Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: StarRez

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-03-19

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for innovative SaaS products within the student housing sector, focusing on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.

• Conduct rigorous user research and usability testing to inform design decisions and ensure solutions directly address customer needs and pain points.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional product teams, including Product Managers and Engineers, within an agile development environment to deliver technically viable and user-centric design solutions.

• Champion user advocacy within the organization, translating complex user insights and data into actionable design strategies and tangible product improvements.

• Develop and maintain design systems, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to accessibility standards across all product touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, implying a need for strategic thinking, ownership of complex design problems, and the ability to mentor or influence others in design best practices, beyond just execution. The focus on SaaS and student housing software indicates a need for understanding complex workflows and enterprise-level user needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of innovative UX/UI solutions that enhance user engagement and product value.

• Own the complete design lifecycle for specific product features or areas, from initial problem definition and user research through to final design implementation and iteration.

• Proactively engage with customers through various discovery and testing methods to gather insights, validate design concepts, and ensure product-market fit.

• Advocate for the end-user throughout the product development process, ensuring their needs are prioritized and met by design solutions.

• Actively participate in agile ceremonies, contributing design expertise to sprint planning, backlog refinement, and retrospectives.

• Promote design best practices and foster a culture of design thinking and user-centricity across the organization.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the company's design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design output.

• Ensure all designs adhere to accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG), promoting inclusive product experiences for all users.

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure pixel-perfect implementation of designs and provide ongoing design support during development.

• Translate user feedback, data analytics, and market research into clear design rationales and problem statements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "owning design problems from start to finish" and "advocating for users within the business" suggests a high degree of autonomy and strategic influence for this role, common in senior design positions. The mention of "promoting best practice" and "encouraging others" points towards potential mentorship or leadership responsibilities within the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in product design, with a strong focus on SaaS applications.

• Proven experience working within cross-functional product teams utilizing agile methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and utilizing design systems and comprehensive design documentation.

Required Skills:

• User Research & Discovery: Proficiency in user research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and ethnographic studies, to gather deep user insights. Expertise in employing discovery techniques to identify user needs and inform design decisions.

• UX/UI Design: Strong command of UX principles and UI design best practices, with the ability to create intuitive, engaging, and visually appealing interfaces. Skill in sketching concepts, designing user flows, and building interactive prototypes.

• Problem Framing & Rationale: Ability to clearly define design problems, articulate design decisions with strong rationale, and support them with data and research findings.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders in an agile environment.

• Design Systems: Experience working with or contributing to design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability in design solutions.

• Accessibility: Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and experience in designing inclusive and user-friendly products for all abilities.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts and rationale clearly to diverse audiences.

• Prototyping & Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in startup or scale-up environments, demonstrating adaptability and initiative.

• Foundational knowledge of HTML/CSS to better understand design implementation constraints and possibilities.

• In-depth knowledge of WCAG guidelines and practical experience in ensuring designs meet stringent accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio and case studies demonstrating excellence in SaaS product design is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their process, problem-solving skills, and impact on user experience and business outcomes for complex software products. The mention of "comfortable at all levels of design" indicates a need for a broad skill set, from conceptualization to pixel-perfect execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of experience in SaaS product design.

• Case studies demonstrating end-to-end design ownership, from problem identification through to shipped solutions.

• Examples of user research activities conducted and how insights directly influenced design decisions.

• Prototypes or interactive mockups that clearly illustrate user flows and interaction design.

• Evidence of collaboration with development teams and understanding of technical constraints.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of working with or contributing to design systems, including style guides or component libraries.

• Documentation of design decisions, rationale, and user testing findings.

• Examples of user journey maps, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Understanding and application of agile design processes within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, the portfolio should not just display final designs but heavily emphasize the process – how problems were understood, how users were involved, the rationale behind design choices, and the measurable impact of those designs. Case studies should highlight the candidate's role in driving user-centric outcomes and fostering design excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, supporting skill advancement and career growth.

• Team Culture: Participation in weekly team lunches, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.

• Flexible Work Environment: Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

• Global Exposure: Opportunity to participate in monthly global meetings and collaborate with international teams, broadening professional perspectives.

