Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Cadmus

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-04-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for remote within Australia)

🚀 Role Summary

• Owns the end-to-end product design lifecycle for core platform features within a SaaS educational technology environment, focusing on user experience and academic integrity.

• Drives design strategy from problem discovery and framing through to high-fidelity delivery and iterative improvements, directly impacting millions of students and tens of thousands of academics.

• Collaborates closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Learning teams to ensure design intent translates into production reality and measurable user improvements.

• Contributes to and strengthens the company's design system, enhancing overall product quality, consistency, and development efficiency for engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as "Hybrid," yet the location type is "TELECOMMUTE," and the derived remote status is "true." This suggests a strong emphasis on remote work, potentially with occasional in-person collaboration in Melbourne, Australia, or flexibility for candidates located elsewhere in Australia. The "Hybrid" designation may refer to the blend of design strategy and execution, or the collaboration between remote and in-office teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for core platform areas, encompassing user research, problem definition, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity visual design.

• Conduct user research to uncover genuine insights into academic and student needs, shifting product team perspectives and informing meaningful product direction.

• Develop and maintain design specifications and documentation for engineering teams, ensuring accurate implementation and minimizing the gap between design and production.

• Enhance and contribute to the Cadmus design system, promoting consistency, scalability, and efficient application of design principles across the product.

• Measure the impact of design initiatives through adoption rates, support volume reduction, and qualitative feedback from academic users.

• Translate complex institutional requirements and learning theory into simple, intuitive, and effective user experiences.

• Present and defend design decisions clearly, incorporating feedback and adapting designs based on strong arguments and user data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "design that worked" over "design that looked right," highlighting a results-oriented approach. Responsibilities will likely involve deep dives into user workflows, assessment methodologies, and the nuances of academic integrity within a SaaS context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is beneficial but not explicitly stated as a requirement. A strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience is paramount.

Experience: 5+ years of dedicated product design experience within a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) environment.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in end-to-end product design, evidenced by a strong portfolio showcasing both visual craft and clear, strategic thinking.

• Genuine depth in interaction design and information architecture, with a proven ability to structure complex systems for user simplicity.

• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma or equivalent, and a disciplined approach to design system development and maintenance.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating and defending design decisions, and engaging in productive design critiques.

• Ability to conduct user research, frame problems effectively, and translate insights into actionable design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for the education technology (EdTech) sector, particularly in assessment, learning management systems (LMS), or academic integrity platforms.

• Familiarity with learning theory and its application in product design.

• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven iteration for product improvements.

• Visual design and branding sensibility to contribute to a cohesive and professional product aesthetic.

• Experience working in a small, high-impact design team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "genuine depth" in interaction design and information architecture suggests that a candidate's portfolio should clearly illustrate their ability to solve complex structural problems and create intuitive user flows, not just aesthetically pleasing interfaces.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio that demonstrably showcases strong craft and clear thinking, with a focus on the impact and effectiveness of design solutions rather than solely polished visuals.

• Case studies illustrating the end-to-end design process, from discovery and problem framing through to high-fidelity delivery and post-launch iteration.

• Examples of design work that have led to measurable improvements in user experience, adoption, or support volume.

• Clear articulation of design decisions, the rationale behind them, and how they address specific user needs or business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, workflows, and system specifications for seamless collaboration with engineering and product teams.

• Experience in framing problems and conducting user research that leads to actionable insights and shifts product direction.

• Demonstrated process for iterating on designs based on user feedback, performance metrics, and iterative testing.

• Examples of how design decisions have closed the gap between design intent and production reality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should strongly highlight the candidate's ability to deliver tangible results and demonstrate clear thinking, aligning with Cadmus's focus on "design that worked." Candidates should be prepared to discuss the business impact and user outcomes of their past projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Product Designers in Melbourne, Australia, with 5-10 years of experience in SaaS, a competitive salary range would likely fall between AUD $120,000 - $170,000 per annum. This range accounts for the specialized nature of EdTech and the emphasis on end-to-end ownership.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work on a platform with significant impact on millions of students and academics.

• Close collaboration with product, engineering, and learning teams, fostering a rich learning environment.

• Access to real users across multiple countries for research and feedback.

• Influence over product direction and design system development in a small, impactful team.

