--- title: 'Lead Researcher at Xero' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-researcher-xero-london-8e5gzb61ks8s' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-12' --- # Lead Researcher at Xero - **Company:** [Xero](https://feeny.ai/companies/xero) - **Location:** London, United Kingdom - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2026-09-09 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/xero/ff879ebd-58f9-497f-82d0-a6ee27c33c6d ## Job description ## The role & impact This role turns customer evidence into clear decisions by combining strategic research, Voice of Customer synthesis, and research operations. You will frame complex, ambiguous business questions into researchable problems, merging qualitative and quantitative data with statistical rigour to guide product and leadership teams. By championing a holistic view of customer needs across global markets, you will ensure our strategy directly aligns with user sentiment. Your work will protect data quality and continuity as our systems evolve, creating reusable insights that empower teams to act with confidence. The team & how they connect You will join a collaborative, cross-functional group that works closely with product, design, data science, and regional commercial leaders. The team blends synchronous and asynchronous working methods to keep evidence transparent and accessible across global time zones. Together, the focus is on maintaining high evidence quality while directly influencing key product and commercial decisions. Initially, the role may focus on: - Establishing a unified, global Voice of Customer reporting structure across all feedback channels. - Safeguarding data continuity and historical comparability for key metrics like NPS, CSAT, and awareness during platform transitions. - Setting up data flows within Snowflake, SQL, and self-serve dashboards to streamline executive reporting. - Partnering with product data science to evaluate research tools, including AI capabilities and feedback pipelines. Where and how you can work We support a hybrid working environment that balances working from home with regular time spent together in our modern office spaces. Our collaborative boost days bring teams together in person to connect, and build relationships, while giving you the flexibility to manage your routine in a way that suits your lifestyle. Here are some of the things we're looking for, for this role: - Expertise in quantitative methods, survey design, sampling, and statistical analysis. - Hands-on experience querying data directly using SQL, alongside familiarity with data pipelines and dashboard tools like Tableau or Snowflake. - A proven track record of translating complex, multi-method research into simple, actionable strategic recommendations. - Outstanding stakeholder management skills, with the capability to manage competing timelines and build strong cross-functional relationships. - Deep curiosity about user needs and the ability to balance analytical rigour with fast-paced decision making. - Background in SaaS, fintech, or multi-market research environments would be a strong advantage. 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. Join a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company where your voice matters. ## About Xero ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Xero provides cloud-based accounting and financial management software for small businesses, serving over 4.9 million customers worldwide. - **Entity Type**: Public (ASX: XRO, S&P/ASX 200 component) - **Headquarters**: Wellington, New Zealand - **Founded**: July 6, 2006 - **Founders**: Rod Drury, Hamish Edwards ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Cloud accounting software (SaaS) - **Target customers**: Small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers (B2B) - **Mission**: To make life better for small businesses globally by automating routine tasks and delivering actionable insights. ## Products & Services - **Xero Accounting Software**: Cloud-based platform for invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. Sold by subscription (Starter, Standard, Premium tiers). - **JAX – AI Finance Partner**: An AI-powered assistant integrated into Xero that automates routine tasks and provides insights to help businesses grow. - **Xero Ecosystem**: Over 1,000 third-party app integrations via the Xero App Store, covering payments, inventory, CRM, and more. - **Xero for Nonprofits**: Discounted subscriptions (25% off) for eligible nonprofit and community organisations. - **Xero for Purpose**: Social impact initiatives including financial literacy programmes (Unlock Your Numbers), sustainability tools (Sumday carbon app), and the Xero Beautiful Business Fund (NZ$750,000+ in funding annually). ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed in provided sources (publicly traded with market cap available on ASX; latest data not included in search results). - **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue NZ$2.103 billion (FY2025); Net income NZ$227.8 million (FY2025). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Board Chair David Thodey; CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy. In June 2025, Xero announced an agreement to acquire Melio, a New York-based payments provider, for $2.5 billion. - **Growth Signals**: Achieved Rule of 40 outcomes of 41.0% (May 2024) and 43.9% (Nov 2024). Customer base grew to 4.9 million. Headcount of 4,610 employees (2025). Expanding globally with offices in New Zealand, Australia, UK, US, Canada, South Africa, and Singapore. ## Competitive Advantages - **Market leader** in cloud accounting across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. - **AI-first approach** with JAX, embedded directly into the core product to reduce manual work. - **Extensive integration ecosystem** (1,000+ apps) creating high switching costs for customers. - **Strong brand trust** built over 19 years with a focus on small business success. ## Strategic Focus - **AI and automation**: Deepening AI capabilities (JAX) to deliver predictive insights and automate finance workflows. - **Payments expansion**: Acquisition of Melio to strengthen payments capabilities for small businesses. - **Sustainability**: Reducing carbon emissions (72% reduction in scope 1 & 2), offering free carbon accounting tools, and supporting small business sustainability. - **Social impact**: Scaling programmes like the Beautiful Business Fund and financial literacy initiatives. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Values-driven, human-centric organisation with a focus on making a tangible impact on small businesses globally. - **Flexibility**: Emphasises a flexible environment and time for what matters most (remote/hybrid policy not explicitly stated but implied). - **Perks & benefits**: - One paid day off per year for volunteering (Community Connect programme). - Free access to Sumday carbon accounting app for employees. - Financial literacy resources and mentorship programmes. - **Engineering & innovation**: Dedicated Engineering and Data & AI teams (open roles visible on careers page). Global collaboration across 7+ countries. - **Diversity & inclusion**: Indigenous inclusion initiatives (te ao Māori in NZ, Reconciliation Action Plan in Australia), support for Indigenous communities. - **Sustainability focus**: Employees can contribute to environmental goals through company-wide initiatives. ## Sources 1. [Wikipedia – Xero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xero) 2. [Xero About Page](https://www.xero.com/au/about/) 3. [Xero Careers – Inside Xero](https://careers.xero.com/inside-xero/) 4. [Xero Careers – Teams](https://careers.xero.com/) 5. [Xero Homepage](https://www.xero.com/) ## Other roles at Xero - [Small Business Onboarding Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/small-business-onboarding-specialist-xero-cape-town-ckyegg0g1wfz) — Cape Town, South Africa - [Sales Development Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/sales-development-specialist-xero-melbourne-shak0pynckqn) — Melbourne, Australia - [Customer Growth Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/customer-growth-specialist-xero-melbourne-nttx72xfyyvx) — Melbourne, Australia - [Account Executive](https://feeny.ai/job/account-executive-xero-auckland-24xhvx12wnte) — Auckland, New Zealand - [SEM Senior Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/sem-senior-manager-xero-brisbane-gj9tkq583dnm) — Brisbane, Australia - [SEM Senior Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/sem-senior-manager-xero-sydney-wjxe3syb7874) — Sydney, Australia - [SEM Senior Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/sem-senior-manager-xero-melbourne-38tzvghsmasf) — Melbourne, Australia - [SEM Senior Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/sem-senior-manager-xero-auckland-94sjyamt3khc) — Auckland, New Zealand - [Senior Engineer - Database](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-engineer-database-xero-auckland-9rfj2zffbkcs) — Auckland, New Zealand - [Senior Product Manager - Payments & APIs](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-product-manager-payments-apis-xero-vancouver-8ars13emnqra) — Vancouver, Canada