Product Designer

PALO IT
Full-time
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📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: PALO IT

Location: PALO IT Sydney, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design (UX/UI Focus)

Date Posted: June 11, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level / Senior (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site (Sydney)

🎨 Role Summary

  • Crafting meaningful user experiences with a focus on digital products and services.
  • Driving the entire product design process, from initial research and discovery to high-fidelity prototyping and final handoff.
  • Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers and other designers, to ensure seamless end-to-end experiences.
  • Championing design thinking methodologies and best practices throughout the organization.
📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the required experience level (4+ years) and the scope of responsibilities (owning the entire design process, leading workshops), this role is positioned between a Mid-Level and Senior Product Designer, with a strong emphasis on end-to-end design ownership and collaboration.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

  • Facilitate and conduct comprehensive user research activities, including discovery sessions, usability testing, and stakeholder interviews, to uncover user needs and validate design concepts.
  • Create essential UX artifacts such as user journey maps, service blueprints, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to visualize user flows and design solutions.
  • Lead and facilitate design workshops with stakeholders to gather requirements, guide brainstorming sessions, and foster a collaborative design environment.
  • Collaborate closely with software engineers and other design team members to translate design concepts into functional and intuitive user experiences.
  • Design scalable design systems, style guides, and component libraries for websites, mobile applications, and digital products, ensuring consistency and maintainability across all touchpoints.
  • Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in the creation of polished user interface designs, visual assets, and interactive elements that enhance the overall product quality and user engagement.
  • Champion design best practices, contribute to the evolution of the design team's culture, and actively promote the adoption of design thinking principles across the business.
  • Explore and leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to streamline design workflows, enhance accuracy in design outputs, and drive innovation in product design solutions.
  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, effectively balancing competing priorities and addressing complex stakeholder requirements while maintaining high design standards.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on both strategic UX activities (research, artifacts, workshops) and detailed UI execution (high-fidelity designs, systems). The inclusion of AI tool usage is a modern requirement for product designers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, relevant field, or equivalent practical design experience is typically expected for a role of this level. While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio demonstrating formal design education principles is crucial.

Experience: A minimum of 4+ years of professional experience in product design, with a strong portfolio that clearly showcases thoughtful user experience (UX) and visual design (UI) work on shipped products. Experience managing complex projects with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in user research methodologies, including qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, and usability testing.
  • Expertise in creating key UX deliverables such as user journey maps, service blueprints, personas, user flows, and wireframes.
  • Strong visual design skills with a keen eye for detail, typography, color, and layout, capable of producing high-fidelity user interfaces and interactive prototypes.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions, rationale, and trade-offs clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including engineers, product managers, and other designers, throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Proficiency in Figma, the primary design tool used by the team, including experience with components, variants, auto layout, and prototyping features.
  • Experience designing and maintaining scalable design systems and component libraries to ensure consistency and efficiency.
  • A positive and proactive attitude, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to evolving project requirements, and remain focused on achieving strategic design goals.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience leading and facilitating design workshops, including brainstorming, ideation, and co-creation sessions.
  • Familiarity with leveraging AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance the design process and explore innovative solutions.
  • Experience working in a consultancy environment or on projects with diverse clients and industries.
  • Knowledge of front-end development principles and capabilities to facilitate effective collaboration with engineers.
📝 Enhancement Note: While a degree isn't explicitly listed, it's standard for this level. The emphasis on a strong portfolio and specific tool proficiency (Figma) is paramount for design roles. Preferred skills highlight areas for potential growth and added value.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Include 3-5 detailed case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end design process, from problem definition and research through ideation, iteration, and final design solutions.
  • Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project, especially in collaborative environments.
  • Showcase a range of projects that highlight your skills in both user experience (UX) and visual design (UI).
  • Provide examples of interactive prototypes that demonstrate user flows and micro-interactions.

Process Documentation:

  • Document your approach to user research, including methodologies used, key findings, and how insights informed your design decisions.
  • Illustrate your ideation process, showing sketches, wireframes, and low-fidelity prototypes that led to the final designs.
  • Explain your methods for testing and validating designs, including usability testing plans and results.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role at this level, a portfolio demonstrating a robust design process and the ability to articulate design decisions through case studies is critical. Highlighting both UX and UI skills is essential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: A Product Designer with 4+ years of experience in Sydney, Australia can expect a salary range typically between AUD $110,000 and $150,000 annually. This estimate is based on current market data for product design roles at consultancies of similar size and maturity in the Sydney area, considering factors like experience level, specific skills (e.g., Figma proficiency, AI tools), and the comprehensive nature of the role. Cost of living in Sydney is a significant factor in this range. (Source: Various Australian salary aggregators and design industry salary reports for Sydney.)