• Potential for flexible work arrangements within Australia, aligning with the hybrid/remote nature of the role.

• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement in a complex and interesting domain.

Working Hours: The role is advertised as Full-Time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The "Hybrid" and "TELECOMMUTE" designations suggest flexibility in how and when these hours are managed, with expected availability for core collaboration times.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate based on typical market rates for similar roles in Melbourne, Australia. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. Benefits are inferred from the company description and typical offerings for SaaS companies in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Education Technology (EdTech), focused on Assessment and Academic Integrity.

Company Size: Cadmus is a growing company, likely falling into the Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) category, which implies a dynamic and agile work environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: While not explicitly stated, the company's focus on a modern platform suggests it is likely a relatively established but forward-thinking organization.

Team Structure:

• The design team is described as "small," indicating close-knit collaboration and direct reporting lines.

• Designers work "close to the problem," implying direct engagement with product managers, engineers, and the learning team, rather than being siloed.

Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and measurable outcomes ("design that worked").

• User-centric approach, with direct access to and research with real users.

• Iterative development and post-launch evaluation of design impact.

• Discipline in design systems to ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency.

• Honest communication about trade-offs and costs associated with design decisions.

Company Website: cadmusgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to value pragmatism, impact, and deep understanding of the domain. Candidates should be prepared for a culture that prioritizes results and robust reasoning over purely aesthetic considerations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Product Designer role is mid-to-senior level, requiring 5+ years of experience. It offers significant ownership and end-to-end responsibility, positioning it as a key contributor within the product development lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a small design team likely means reporting to a Head of Design, Design Lead, or potentially a Product Lead. The emphasis on close collaboration suggests direct interaction with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences the core user experience for millions of students and tens of thousands of academics, impacting the perceived integrity and usability of assessments. This role has a direct line of sight to business objectives related to user adoption, retention, and academic outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in Interaction Design, Information Architecture, User Research, and Design Systems within the specialized EdTech domain.

• Leadership Potential: As the design team grows, opportunities for mentorship, leading design initiatives, or specialization in areas like design systems or user research may emerge.

• Cross-functional Mastery: Develop a strong understanding of Product Management, Engineering, and Learning Science principles by working closely with these functions.

• Impactful Contributions: Shape the future of assessment design and academic integrity through direct product influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial autonomy and the chance to make a significant mark. Career growth will likely be tied to demonstrating impact and taking on increasing scope within the product and design strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description mentions "working at Cadmus" and "design operates close to the problem," suggesting a collaborative office environment in Melbourne. However, the "TELECOMMUTE" and "Hybrid" designations indicate significant flexibility, allowing for remote work within Australia.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Specific office details are not provided, but a hybrid model implies access to a central workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: Designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and the learning team, fostering a highly collaborative environment.

• Tools & Technology: Access to design tools like Figma and a robust design system will be integral to the workspace.

• User Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with a diverse user base across multiple countries.

• Agile Environment: The small team size suggests an agile and fast-paced setting where quick iteration and feedback loops are common.

Work Schedule: Full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexibility, likely accommodating remote work and allowing for asynchronous collaboration across different time zones or working styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature means candidates should be comfortable with both independent remote work and collaborative in-person or virtual sessions. The focus on "close to the problem" suggests a culture of direct communication and rapid feedback.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, craft, and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Presentation: A deep dive into selected case studies, focusing on the end-to-end design process, problem-solving, user research, design decisions, and measurable impact. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and rationale.

• Skills Assessment: Potential exercises or discussions focused on interaction design, information architecture, or problem framing.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Conversations with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially members of the Learning team to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, vision, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end ownership, problem-solving skills, interaction design depth, and measurable results.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process undertaken, the design decisions made (and why), the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved (quantified where possible).

• Highlight Impact: Emphasize how your design work improved the user experience, adoption, or other key metrics. Use phrases like "demonstrably improved," "measurable," and "shifted the direction."

• Showcase Design System Contribution: If applicable, detail your involvement in building or contributing to design systems, explaining how it raised the quality bar.

• Be Honest About Trade-offs: Discuss any compromises made and the reasoning behind them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem Framing: Practice articulating how you would approach a vague problem statement common in EdTech (e.g., "improve student engagement with assessments").

• Interaction & IA: Be ready to discuss how you would design complex workflows or information structures for academic users.

