Head of Technical Innovation (APAC)

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, 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.