Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: Commonwealth Bank Location: Eveleigh, NSW, Australia (Sydney CBD Area) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / User Experience Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-20 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Product Designer role focuses on enhancing user experiences within financial services, specifically in the Money Management and Home Buying domains.
• The position requires end-to-end design ownership, from discovery research and service design to UI design and iterative delivery within an agile framework.
• The designer will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Business SMEs, and Researchers to translate customer and staff needs into scalable, user-centric solutions.
• A key aspect of the role involves applying systems thinking and service design principles to create holistic offerings that anticipate user needs and support staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the emphasis on "service design," "systems thinking," and "cross-functional collaboration" within an agile environment, alongside the goal of driving "customer and business value," strongly aligns with the principles of operations-focused design roles. This role requires bridging user needs with technical feasibility and business objectives, a core tenet of effective operations. The focus on "measuring and validating impact post-launch" also points to an operations-oriented approach to product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead customer discovery initiatives, including research, workshops, and co-design sessions, to identify user problems and inform product strategy.
• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs that balance user desirability with engineering feasibility.
• Apply systems thinking and service design methodologies to craft integrated offerings that cater to both customer and staff needs.
• Partner with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the agile product development lifecycle, from initial problem framing to final iteration and delivery.
• Champion customer-centricity and advocate for best-in-class user experiences across product development stages.
• Contribute to product strategy and roadmap development by grounding decisions in customer insights, design thinking principles, and data analysis.
• Facilitate design critiques and workshops, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance product outcomes and team collaboration.
• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the company's design system to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency.
• Measure and validate the impact of launched features through qualitative and quantitative data, driving continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are heavily focused on the product development lifecycle and user experience, which are critical components of supporting business operations and driving customer engagement. The emphasis on "leading discovery," "translating insights," "collaborating closely," and "measuring impact" highlights a structured, process-driven approach to product design that is essential for efficient operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in design principles, user experience, and human-computer interaction is expected, often gained through formal education in Design, HCI, Psychology, or related fields, or equivalent practical experience. Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in end-to-end digital product design within agile, cross-functional product teams.

Required Skills:

• 3+ years of end-to-end digital product design experience in cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to lead discovery and delivery activities with customers, product, and engineering stakeholders.
• Strong understanding and practical application of human-centred design methodologies in fast-paced agile environments.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas to diverse audiences.
• Strong interaction and UI design skills with meticulous attention to detail and craft.
• Experience designing for complex systems, services, or platforms.
• Proficiency with modern design tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Basic understanding of front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, design tokens).
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and complexity, balancing customer needs with business goals.
• A portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design thinking, craft, and measurable impact.
• Growth mindset and a drive for continuous learning and capability development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the Financial Services industry.
• Exposure to design systems management and contribution.
• Up-to-date knowledge of new innovations and technology trends relevant to digital products.
• Familiarity with metrics-driven product development, including running experiments and A/B testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core design competencies as well as critical operational support skills such as collaboration, communication, understanding of agile development, and the ability to work within a structured design system. The preference for financial services experience and metrics-driven development further highlights the operational context of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design thinking, demonstrating a clear process from problem definition to solution delivery.
• Highlight specific case studies that illustrate the application of human-centred design, research, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.
• Include examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Engineers) and how you influenced product strategy.
• Demonstrate experience with complex systems or platforms, outlining the challenges and solutions implemented.
• Quantify impact where possible, presenting metrics or qualitative feedback that validate the success of your design solutions and their contribution to business goals.
• Evidence of contribution to or understanding of design systems for consistency and scalability.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including how they conduct user research, validate concepts, iterate on designs, and hand off to engineering.
• Articulate how you apply systems thinking and service design principles to map out user journeys and service blueprints.
• Explain your approach to integrating feedback from design critiques, A/B tests, and post-launch analysis into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is critical for this role, serving as proof of design capability and process execution. The emphasis on "end-to-end thinking," "measurable impact," and "collaboration" aligns with operations expectations for designers who can deliver tangible business value through well-defined and executed processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on typical mid-level Product Designer roles in Sydney, Australia (August 2025), the estimated salary range is AUD $100,000 - $140,000 per annum. This range considers the experience level (3+ years), the industry (Financial Services), and the location in a major metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for professional development, including learning budgets and access to design communities.
• Employee assistance programs and financial wellness resources.
• Access to CommBank's extensive range of banking and financial products and services.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Generous paid time off and leave policies.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, there may be a degree of flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and business needs, which is common in agile environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on market data for Product Designers with 3+ years of experience in Sydney, Australia, as of August 2025. Benefits are common offerings within large financial institutions and are tailored to attract and retain talent in specialized roles like design. Working hours are standard for full-time employment with potential for agile flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking) Company Size: Large Enterprise (Commonwealth Bank Group is one of Australia's largest financial institutions with tens of thousands of employees globally). Founded: 1911. Commonwealth Bank has a long history of serving Australian customers, evolving with technological advancements and market needs.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will join the "Design Chapter" within the "Engagement and Loyalty Crew," focusing on the "Money Management" area.
• This structure implies a chapter-model where designers are grouped by discipline (Design Chapter) but embedded within cross-functional agile teams (Crews) focused on specific product areas.
• The role will involve close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, UX Researchers, Business Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and potentially other designers.

