At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workplace strategy and create human-centred environments across the UK and EMEA.
- Company: Join Xero, a Great Place to Work UK accredited company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and senior leadership while driving exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how people experience work every day with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in workplace operations, real estate strategy, and building AI tools.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
The UK and EMEA region represents a critical and expanding part of Xero's global operational landscape. As Director of Workplace Experience, you will take ownership of the regional workplace strategy, establishing human-centred physical environments and operational structures across multiple markets to support our growing workforce. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, driving complex real estate projects, integrating new business additions, and using custom AI solutions to transform daily workflows.
In this role, you will lead a team of dedicated practitioners, directly influencing how our people connect and experience work every day. Your leadership will ensure our workplaces maintain strong compliance, deliver commercial efficiency, and actively reflect Xero's values.
You will lead a high-performing regional workplace experience team that works closely with the UK and South Africa Senior Leadership Teams, as well as global property and people functions. The team focuses on creating vibrant, efficient, and safe office environments across diverse geographies. Together, you will operate collaboratively, sharing tools and insights to raise workplace standards globally.
Initially, the role will focus on:
- Leading major capital projects end-to-end, including office fit-outs, relocations, and workplace transformations across the UK and EMEA.
- Designing and embedding custom AI workflows and automations to increase operational efficiency across the regional function.
- Managing vendor contracts, property leases, and regional budgets with strong commercial rigour.
- Guiding regional workplace integration for new business acquisitions while maintaining full health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
This role offers a hybrid working model based out of our UK office locations. You will spend time in the office collaborating with key stakeholders, guiding your team, and visiting sites during major projects, alongside flexible options for remote work.
Here are some of the things we are looking for:
- Experience leading regional workplace operations, real estate strategy, or facilities management across multiple international sites.
- Proven track record delivering complex office fit-outs, relocations, and capital projects from initial brief through to completion.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships with executive stakeholders and lead diverse teams through coaching and development.
- Practical familiarity with building custom AI tools, prompts, or automated workflows to solve operational challenges.
- Strong commercial acumen across budget management, vendor negotiations, and landlord relations.
- Sound knowledge of local health and safety regulations, compliance requirements, and human-centred design principles.
Xero is a Great Place to Work UK accredited. 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.
Director of Workplace Experience UK & EMEA in London employer: Xero
Xero is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where collaboration and innovation thrive. With flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while making a meaningful impact on small businesses in your territory. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to build lasting relationships within the accounting community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Workplace Experience UK & EMEA in London
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✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Xero.
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Workplace Experience UK & EMEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Xero.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Xero. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xero
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Xero, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Xero, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Xero could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Xero as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
