📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Program Manager, Cloud Database Migration (AWS)
Company: Xero
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia & Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Job Type: Permanent
Category: Technical Program Management
Date Posted: June 12, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site (Melbourne & Wellington)

🚀 Role Summary

Lead multi-year migration of existing databases to managed cloud services in Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Define and drive program strategy, manage detailed plans, and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Establish strong relationships with product teams, identify risks, and facilitate decision-making processes
Communicate program status, risks, and dependencies effectively to stakeholders, including senior leadership

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in AWS and database technologies, as well as exceptional communication and leadership skills to drive a complex, organization-wide migration project.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Define and drive program strategy: Develop and maintain a clear vision for the database migration program, aligning with business objectives and AWS best practices.
Manage detailed program plans: Create and maintain detailed program plans, including scope, timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with infrastructure, database, and product engineering teams to understand current database landscapes, identify migration challenges, and define effective strategies.
Establish relationships with product teams: Build strong relationships with all product teams to understand their migration needs and ensure their requirements are met throughout the program.
Identify, track, and manage risks: Proactively identify, track, and manage program risks and dependencies, developing mitigation plans as needed.
Facilitate discussions and decision-making: Lead discussions and decision-making processes regarding migration architectures, tools, and best practices.
Communicate program status: Effectively communicate program status, risks, and dependencies to all stakeholders, including senior leadership, using clear and concise language tailored to each audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a balance of technical depth and leadership breadth. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in AWS and database technologies, as well as exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Technical Program Manager or in a similar role managing complex technical programs.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in AWS and extensive experience with core AWS infrastructure services.
Demonstrated experience with database technologies and a strong understanding of database migration methodologies.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

AWS certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Database - Specialty).
Experience migrating large-scale, mission-critical databases.
Facilitating with various database types (relational, NoSQL).

📝 Enhancement Note: While not required, AWS certifications and experience with large-scale database migrations would be highly beneficial for this role. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of AWS services and database technologies, as well as proven experience managing complex technical programs.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Migration Case Studies: Document successful database migration projects, highlighting challenges faced, strategies employed, and outcomes achieved.
AWS Architecture Diagrams: Showcase your understanding of AWS services by including architecture diagrams for migrated databases, demonstrating best practices and scalability.
Stakeholder Communication: Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, such as product managers or executives.

Technical Documentation:

Migration Plans: Include detailed migration plans for various database types, outlining steps, risks, and mitigation strategies.
AWS Service Justification: Explain why specific AWS services were chosen for each migration, including any trade-offs considered.
Testing Strategies: Describe your approach to testing migrated databases, ensuring data integrity, performance, and functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on program management rather than hands-on technical work, a portfolio should emphasize strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills, with a strong focus on AWS and database technologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on market research and regional standards for Technical Program Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the tech industry, the estimated salary range for this role is AU$150,000 - AU$180,000 (Melbourne) and NZ$130,000 - NZ$160,000 (Wellington).

Benefits:

Very generous paid leave to use however you'd like, plus statutory holidays.
Dedicated paid leave to care for your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as an Employee Assistance Program.
Free medical insurance, wellbeing and sports programmes, employee resource groups, and 26 weeks of paid parental leave for primary caregivers.
Employee Share Plan, beautiful offices, flexible working, career development, and many other benefits that reflect Xero's human values.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday to Friday. Occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimated based on regional market data for Technical Program Managers with the required experience level. Actual salary may vary based on individual qualifications, skills, and company-specific factors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Xero is a leading global small business platform with a mission to make life better for people in small businesses, their advisors, and communities around the world.

Company Size: Xero has over 4,000 employees globally, providing a large and diverse team environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Xero was founded in 2006 and has since grown to serve over 2.7 million subscribers in over 180 countries.

