Engineering Manager - Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence

Role Overview and Impact

As an Engineering Manager leading Xero's Machine Learning & AI team, you will head an inclusive and high-performing group of ML and platform engineers. Your primary responsibility will be transforming research and models into scalable, production-ready ML infrastructure. This role requires balancing consistent delivery with a strong emphasis on system stability, focusing on advancing MLOps capabilities, monitoring, and the practical aspects of managing AI systems in live environments beyond simple feature deployment.

You'll closely collaborate with senior technical leaders, including staff and principal engineers, who architect the overall system. Your core focus will be on developing your team, enforcing rigorous delivery standards, and advocating AI-native methodologies throughout the software lifecycle. This position is ideal for individuals motivated to nurture both robust AI systems and the engineers who operate them at scale.

Team Environment and Collaboration

Joining Xero's Data & AI organisation under the AI Products division, you will report to the GM of ML Engineering. The team specializes in converting applied scientists' research and models into secure, scalable ML infrastructure that supports millions of small businesses. This close-knit, cross-disciplinary group partners tightly with Applied Science, Data Engineering, and Product teams to evolve concepts from prototypes into production.

Current Key Projects

• Building production ML infrastructure and advancing MLOps to support Xero's AI-centric product lineup.
• Developing systems for JAX (Just Ask Xero), the company's conversational Generative AI assistant.
• Enhancing automated bank reconciliation and smart document capture technologies, utilizing AI for transaction matching and data extraction from financial documents.
• Exploring future enhancements including cash flow forecasting and other embedded machine learning features.

Work Environment and Flexibility

Xero offers a flexible working approach combining remote work's concentration with in-office collaboration and team connection days. This hybrid model allows you to maintain a balance between personal life and professional commitments.

Candidate Profile and Expectations

• Demonstrable success in leading, mentoring, and growing engineering teams, with a focus on enhancing capabilities over time.
• Strong technical acumen in architecture, system design, and making well-informed engineering decisions.
• Ability to translate business objectives into actionable engineering strategies, balancing immediate delivery demands with long-term system health.
• Proven experience managing roadmaps and delivering outcomes in dynamic and fast-changing environments.
• Hands-on coding skills to support team members through code writing, review, debugging, or incident management when necessary.
• While direct experience with machine learning or AI systems is not mandatory, a sincere interest in the field is advantageous for success in this role.

Additional Information

Xero welcomes applications even if your background does not fully align with all requirements. Hiring decisions emphasize your skills, enthusiasm, and unique perspectives that can enrich the team's culture and performance.