Senior UX Designer at Macquarie Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer Company: Macquarie Group Location: Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde, Australia Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-05 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the end-to-end UX/UI design process, from conceptualization through to developer handover and validation, emphasizing a student-centric approach to enhance the prospective student journey.
Drive the transformation of current-state user journeys into intuitive user flows and wireframes, specifically targeting the 'attract' and 'consider' stages of student engagement to boost conversion rates.
Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, advisory board presentations, data analysis, and usability testing, to deeply understand student and business needs for improved user experience.
Collaborate cross-functionally with business owners, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Business Analysts, Administrators, and Developers to ensure seamless integration and effective implementation of UX/UI designs.
Serve as an evangelist for Macquarie's Global Experience Macquarie (GEM) design system and the Salesforce Lightning Design System, ensuring consistency, scalability, and brand adherence across all digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a "Student 360 Program," indicating a strategic initiative to improve the entire student lifecycle. The focus on marketing automation technology (Salesforce) and lead generation/conversion for the 'attract' and 'consider' stages suggests a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) operations alignment, where UX directly impacts marketing and sales funnel efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Spearhead the UX/UI design lifecycle from initial concept development through to final implementation, ensuring alignment with project goals and user needs.
Execute a rigorous user research strategy, employing methods such as user interviews, student advisory board engagement, data analytics, and usability testing to gather actionable insights.
Optimize the usability and engagement of digital platforms and services for both students and staff, translating research findings into tangible design improvements.
Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with business stakeholders, technical teams, and administrative staff to gather requirements, validate designs, and facilitate successful project delivery.
Champion the consistent application of the GEM design system and Salesforce Lightning Design System, ensuring brand integrity, visual consistency, and scalability across all user interfaces.
Develop user flows, wireframes, storyboards, and UI designs that effectively communicate design concepts and validate user experience hypotheses.
Apply user behavior data and research findings to inform the creation of innovative designs and intuitive interfaces that address specific user pain points and opportunities.
Present designs and research findings to senior stakeholders through workshops and showcases, both online and in-person, to gain buy-in and drive decision-making.
Adhere to a structured, process-based approach to UX creation, following the Empathize, Discover, Ideate, Prototype, Test, Developer Handover, and Validation (EDIPTDV) methodology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong process-driven methodology (EDIPTDV), which is critical for structured operations. The focus on Salesforce integration and marketing automation highlights the role's impact on GTM operations, requiring an understanding of how UX design influences lead generation and conversion funnels.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Possess a degree in Digital UX Design, Visual Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field, or demonstrate equivalent extensive practical experience.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in UI/UX design, with a proven track record in user-centric, interaction, and visual design principles.
Demonstrated experience in leading UX/UI design processes from concept to implementation, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.
Proven ability to design intuitive user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes that effectively validate design ideas and measurably improve usability.
Extensive experience in applying user behavior data and research methodologies to create innovative and user-friendly designs and interfaces.
Experience working with large-scale projects, managing multiple deliverables, and consistently meeting tight project deadlines within a dynamic environment.

Required Skills:

Advanced proficiency in user-centric design approaches, interaction design standards, and established UX methodologies.
Expertise in creating storyboards, user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity UI designs.
Advanced proficiency with design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma (or equivalent) for UX/UI design and user flows, and Miro for collaborative workshops.
Strong understanding and practical application of design systems, including experience in evangelizing and leveraging them for consistency and scalability.
Exceptional collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams including business owners, SMEs, BAs, developers, and administrators.
Proficiency in conducting and interpreting user research, including user interviews, data analysis, and usability testing.
Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationales and research findings to senior stakeholders.
High attention to detail, coupled with strong creative and analytical problem-solving capabilities.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with Salesforce Lightning Design System.
Familiarity with Service Design principles and application in practice.
Experience in higher education or a similar complex organizational environment.
Understanding of marketing automation technologies and their impact on user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Figma and Miro proficiency is key for collaboration and workflow visualization in operations roles. The emphasis on presenting to senior stakeholders and a structured design process (EDIPTDV) indicates a need for strong communication and process discipline, common in operational excellence initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX/UI design projects, highlighting the application of user-centric design principles and methodologies.
Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process followed, key design decisions, and measurable outcomes.
Present wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs that showcase your design thinking and execution capabilities.
Evidence of user research, usability testing, and how these insights informed design iterations and improvements.
Showcase examples of leveraging or contributing to design systems to ensure consistency and scalability.