Team Structure:

Technical Teams: Xero's technical teams are organized around specific products and services, with a focus on agile development methodologies and continuous improvement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Teams work closely together, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between engineering, product, design, and marketing functions.
Global Presence: Xero has offices in major cities around the world, fostering a global and diverse team culture.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum: Xero employs Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development, with a focus on iterative development, regular feedback, and continuous improvement.
Code Review & Testing: Xero places a strong emphasis on code review, testing, and quality assurance to ensure the delivery of high-quality products.
CI/CD Pipelines: Xero uses CI/CD pipelines to automate deployment and ensure rapid, reliable, and consistent delivery of new features and updates.

Company Website: Xero

📝 Enhancement Note: Xero's global presence and commitment to small business success create a dynamic and innovative work environment for technical professionals. The company's focus on agile development and cross-functional collaboration enables teams to deliver high-quality products that make a real difference to small businesses worldwide.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Technical Program Management Career Level: This role is at the senior level within the Technical Program Management career path, focusing on strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and stakeholder communication.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Program Manager will report directly to the Head of Infrastructure and work closely with various engineering, product, and leadership teams across the organization.

Technical Impact: This role will have a significant impact on Xero's infrastructure, driving a fundamental shift in database management and enabling the company to scale its products and services more efficiently and reliably.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As Xero continues to grow and expand its infrastructure, there will be opportunities for the Technical Program Manager to take on more strategic roles, such as leading a team of Technical Program Managers or moving into a Chief of Staff or CTO role.
Emerging Technologies: Xero is always exploring new technologies and approaches to improve its products and services. The Technical Program Manager will have the opportunity to stay up-to-date with emerging trends and contribute to Xero's technical roadmap.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with various teams across the organization will provide ample opportunities for the Technical Program Manager to develop their skills and expand their knowledge in different areas of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, gain exposure to emerging technologies, and contribute to Xero's strategic direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Xero's offices are designed to be collaborative, innovative, and comfortable, with a focus on fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Victoria, Australia & Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Xero's offices feature open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Xero provides its employees with access to the latest tools and technologies, ensuring they have everything they need to do their best work.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Xero offers flexible work arrangements, including remote work and flexible hours, to accommodate individual needs and preferences.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday to Friday. Occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Xero's commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work environment, along with its flexible work arrangements, makes it an attractive choice for Technical Program Managers looking to grow their careers in a dynamic and supportive environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief call to discuss your background, experience, and motivation for the role.
Technical Deep Dive: A detailed conversation focusing on your technical skills, experience with AWS, and database migration methodologies.
Stakeholder Meeting: A meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the program's scope, challenges, and expectations.
Final Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and other senior leaders to assess your cultural fit, leadership skills, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Migration Case Studies: Highlight successful database migration projects, focusing on the challenges faced, strategies employed, and outcomes achieved.
AWS Architecture Diagrams: Showcase your understanding of AWS services by including architecture diagrams for migrated databases, demonstrating best practices and scalability.
Stakeholder Communication: Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, such as product managers or executives.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

AWS Services: Brush up on your knowledge of AWS services, with a focus on those relevant to database migration and managed cloud services.
Database Migration Methodologies: Review various database migration methodologies and best practices, ensuring you're familiar with the latest trends and approaches.
Stakeholder Management: Prepare for questions about managing stakeholders, including product teams, engineering leaders, and executives. Consider examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to build relationships, manage expectations, and drive consensus.

ATS Keywords: [List of relevant ATS keywords, organized by category]

📝 Enhancement Note: Xero's interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and leadership potential. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AWS, database migration methodologies, and stakeholder management in detail.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

AWS Services:

Database Services: Amazon RDS, Amazon Aurora, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Neptune, and other relevant AWS database services.
Migration Services: AWS Database Migration Service, AWS Schema Conversion Tool, and AWS Glue.
Infrastructure Services: Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, Amazon ECS, Amazon EKS, and other relevant AWS infrastructure services.