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to work in stimulating and innovative working environments.
  • Access to a unique and personalized career path framework designed for growth within the company.
  • Potential for international mobility and opportunities to work with global teams or on international projects.
  • Participation in internal R&D projects, fostering innovation and exploration of new technologies and design methodologies.
  • Emphasis on knowledge sharing through internal presentations, workshops, and collaborative platforms.
  • Access to personalized training and development programs to enhance design skills and explore new areas of expertise.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week. As a design professional in a consultancy environment, some flexibility may be required based on project timelines and client needs, but a healthy work-life balance is generally encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on typical compensation for Product Designers with similar experience in Sydney. The benefits package emphasizes professional growth, learning, and a stimulating work environment, which are attractive to design professionals.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting. PALO IT operates within a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, focusing on leveraging technology for positive impact. This context means designers will work on a variety of projects across different sectors, requiring adaptability and a broad understanding of user needs in diverse contexts.

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees globally, with a presence in 5 continents and 18 offices. This size suggests a well-established company with structured processes and resources, while still potentially offering a close-knit team environment within local offices like Sydney.

Founded: 2009. With over a decade of operation, PALO IT has a history of delivering technology solutions. Their B Corp certification and "tech as a force for good" mission indicate a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable design practices.

Team Structure:

  • The design team likely operates within a consultancy model, with designers assigned to specific client projects.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams (engineers, project managers, business analysts) is a core aspect of the structure.
  • Reporting lines likely involve design leads or managers within the local Sydney office, with potential reporting into regional or global design leadership.

Methodology:

  • Strong emphasis on agile and iterative design processes, given the consultancy nature and the need for rapid adaptation.
  • Likely utilizes Design Thinking frameworks for problem-solving and innovation.
  • Focus on user-centered design research and validation throughout the project lifecycle.

Company Website: https://www.palo-it.com

📝 Enhancement Note: PALO IT's focus on "tech as a force for good" and B Corp certification strongly influences the design culture, suggesting a focus on impactful and ethical design solutions. The consultancy model implies exposure to diverse projects and the need for strong client-facing skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned for a Product Designer with 4+ years of experience, indicating a level where the designer is expected to work with significant autonomy, lead design initiatives within projects, and mentor less experienced designers. Responsibilities include owning the entire design process for assigned projects.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Lead or Head of Design within the Sydney office or potentially a regional design manager. Collaboration with project managers and technical leads on specific client engagements is also a key part of the reporting dynamic.

Design Impact: Design has a significant impact on product and business decisions, especially within a consultancy model where design solutions directly address client challenges and contribute to project success. The "tech as a force for good" mission suggests an opportunity for designers to contribute to impactful projects.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential for advancement to a Senior Product Designer or Design Lead role based on performance, leadership skills, and contributions to the design team and company.
  • Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of design, such as UX research, service design, or AI-driven design, through personalized training and internal R&D projects.
  • Exposure to a variety of industries and project types due to the consultancy model, providing diverse experience for career growth.
📝 Enhancement Note: The company's size and structure suggest clear pathways for career progression within the design discipline. The focus on personalized training, R&D projects, and international mobility indicates a commitment to employee growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Based in the PALO IT Sydney office. This suggests an on-site or potentially hybrid work model, providing opportunities for in-person collaboration with the design team and other colleagues.

Office Location(s): PALO IT Sydney office at Tank Stream Labs, Level 5/24 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia. Located in a co-working space environment, which can offer opportunities for networking and exposure to other companies and professionals.

Design Workspace Context:

  • Likely offers dedicated workspace for the design team, facilitating collaboration and creative work.
  • Access to meeting rooms and collaborative spaces for workshops, critiques, and team discussions.
  • Equipped with necessary design tools and technology to support the design workflow.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely standard business hours aligned with client needs. Flexibility may exist depending on project requirements and team arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being located in a co-working space like Tank Stream Labs suggests a modern and potentially vibrant work environment, facilitating interaction not just within PALO IT but also with the broader tech and design community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

  • Initial screening call with HR or a recruiter to discuss background and fit. Prepare to articulate your career journey and interest in PALO IT and this specific role, emphasizing your alignment with their "tech for good" mission.
  • Portfolio review and interview with a Design Lead or Senior Designer. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key case studies from your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and impact.
  • Potential design challenge or take-home exercise. This will likely assess your ability to apply design thinking to a given problem, your tool proficiency (especially Figma), and your ability to articulate your design rationale.
  • Interview(s) with cross-functional team members (e.g., Product Manager, Engineer) and potentially a Hiring Manager or Director. These interviews will focus on collaboration skills, communication, and cultural fit within the team and company.
  • Final interview or discussion, potentially with leadership, to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Ensure your portfolio clearly highlights your end-to-end product design process, not just final deliverables.
  • For each case study, explain the problem you were solving, your research methods, key insights, design iterations, and the outcome or impact of your work.
  • Focus on demonstrating your proficiency in Figma and your ability to create both strong UX artifacts and polished UI designs.
  • Tailor your portfolio presentation to the type of work PALO IT does, potentially highlighting projects with a positive impact or those demonstrating strong collaboration with technical teams.