Methodology:

• The team operates within an agile environment, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Design thinking and human-centred design methodologies are central to the approach, aiming to deeply understand and address customer and staff needs.
• A data-driven approach is encouraged, with a focus on measuring product impact and using insights for iteration and improvement.
• The company is committed to innovation and improving customer experiences, particularly in digital banking services.

Company Website: https://www.commbank.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as customer-first and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on innovation and professional growth. The chapter-crew model is a common agile structure that fosters both specialized skill development and focused product delivery, aligning with operational efficiency and team synergy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Product Designer. This role is suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of dedicated product design experience who are ready to take on more ownership and lead design initiatives within product teams. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design within their chapter, while being embedded within a cross-functional product crew led by a Product Manager. This dual reporting structure is typical in agile organizations. Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of digital banking products, influencing customer satisfaction, operational efficiency for staff, and ultimately, the bank's revenue and market position. By creating intuitive and user-friendly experiences, the designer contributes to reduced customer support costs and increased product adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like service design, systems thinking, or advanced UI/interaction design.
• Design System Contribution: Potential to become involved in the management and evolution of the design system, a critical operational asset for consistency.
• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success, growth into Senior Product Designer roles, Design Lead positions, or specialization in UX research or product strategy.
• Cross-Domain Exposure: Opportunities to work on different product areas within the bank, broadening experience in financial services design.
• Formal Training & Mentorship: Access to internal and external training, conferences, and mentorship programs to enhance design capabilities and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a large, established organization. The emphasis on "measurable impact" and "operational efficiency" suggests that successful designers will be recognized for their contributions to business outcomes, facilitating career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Eveleigh, NSW, within the Sydney CBD Area, indicating a corporate office environment. Office Location(s): 1 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh, NSW, Australia. This location is part of the broader Sydney CBD area, known for its accessibility via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative office setting with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design studios.
• Access to modern design tools and technology will be standard.
• Opportunities for informal and formal collaboration with team members across product, engineering, and research will be readily available.
• The environment is likely to foster innovation and a focus on user experience best practices.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is on-site, Monday through Friday. While the core hours are fixed, the agile nature of the teams may allow for some flexibility in daily start and end times, provided work commitments and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for design-centric roles requiring whiteboarding, brainstorming, and direct team interaction, contributing to efficient operational workflows.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members (e.g., Product Manager, Lead Designer) to delve into experience, problem-solving skills, and design philosophy.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A crucial stage where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing end-to-end design thinking, process, and impact. This may include a specific design challenge or case study deep-dive.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or cross-functional stakeholders to assess strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the problem, your role, the process followed, key decisions, challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes.
• Process Focus: Emphasize your design process, including research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping, user testing, and iteration. Discuss how you apply human-centred design and systems thinking.
• Collaboration: Highlight how you collaborated with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders. Showcase examples of influencing product direction.
• Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. Use metrics, user feedback, or business outcomes to demonstrate the value of your design work.
• Craftsmanship: Ensure your UI designs are polished, well-articulated, and demonstrate an eye for detail.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your best 2-3 projects within a given timeframe, focusing on quality over quantity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a hypothetical design challenge that might involve problem framing, user flow creation, wireframing, or UI mockups based on a given scenario.
• Practice articulating your design rationale and decision-making process clearly and concisely.
• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a complex financial product design problem, considering user needs, business goals, and regulatory requirements.
• Think about how you would integrate feedback and iterate on your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the candidate's ability to demonstrate their design process, collaborative skills, and tangible impact, which are key operational indicators for design roles. A well-prepared portfolio and presentation are critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary tool expected), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD).
• Collaboration: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for agile workflow management and communication.
• Research & Testing: User research platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behaviour and measure product performance.