Process Documentation:

Provide examples of how you document your design process, including user research findings, design rationale, and handoff specifications for developers.
Illustrate your approach to iterative design, including how feedback from testing and stakeholders is incorporated into design refinements.
Demonstrate familiarity with documenting workflow navigation components as part of the broader Student 360 Program.

📝 Enhancement Note: For UX roles impacting GTM or operational efficiency, a portfolio that demonstrates not just aesthetic design but also process improvement, user journey optimization, and measurable impact on conversion or engagement is highly valued. This aligns with operations' focus on efficiency and ROI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Annual base salary from AUD $119,050 to $132,475 (HEW Level 8).
📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is competitive for a Senior UX Designer role in Sydney, Australia, considering the HEW Level 8 classification typically aligns with significant experience and responsibility. The benchmark aligns with industry standards for senior UX professionals in major Australian cities.

Benefits:

17% employer's superannuation contribution.
Subsidised onsite parking options.
Flexible working options, supporting a hybrid work environment.
Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
Onsite childcare facilities and vacation care services.
Discounted health insurance through Medibank.
Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre.
Onsite amenities including GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics.
Annual leave loading.

Working Hours:

Hybrid Full-time, fixed-term role until December 2026.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration for workshops and user testing, and remote work for focused design tasks, typical of modern operations and design roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Technology Implementation Company Size: Large (Macquarie University is a significant institution) Founded: 1964 (Established in 1964, celebrating 60 years in 2024)

Team Structure:

The role is part of the "Student 360 Program," suggesting a dedicated project team focused on enhancing student engagement and service delivery.
You will collaborate within your assigned workstream and across other workstreams, indicating a matrixed or project-based team structure.
The UX team likely works closely with marketing, IT, student services, and business analysis departments to achieve program objectives.

Methodology:

The company emphasizes a pioneering culture, encouraging unconventional thinking and collaboration.
The UX process follows a structured, user-centric approach (Empathize, Discover, Ideate, Prototype, Test, Handover, Validate).
There's a strong emphasis on leveraging design systems (GEM, Salesforce Lightning) for consistency and efficiency.
Data analysis and user research are integral to informing design decisions and driving improvements.

Company Website: https://www.mq.edu.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Macquarie University's founding ethos of breaking from educational traditions to work with industry suggests a forward-thinking environment. The focus on user experience within a large educational institution implies a blend of complex stakeholder management and a drive for digital transformation, mirroring challenges often seen in large-scale GTM operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Specialist

This role is classified as a Senior UX Designer, indicating a high level of expertise and autonomy. You are expected to lead design efforts, mentor junior team members (if any), and influence design strategy.

Reporting Structure:

You will likely report to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or a Program Director within the Student 360 Program.
Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring you to work effectively with various departments and stakeholders.

Operations Impact:

Your work directly impacts the university's ability to attract and convert prospective students, influencing enrollment numbers and revenue generation through improved digital experiences.
By optimizing the student journey and employee experience, you contribute to operational efficiency and overall stakeholder satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

Deepen expertise in UX design within the higher education sector and in conjunction with marketing automation platforms like Salesforce.
Potential to transition into leadership roles (e.g., Lead UX Designer, UX Manager) or specialize in areas like Service Design or User Research.
Gain exposure to large-scale digital transformation projects and advanced design system implementation.
Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences to stay abreast of UX and operations best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a senior role, the impact is significant, directly tying UX efforts to student acquisition and lifecycle management, which are core to the university's "business" model. Growth opportunities are likely tied to successful project delivery and expanding influence within the organization's digital transformation initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment based at Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde. Office Location(s): Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde, Australia.

The location is easily accessible, being a walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre.

Workspace Context:

The environment is described as supportive and collaborative, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing.
You will have access to modern design tools and technologies required for UX/UI design and research.
Opportunities for direct interaction with students, staff, and various stakeholders to gather insights and present work.