• User Research: Prepare to explain your approach to conducting research with academics and students, and how you translate findings into actionable design.

• Design System Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you'd maintain consistency and efficiency through a design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cadmus specifically asks for "design that worked." Your portfolio and interview responses must prove you can deliver tangible, measurable improvements, not just aesthetically pleasing designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned), or equivalent industry-standard tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Design Systems: Experience with building, maintaining, and utilizing design systems is crucial.

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Dovetail).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to track user behavior and measure design impact would be highly beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the Product Designer role, but an understanding of how CRM and automation tools might integrate with or impact user workflows could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a hard requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with design systems in detail, as it's highlighted as a key area for contribution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A core value is creating "design that worked" and demonstrably improved user experience and academic outcomes.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: High standards for visual and interaction design, with a focus on raising the quality bar across the product and through the design system.

• User-Centricity: Deep care for the quality of the student experience and the clarity of the academic workflow.

• Honesty & Transparency: Openness about trade-offs and the costs associated with design decisions.

• Intellectual Curiosity: An interest in the complexity of educational software, learning theory, and institutional behavior.

Collaboration Style:

• Close Integration: Designers work directly with Product Managers, Engineers, and the Learning team, fostering a highly integrated and collaborative approach.

• Direct Communication: Expect to "hold your own in conversations" that go beyond interface design, indicating a culture of direct, robust discussion and debate.

• Iterative Feedback: Working in a small team with quick shipping cycles implies a culture of continuous feedback and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values, particularly the emphasis on measurable impact and intellectual engagement with the EdTech domain.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of EdTech: Navigating the intricate landscape of educational software, institutional behaviors, and diverse user needs (students vs. academics).

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Ensuring high-fidelity designs are implementable and maintainable within a SaaS environment.

• Measuring Impact in Academia: Quantifying the success of design interventions in an academic context, which may have longer feedback cycles.

• Elevating Design Standards: As a small team, the designer will need to proactively drive improvements in design quality and consistency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Becoming an expert in assessment design, academic integrity, and learning theory within the EdTech space.

• Design System Leadership: Opportunity to significantly shape and potentially lead the evolution of the Cadmus design system.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining deep insights into product management methodologies, engineering processes, and educational pedagogy.

• Strategic Influence: Contributing directly to the product strategy and user experience for a platform used by millions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are opportunities for growth. Candidates who thrive in complex, impactful environments and are eager to learn will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for academic integrity that doesn't add friction to the student or academic workflow?" (Focus on problem framing, user needs, and trade-offs).

• "Describe a time your user research significantly changed the direction of a product feature. What was the process, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight user research methodology and impact).

• "How do you ensure your designs are not just visually appealing but also functionally effective and measurable in a SaaS context?" (Emphasize "design that worked" and data-driven approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for educational technology and the specific challenges of academic integrity?" (Demonstrate domain curiosity).

• "How would you contribute to and evolve our design system?" (Showcase design system thinking and collaboration).

• "Describe your experience working in a small, agile design team. How do you manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively?" (Highlight collaboration and adaptability).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on "Worked": For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, the solutions, and – most importantly – the measurable impact and outcomes achieved.

• Structure for Clarity: Follow a logical flow: Problem -> Your Role -> Research/Discovery -> Ideation -> Design Solutions -> Iteration/Refinement -> Outcomes/Impact.

• Quantify Success: Use metrics (adoption rates, task completion times, satisfaction scores, reduction in support tickets) wherever possible to demonstrate effectiveness.

• Discuss Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss difficult decisions, compromises, and why you made them, showing strategic thinking.

• Highlight Design System Contribution: If you have relevant experience, clearly articulate how you built, maintained, or leveraged a design system to improve product quality and development efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to deeply discuss the "why" behind their design decisions and demonstrate a clear connection between their work and tangible user or business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 projects that best exemplify end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, measurable impact, and design system contributions. Focus on the "design that worked" principle.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your 5+ years of SaaS product design experience, proficiency in Figma, and expertise in interaction design and information architecture. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, research findings, and the impact of your work. Be ready to present case studies that demonstrate tangible results and strong rationale for your design decisions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cadmus's mission, platform, and the challenges within EdTech. Understand their emphasis on academic integrity and user experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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