• Experience with data visualization tools or dashboards for reporting on user insights and product metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design integrates with customer journeys managed via CRM systems can be beneficial.
• Experience with design systems and component libraries for efficient UI development and maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design tools like Figma is essential for efficient workflow and collaboration. Understanding analytics and data reporting tools is crucial for demonstrating the operational impact of design decisions and for iterative product improvement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs is paramount, driving all design decisions.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and providing constructive feedback are highly valued.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, embracing technology, and continuously seeking ways to improve user experiences and operational processes.
• Excellence & Craft: A dedication to high-quality design, attention to detail, and delivering polished, functional products.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using insights from research and analytics to inform design choices and measure success.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration within agile squads, fostering open communication and shared ownership.
• Design critiques are a regular part of the process, encouraging peer feedback and continuous improvement of design work.
• Designers are expected to actively participate in agile ceremonies (stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives) and contribute to product strategy discussions.
• A culture of knowledge sharing and mentorship is encouraged to elevate the skills of the entire design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team values are aligned with operational excellence, emphasizing efficiency through collaboration, data-informed decisions, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement in product delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: Designing for complex financial services products requires balancing user needs with stringent regulatory requirements and technical constraints.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design decisions and advocating for user needs among diverse stakeholders with varying priorities.
• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Introducing new features and experiences while ensuring the stability and reliability of core banking systems.
• Measuring Impact: Clearly demonstrating the ROI and business impact of design initiatives in a data-heavy industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas such as service design, journey mapping, behavioural economics, and accessibility.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the financial services sector and its unique design challenges.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior designers and leaders for guidance and career development.
• Learning Budgets: Financial support for attending industry conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay current with design trends and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in the financial sector, requiring designers to be adaptable and process-oriented. The growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and industry-specific knowledge, which are valuable for long-term career development in operations-adjacent design roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach designing a new feature for our mobile banking app, considering both user needs and current operational constraints?" Be prepared to discuss your process, potential research methods, and how you'd involve engineering and product management.
• Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to influence a Product Manager or Engineer to adopt a user-centric design solution. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" Focus on communication, empathy, and data-backed arguments.
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a user is struggling to complete a loan application online. Walk us through how you would diagnose the problem and design a solution." Emphasize your diagnostic process, ideation, and iteration.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations: "What are your thoughts on the current digital banking landscape, and how do you see Commonwealth Bank innovating in this space?" Show you've researched the company and understand its market position.
• Team Dynamics: "How do you typically collaborate with product managers and engineers in an agile environment? What makes for a successful cross-functional partnership?" Highlight your experience with agile ceremonies and team communication.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work? Can you provide an example of a design decision that had a measurable business impact?" Be ready to discuss metrics and your data analysis approach.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation with a clear story for each project: the challenge, your role, the process, your contributions, the solution, and the impact.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) are clean, well-organized, and easy to understand.
• Process Demonstration: Clearly articulate why you made certain design choices and how your process led to the final solution.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Practice presenting to simulate a real interview. Be ready to answer questions about your process, decisions, and impact.
• Conciseness: Aim for impactful storytelling within the allocated time, focusing on your most relevant projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions requires understanding the operational context of product design within a large financial institution. Demonstrating a structured process, collaborative approach, and ability to measure impact will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Commonwealth Bank careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate end-to-end product design, especially those involving complex systems, financial services, or significant user impact. Show your process clearly.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your 3+ years of experience in digital product design, human-centred design, and agile environments. Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, collaboration strategies, and how you measure design impact. Prepare your portfolio presentation to be clear, concise, and impactful.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Commonwealth Bank's recent digital initiatives, its market position in financial services, and its stated company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.