Lead Design Researcher - Ecosystem

Xero is a beautiful, easy-to-use platform that helps small businesses and their accounting and bookkeeping advisors grow and thrive. 

At Xero, our purpose is to make life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. This purpose sits at the centre of everything we do. We support our people to do the best work of their lives so that they can help small businesses succeed through better tools, information and connections. Because when they succeed they make a difference, and when millions of small businesses are making a difference, the world is a more beautiful place.

Xero is incredibly user centric, which means design is at the heart of all our product development. The Product Design team is a vital part of Xero’s success and our product makes a meaningful difference in the lives and businesses of millions people around the world. We have some really awesome humans in our design practice, working across Xero’s products internationally.

Globally we are a team 140+ practitioners (and growing!), spanning across NZ, AU, UK, USA and Canada. Within the design function we have 5 main areas, Product design, Design Research, Design Operations, Accessibility and Service Design. We are all one team and as a result work cross functionally with our development and product teammates in order to create the most beautiful and enjoyable experiences for our customers.

Xero’s Ecosystem division is a forward-thinking and exciting space that sits within the Apps and Services function. Here our team is looking into the future of Xero and we have an opportunity for a Lead Design Researcher to join the team. We’re looking for someone who is energised by the idea of understanding the unknown things and can communicate clearly with senior stakeholders to shape the strategy for Ecosystem to grow into a central part of Xero’s long-term plans.

As a Design Research Lead you exhibit mastery over the core design research process, making use of a broad range of methods and techniques. You will grow the skills of less experienced researchers by mentoring them on projects and offering them support. You will take the reins on large and complex generative projects that aim to inform business and product strategy.

Our team researches, analyses and shares insights into the attitudes and behaviours of people that currently use Xero, as well as those who don’t yet but might in the future. You’ll be learning about people’s lives outside of their interactions with Xero, and observing their experience using Xero. You’ll identify where people get stuck and why. You’ll help the wider business focus on the most critical user problems and opportunities that we can address – then help discern if the changes we make get the results we want.

Not only will you influence our customers but you'll also play a big part in our team internally. As part of our team of specialist design researchers, you'll get to work within our wider design team that includes product designers and content strategists. Research is not a tick the box practice, it’s the core of what we do here. It’s what connects us to our customers in the most meaningful way so we can make their lives better and more beautiful.

At Xero we support many types of flexible working arrangements that allow you to balance your work, your life and your passions. We offer a great remuneration package including shares plus a range of leave options to suit your well-being. Our work environment encourages continuous improvement and career development and you’ll get to work with the latest technology.  

Our collaborative and inclusive culture is one we’re immensely proud of. We know that a diverse workforce is a strength that enables businesses, including ours, to better understand and serve customers, attract top talent and innovate successfully. We are a member of Pride in Diversity, in recognition of our inclusive workplace. So, from the moment you step through our doors, you’ll feel welcome and supported to do the best work of your life.

Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for this position.