📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Product Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: Xero
🔹 Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia & Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Permanent
🔹 Category: Software Development
🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand customer needs and market trends
- Developing and communicating compelling customer value propositions (CVPs)
- Driving product lifecycle marketing strategies and in-product communications
- Working in a global role across geographies and in an agile environment with Product Managers and development teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced tech environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Conduct market, competitor, and customer research to deeply understand the markets, customer needs, and pain points
✅ Consolidate and communicate relevant insights to determine Xero’s opportunity in the market and integrate these insights into product marketing plans
✅ Define target audiences and segments, including the Serviceable Available Market (SAM)
✅ Lead a strategic and collaborative process with key stakeholders to define CVPs for target audiences and maintain compelling product evidence of CVPs
✅ Bring CVPs to life for internal audiences through assets such as messaging frameworks and product playbooks, ensuring CVPs are regularly reviewed and updated
✅ Communicate product release calendar to customer stakeholders in a timely manner, describing product value in customer terms
✅ Collaborate with customer teams to brief product initiatives, agree on optimal launch timing and GTM approach, and consult throughout the GTM process to ensure clear guardrails are set when communicating product value externally
✅ Develop internal briefing assets and internal sales enablement resources to help prepare and upskill internal teams
✅ Identify opportunities to grow product adoption, usage, and retention – utilizing research, analytics, and feedback from regions
✅ Lead in-product lifecycle marketing strategy and execution, including in-product communications
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong communication, analytical, and project management skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5+ years in a product marketing or marketing role, with experience working in a global role across geographies and in an agile environment with Product Managers and development teams
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in the creation and development of product strategy, positioning, and messaging
- Ability to think strategically, work independently, and effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivation, creative problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
- Strong communication, analytical, critical thinking, and business strategy skills
- Direct experience with issues management
- Exceptional ability to articulate compelling propositions in clear language and develop effective marketing materials
- Ability to handle the pace and ambiguity that comes with working in a fast-paced tech environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with in-product lifecycle marketing
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the accounting or SaaS industries may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AU$120,000 - AU$160,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a Senior Product Marketing Manager role in Australia)
Benefits:
- Generous paid leave, including statutory holidays
- Health insurance, life insurance, and income protection
- Wellbeing and sports programs
- Employee resource groups
- 26 weeks of paid parental leave for primary caregivers
- Employee share plan
- Beautiful offices and flexible working arrangements
- Career development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for work-life balance
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development, specifically accounting and small business management software
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, which means applicants can expect a well-established company culture with ample resources and opportunities for growth
Founded: 2006, with a rich history of innovation and growth in the accounting software industry
Company Description:
- Xero is a cloud-based accounting software company that helps small businesses manage their finances, invoicing, and payroll
- Xero's platform connects businesses with their accountants and bookkeepers, providing them with real-time visibility of their financials
- Xero has over 4.2 million subscribers globally and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange
Company Specialties:
- Accounting
- SaaS
- Banking
- Invoicing
- Design
- Business
- Billing
- Small Business
- Bookkeeping
- Software
- Platform
- Payroll
Company Website: http://www.xero.com
ASSUMPTION: Xero's focus on small businesses and accounting software makes it an attractive option for candidates interested in these areas.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior, with opportunities for growth and leadership within the product marketing team
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Product Marketing and works closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, design, and go-to-market teams
Work Arrangement: On-site, with opportunities for flexible working arrangements and remote work for specific roles or projects
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Head of Product Marketing or Director-level role
- Expansion into global markets and leadership of regional product marketing teams
- Development of skills in related areas, such as product management or general management
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for candidates looking to advance their careers in product marketing.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and creativity
Office Location(s): Sydney, New South Wales, Australia & Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Geographic Context:
- Sydney and Melbourne are two of Australia's largest cities, offering a mix of urban and suburban living options
- Both cities have vibrant tech industries and are home to numerous startups and established tech companies
- Xero's offices are centrally located, providing easy access to public transportation and amenities
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for remote work and work-life balance
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the commute and cost of living in Sydney or Melbourne when evaluating this opportunity.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager or HR
- In-depth interview with the product marketing team and other stakeholders
- Case study or presentation task
- Final interview with the Head of Product Marketing or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Understanding of the accounting software industry and Xero's products
- Cultural fit and alignment with Xero's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Xero's products and the accounting software industry in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Be ready to discuss your approach to market research, customer segmentation, and product positioning
ATS Keywords: Product Marketing, Market Research, Customer Insights, Strategic Thinking, Product Strategy, Messaging, Collaboration, Sales Enablement, Product Lifecycle Marketing, Stakeholder Management, Creativity, Agile Environment, Product Management, Customer Value Proposition (CVP)
ASSUMPTION: Xero's application process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Pardot)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should have experience with common productivity, project management, and marketing tools, as well as a willingness to learn new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Human
- Challenging
- Beautiful
- Customer
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Agile and adaptable
- Data-driven and analytical
- Customer-focused and empathetic
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Xero's company values, particularly the emphasis on being human and customer-focused?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, agile environment with frequent changes and priorities?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment, and are you able to build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organization?
ASSUMPTION: Xero's company culture is characterized by its focus on customers, collaboration, and continuous improvement, making it an attractive option for candidates who share these values.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced nature of the tech industry may require applicants to be adaptable and comfortable with change
- Working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders may present challenges in coordinating efforts and aligning priorities
- The global nature of the role may require applicants to be comfortable working with teams across different time zones and cultures
- The competitive landscape of the accounting software industry may present challenges in differentiating Xero's products and maintaining market share
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to navigate a dynamic work environment and be proactive in managing priorities and stakeholder relationships.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other product marketing roles, this position places a greater emphasis on strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability
- In the accounting software industry, Xero is known for its user-friendly platform and strong focus on customer experience, which may differentiate this role from similar positions at other companies
- Career progression in product marketing may involve moving into leadership roles or transitioning into related fields, such as product management or general management
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and preferences.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting market research to identify customer pain points and opportunities for product differentiation
- Developing and refining customer value propositions (CVPs) based on market research and customer feedback
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch new products or features, including in-product lifecycle marketing and communications
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and customer-focused nature of the role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current product roadmap and how this role will contribute to its success?
- How does Xero differentiate its products and services in the competitive accounting software market?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does Xero support the growth and development of its product marketing team members?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and flexible working arrangements?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, the company's culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Be ready to discuss your approach to market research, customer segmentation, and product positioning
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