• Z-Factor Value: Experience a culture that celebrates caring, energy, high performance, passion, and continuous improvement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 37.5-40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing in-office days with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in major Australian cities like Melbourne, considering the company's global presence and the SaaS industry. Benefits are derived directly from the job description, highlighting aspects attractive to design professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software (Student Housing Management)

Company Size: StarRez is a global leader with over 1,400 clients and supports over 4 million beds annually, indicating a significant market presence and established operations. While the exact employee count isn't specified, its global reach (US, Australia, UK, India) suggests a medium to large-sized organization.

Founded: StarRez has a history in providing innovative solutions, implying a company culture that values innovation and long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer reports to the Director, Design, indicating a structured design leadership.

• The role involves close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers, typical of agile product development teams.

• The design team likely includes other designers, researchers, and potentially UX writers, fostering a collaborative environment.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: The team operates within an agile framework, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and responsiveness to change.

• User-Centric Design: A strong emphasis on understanding and advocating for customer needs through research and testing is central to the design process.

• Design Systems: The use and development of design systems are integral to ensuring consistency and efficiency in product design across the platform.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Design choices are expected to be backed by data, research insights, and user feedback.

Company Website: [StarRez Company URL - Placeholder, as not provided in input]

📝 Enhancement Note: StarRez operates in a niche but critical sector of the higher education industry. The company's scale suggests a need for robust processes and a professional approach to product development, while its global presence indicates a diverse and potentially international workplace culture. The "Z-Factor" value highlights a focus on positive employee experience and high performance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer

This role signifies a mid-to-senior level position within the design function. It requires not only strong individual contribution skills but also the ability to influence product direction, mentor junior team members, and champion design best practices. The scope involves owning significant design problems and contributing to strategic product decisions.

Reporting Structure:

The Senior Product Designer reports directly to the Director, Design. This structure offers clear reporting lines and opportunities for mentorship from design leadership. Collaboration will extend across product management and engineering departments.

Operations Impact:

The design team's impact is directly tied to the user experience of StarRez's SaaS platform. By creating intuitive, efficient, and engaging interfaces, this role will influence customer adoption, satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, revenue generation for StarRez clients. The designer's advocacy for user needs also ensures the product remains competitive and meets evolving market demands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into Lead Product Designer or Design Manager roles, overseeing teams and strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, such as user research, interaction design, or accessibility.

• Product Strategy: Involvement in higher-level product strategy discussions, contributing design perspectives to roadmap planning and feature prioritization.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall growth of the design team's capabilities.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management or related roles with demonstrated success and broader business understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a trajectory towards leadership or deep specialization. Growth opportunities will likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, and potentially managing design resources or processes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Arrangement

StarRez offers a hybrid work model, allowing employees to balance work from home with time in the office. This approach aims to combine the benefits of remote flexibility with the advantages of in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and informal gathering spaces conducive to team interaction.

• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to the necessary design software, hardware, and collaboration tools required for their roles.

• Team Interaction: Hybrid work allows for planned in-office days dedicated to team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and relationship building, while remote days can focus on deep work and individual tasks.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule is expected. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility in how the work week is structured, with expectations for availability during core business hours for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Melbourne, Australia, suggests adherence to local work regulations and cultural norms. The emphasis on collaboration implies that in-office days are strategically planned for team-based activities and knowledge sharing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios to assess alignment with required qualifications and experience.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Director, Design, to discuss experience, portfolio, design philosophy, and cultural fit.

3. Design Challenge / Portfolio Presentation: A practical exercise or a detailed presentation of portfolio case studies, focusing on problem-solving, design process, and rationale. This may involve presenting to the design team or cross-functional stakeholders.

4. Cross-functional Interview: Discussion with Product Managers and/or Engineers to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the product development lifecycle.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each case study. How did you define the problem? Who were the users? What research methods did you employ? How did you iterate based on feedback?

• Showcase Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible. Did your work improve conversion rates, reduce support tickets, increase user satisfaction, or drive revenue?

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives that highlight challenges, your approach, and the successful outcomes.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that showcase your ability to handle different types of design problems, from conceptualization to detailed UI polish.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders.

