within a fast-paced environment, paired with hands-on talent acquisition expertise.
Practical knowledge of South African employment legislation and experience managing Employment Equity planning or statutory reporting.
Proven ability to operate autonomously, balancing high-level strategic alignment with day-to-day operational execution.
Skilled at leveraging data to inform people decisions, refine recruitment practices, and influence leadership outcomes.
Comfort in coaching senior leaders through complex decisions, organisational change, and sensitive conversations.
An adaptive approach to leveraging modern tools and technology to continuously improve delivery and candidate experiences.
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
- Strong background in generalist HR or people business partnering in a fast-paced environment
- Hands-on talent acquisition expertise
- Practical knowledge of South African employment legislation
- Experience managing Employment Equity planning or statutory reporting
- Ability to work autonomously while balancing strategic alignment and operational execution
- Experience using data to inform people decisions and recruitment practices
- Ability to coach senior leaders through complex decisions, organizational change, and sensitive conversations
- Comfort using modern tools and technology to improve delivery and candidate experiences
Xero Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — U.S. materials cite about 21 days PTO, 10 wellbeing days, five Xtra days, a volunteer day, and 12 paid holidays, plus an end‑of‑year shutdown. Company descriptions position this package toward the upper tier among midsize/large tech employers in the U.S. market.
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Parental & Family Support — Primary caregivers are described as eligible for up to 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with partner leave in some markets. Family‑forming support via Carrot and access to Modern Health for employees and immediate family reinforce depth in this area.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Access to Modern Health, a funded ThrivePass wellbeing account (U.S.), and flexible/hybrid work are emphasized as part of a broader wellbeing strategy alongside ERGs and “Boost Day” events. Feedback suggests these programs contribute meaningfully to work‑life balance.
Xero Insights
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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Xero Teams
Xero Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
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.