Database Technologies:

Relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server)
NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Amazon DynamoDB)
Cloud-native databases (e.g., Amazon Aurora, Google Cloud Spanner, Azure Cosmos DB)

Migration Tools:

AWS Database Migration Service
AWS Schema Conversion Tool
AWS Glue
Third-party migration tools (e.g., Talend, Informatica, Attunity)

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong understanding of AWS services, database technologies, and migration tools is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be familiar with the latest trends and best practices in cloud database migration and managed cloud services.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Xero's Values:

Human: We are passionate about creating exceptional experiences that help small businesses thrive.
Challenger: We embrace change, take smart risks, and continuously improve.
Collaborative: We work together, respect each other, and achieve more.
Responsible: We take responsibility for our work, our teams, and our communities.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Xero's teams work closely together, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between engineering, product, design, and marketing functions.
Code Review Culture: Xero places a strong emphasis on code review, ensuring high-quality products and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Knowledge Sharing: Xero encourages knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning, with a focus on helping team members grow and develop their skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Xero's values and collaboration style create a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation, continuous learning, and exceptional teamwork. Candidates should be prepared to embrace Xero's values and contribute to the company's collaborative culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Large-Scale Migration: Migrating large, complex databases to managed cloud services presents significant technical challenges, requiring a deep understanding of AWS services, database technologies, and migration methodologies.
Data Integrity: Ensuring data integrity throughout the migration process is critical, requiring careful planning, thorough testing, and robust validation processes.
Performance Optimization: Migrating databases to managed cloud services offers opportunities to optimize performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Candidates should be familiar with best practices for designing and implementing high-performing database architectures.
Emerging Technologies: Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends in cloud database management is essential for driving continuous improvement and innovation in Xero's infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Working on a complex, organization-wide migration project provides ample opportunities for the Technical Program Manager to develop their technical skills in AWS, database technologies, and migration methodologies.
Leadership Development: Leading a cross-functional team through a complex migration project offers numerous opportunities for the Technical Program Manager to develop their leadership skills, including stakeholder management, communication, and decision-making.
Emerging Technologies: Xero's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement ensures that the Technical Program Manager will have ample opportunities to explore emerging technologies and trends in cloud database management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be eager to tackle complex technical challenges, embrace continuous learning, and contribute to Xero's ongoing success in the cloud database management space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

AWS Services: Be prepared to discuss your experience with various AWS services, with a focus on those relevant to database migration and managed cloud services.
Database Migration Methodologies: Brush up on your knowledge of database migration methodologies and best practices, ensuring you're familiar with the latest trends and approaches.
Stakeholder Management: Prepare for questions about managing stakeholders, including product teams, engineering leaders, and executives. Consider examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to build relationships, manage expectations, and drive consensus.

Company & Culture Questions:

Xero's Values: Familiarize yourself with Xero's values and be prepared to discuss how you embody them in your work.
Collaboration Style: Understand Xero's collaboration style and be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in cross-functional teams in the past.
Technical Challenges: Research Xero's technical challenges and be prepared to discuss how you would approach them in this role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Migration Case Studies: Highlight successful database migration projects, focusing on the challenges faced, strategies employed, and outcomes achieved.
AWS Architecture Diagrams: Showcase your understanding of AWS services by including architecture diagrams for migrated databases, demonstrating best practices and scalability.
Stakeholder Communication: Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, such as product managers or executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Xero's interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AWS, database migration methodologies, and Xero's values and collaboration style in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Program Manager, Cloud Database Migration (AWS) position at Xero:

Submit your application through the application link: Xero's Careers Page
Tailor your resume and portfolio: Highlight your relevant experience with AWS, database migration methodologies, and stakeholder management, ensuring your application materials demonstrate your qualifications for this role.
Prepare for technical interviews: Brush up on your knowledge of AWS services, database migration methodologies, and Xero's values and collaboration style. Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your approach to technical challenges and stakeholder management.
Research Xero: Familiarize yourself with Xero's products, services, and company culture. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to Xero's ongoing success in the cloud database management space.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions about Technical Program Management, AWS, and database migration methodologies. All details should be verified directly with Xero before making application decisions.

Technical Program Manager, Cloud Database Migration (AWS)