• Address Accessibility: If applicable, showcase how you incorporated accessibility considerations into your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss a specific design problem related to SaaS or the student housing industry.

• Clearly articulate your problem-solving approach, including how you would gather information and validate solutions.

• Practice presenting your work concisely and confidently, anticipating questions about your design decisions.

• Understand StarRez's product and target audience to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is typical for a senior design role, emphasizing a deep dive into the candidate's portfolio and problem-solving capabilities. The "Design Challenge" or portfolio presentation is a critical stage where candidates must demonstrate their strategic thinking and practical application of design principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency expected in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. Candidates should be comfortable creating wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Design Systems: Experience with tools and methodologies for creating, managing, and utilizing design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Familiarity with agile project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) for tracking design tasks and collaborating with development teams.

• Experience with communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for day-to-day team interaction.

• Version control systems or design handoff tools (e.g., Zeplin, InVision Inspect) may also be utilized.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in a leading design tool like Figma. Experience with design systems is also key for a senior role aiming for consistency and scalability. Understanding how to leverage analytics and work within agile tools will enhance collaboration with engineering.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Advocacy: A core value is to deeply understand and champion the needs of customers, ensuring their experience is at the forefront of product development.

• Collaboration: Fostering a cooperative environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, experimentation, and a commitment to constantly enhancing products and processes.

• Excellence & Passion: A drive to deliver high-quality work with energy and enthusiasm, supported by a passionate team.

• Inclusivity: Commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all employees, celebrating diversity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role is embedded within cross-functional product teams, requiring close daily collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Agile Cadence: Embracing stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives to ensure smooth workflow and continuous feedback loops.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Proactive Engagement: Being approachable and proactive in seeking input and offering design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Z-Factor" value (caring, energetic, high-performing, passionate) suggests a dynamic and supportive team culture. The emphasis on inclusivity is a strong indicator of the company's commitment to diversity and equal opportunity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating user research into design solutions that also align with business objectives and technical feasibility.

• Designing for Complex Workflows: Understanding and simplifying intricate processes within student housing management for intuitive user interaction.

• Global Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive and user-friendly experience across diverse user bases and potentially different regional requirements.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying abreast of evolving design trends, tools, and accessibility standards in the SaaS landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific UX/UI areas through training, workshops, or challenging projects.

• Industry Exposure: Exposure to the student housing industry and the unique challenges faced by administrators and students.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced design leadership and contributing to the growth of junior team members.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining a broader understanding of product management, engineering, and business strategy through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior product designers in established SaaS companies, requiring strategic thinking and adaptability. Growth opportunities are aligned with advancing design expertise and potentially moving into leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Discuss a complex design problem you solved. How did you approach it, what were the key insights, and what was the outcome?

• How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints in your design process?

• Describe your experience working with design systems. What are the benefits, and how do you contribute to their development or maintenance?

• How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Walk us through your process.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in StarRez and the student housing industry?

• How do you foster collaboration within a cross-functional team?

• Describe a time you had to advocate for a user's needs against internal resistance.

• How do you stay up-to-date with design trends and best practices?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Tell a Clear Story: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, testing), your solutions, and the results.

• Highlight Your Contributions: Be specific about your individual contributions, especially in team projects.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs, and alternative solutions.

• Showcase Your Thinking: Explain the "why" behind your decisions, not just the "what."

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse to ensure you can present confidently and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust design process, strong user advocacy, and effective collaboration skills. Candidates should be ready to articulate their rationale and impact with specific examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the StarRez careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and clearly showcases your SaaS product design experience, with a strong emphasis on case studies demonstrating your end-to-end design process and impact. Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant skills such as user research, UI/UX design, and collaboration.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 3+ years of relevant experience, specific achievements in product design, proficiency in design tools, and experience with agile methodologies and design systems. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and rationale for design decisions. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your portfolio and how you embody StarRez's values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with StarRez's products, mission, and the student housing industry. Understand their target audience and business goals to demonstrate genuine interest and strategic alignment during interviews.

⚠️ 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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