Challenge Preparation:

  • If given a take-home exercise, allocate sufficient time to understand the problem, conduct brief research (if applicable), explore different solutions, and clearly document your process and rationale.
  • For an in-person or virtual design challenge, practice articulating your thought process as you work through the problem.
  • Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and alternative solutions, demonstrating your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

ATS Keywords: Product Design, UX Design, UI Design, User Experience, User Interface, Figma, Prototyping, Wireframing, User Research, Usability Testing, Journey Mapping, Service Blueprinting, Design Thinking, Design Systems, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Workshop Facilitation, Agile, Iterative Design, Digital Products, Mobile Design, Web Design, Accessibility, Inclusive Design, Information Architecture, Concept Development, Ideation, User Flows, Design Critique, Portfolio, Case Study, AI Tools (Design), Problem Solving, Communication, Cross-functional Teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is standard for a Product Designer role, but the emphasis on portfolio review, a potential design challenge, and cultural fit interviews is key. Tailoring the portfolio and interview responses to PALO IT's mission and consultancy model will be advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

  • Figma: Explicitly stated as the go-to design tool. Proficiency is essential, including experience with features like components, variants, auto layout, and collaborative features for team projects.
  • Other potential tools for specific tasks may include Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for visual assets, depending on project needs.

Collaboration & Handoff:

  • Figma (for collaboration and developer handoff through Inspect mode or plugins).
  • Likely use of project management tools like Jira or Asana for tracking design tasks and collaborating with engineering teams.
  • Communication platforms such as Slack or Microsoft Teams for daily interaction and quick feedback.

Research & Testing:

  • Tools for conducting user interviews and usability testing (e.g., Zoom, Lookback, UserTesting.com).
  • Survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform).
  • Analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.
📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma simplifies the tool requirements. Understanding how these tools integrate into a collaborative workflow and support research and testing activities is important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

  • Tech as a Force for Good: Designing solutions that have a positive impact on people, the planet, and profit, aligning with PALO IT's B Corp certification and mission.
  • Collaboration: Working closely with cross-functional teams and other designers, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
  • Excellence: Striving for high-quality design outputs with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Adaptability: Being comfortable navigating ambiguity and adapting to change in a dynamic consultancy environment.

Collaboration Style:

  • Emphasis on cross-functional collaboration with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders throughout the design process.
  • Likely a culture of open feedback and design critiques to improve design solutions.
  • Knowledge sharing and internal initiatives to contribute to the growth of the design team and the company.
📝 Enhancement Note: PALO IT's core values and B Corp status strongly influence the expected design culture, emphasizing ethical considerations and positive impact in design work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

  • Balancing client requirements and business goals with user needs and ethical design principles, especially in a consultancy setting.
  • Managing multiple projects simultaneously with varying timelines, complexities, and stakeholder expectations.
  • Staying updated with the latest design trends, tools (including AI), and technologies to deliver innovative solutions.
  • Effectively communicating the value of design to clients and stakeholders who may have varying levels of design understanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Opportunities to work on diverse projects across different industries, expanding your design expertise and portfolio.
  • Access to personalized training programs and internal knowledge sharing sessions to develop new skills and stay current with industry best practices.
  • Participation in internal R&D projects allows for exploration of new design methodologies, tools, and technologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a design role in a consultancy, emphasizing the need for strong project management, communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities align with the company's commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

  • "Walk me through your design process for a recent project where you had significant ownership." (Be prepared to discuss your approach to research, ideation, testing, and iteration, using a case study from your portfolio as an example.)
  • "Describe a time you faced a challenging design problem and how you approached solving it." (Focus on your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to navigate constraints.)
  • "How do you incorporate user feedback into your design process?" (Provide specific examples of how you've conducted user research and used insights to inform your design decisions.)

Company Culture Questions:

  • "What does 'tech as a force for good' mean to you, and how would you incorporate this philosophy into your design work at PALO IT?" (Research PALO IT's mission and be prepared to discuss how your values align.)
  • "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic." (Highlight your experience working effectively with engineers, product managers, and other designers.)
  • "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, particularly in areas like AI in design?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning and interest in the future of design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Select 2-3 case studies that best showcase your end-to-end process, UX/UI skills, and ability to work on complex projects.
  • Structure your presentation to clearly articulate the problem, your process, key decisions, and the impact of your design work.
  • Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
  • Practice presenting your portfolio to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong design process, collaborative abilities, and alignment with PALO IT's values and mission. Tailoring responses to their specific context will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Ensure your resume is updated to highlight your relevant product design experience, skills (especially Figma and experience mentioned in the job description), and any projects aligning with the "tech for good" mission.
  • Prepare a compelling portfolio that showcases your end-to-end design process through detailed case studies, focusing on both UX and UI work.
  • Review PALO IT's website and social media to understand their recent projects, company culture, and commitment to sustainability and positive impact.
  • Practice articulating your design process and be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail during interviews.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
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