Work Schedule:

Hybrid Full-time role, offering flexibility in how and where work is performed, within the context of a fixed-term contract until December 2026.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and focus on outcomes align with operational efficiency principles, allowing for flexible scheduling to accommodate deep work and collaborative sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Resume and cover letter review, likely including an assessment of your portfolio link.
First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager and potentially a senior team member. Focus on your experience, UX process, approach to user research, and collaboration skills. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio highlights.
Design Challenge/Workshop: You may be asked to complete a take-home design exercise or participate in a live workshop to demonstrate your skills in problem-solving, wireframing, prototyping, and presenting design solutions. This will likely involve a scenario related to the student journey.
Final Interview: With senior leadership or key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the Student 360 Program.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills relevant to this role (user-centricity, complex problem-solving, impact on conversion/engagement).
Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and process, the challenges faced, your design decisions with rationale, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
Highlight Process: Emphasize your UX process (Empathize, Discover, Ideate, Prototype, Test, Handover, Validate) and how you used research and data to inform your designs.
Showcase Tools: Clearly indicate the tools used (Figma, Miro, etc.) and your proficiency.
Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved conversion rate by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%").
Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to walk through your portfolio and answer detailed questions about your design choices and methodologies.

Challenge Preparation:

Familiarize yourself with Macquarie University's mission and the higher education student journey.
Review the GEM design system and Salesforce Lightning Design System to understand their principles.
Practice articulating your design process and decisions concisely and persuasively.
Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a user research or design problem related to student lead generation or application processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your ability to translate user needs into effective digital solutions that drive business outcomes, a key trait for operations professionals. A well-structured portfolio that demonstrates process and impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Figma: Essential for UX/UI design, user flows, and prototyping. Advanced proficiency is expected.
Miro: Critical for collaborative workshops, brainstorming, user journey mapping, and process visualization.
Salesforce Lightning Design System: Familiarity and ability to design within its framework will be important.
GEM (Global Experience Macquarie) Design System: Evangelizing and utilizing this system is a key requirement.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for the UX designer, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) or understanding how user behavior data is collected and analyzed will be beneficial.
Experience with user research platforms and usability testing tools.

CRM & Automation:

Salesforce: The role directly supports the launch of new marketing automation technology based on Salesforce, implying a need to understand its capabilities and design best practices within that ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific design and collaboration tools like Figma and Miro is paramount for efficient operations and clear communication within project teams. Understanding the Salesforce ecosystem is increasingly important for GTM-focused UX roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of students and staff.
Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and functions to achieve common goals.
Innovation & Pushing Boundaries: Encouraging new ideas and challenging conventional thinking.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact.
Efficiency & Process Excellence: Adhering to structured methodologies and leveraging design systems for streamlined workflows.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative, involving close interaction with business stakeholders, IT teams, and other program members.
Emphasis on open communication, feedback exchange, and collective problem-solving.
Active participation in workshops, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and a data-driven approach aligns perfectly with the core tenets of effective operations management. A candidate who thrives in such an environment will be well-suited for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Navigating a Large Organization: Adapting to the complex stakeholder landscape and decision-making processes within a large university setting.
Integrating New Technology: Ensuring seamless user experience design for the new marketing automation technology (Salesforce) and its integration with existing systems.
Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Finding optimal solutions that satisfy both student desires and university objectives.
Maintaining Design Consistency: Effectively leveraging and promoting design systems across various project touchpoints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Gain specialized knowledge in UX design for the higher education sector and marketing automation technologies.
Develop advanced skills in Service Design and user research methodologies within a large-scale program.
Enhance capabilities in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
Opportunity to contribute to a significant digital transformation initiative with tangible impact on student engagement and university operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of large-scale operational initiatives, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are significant for those looking to deepen their expertise in strategic UX and digital transformation within a major institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Operations & Methodology: "Describe your process for designing a new user journey for a prospective student applying to university. How would you incorporate user research, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback?"
- Preparation: Outline your EDIPTDV process, citing specific examples of how you've used each stage to improve user experience and achieve business objectives. Discuss your approach to stakeholder alignment.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle disagreements with stakeholders or developers regarding design decisions? Can you provide an example?"
- Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) example demonstrating your ability to communicate design rationale effectively, negotiate, and find collaborative solutions.
Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine you need to simplify a complex application form. What steps would you take, and how would you measure the success of your redesign?"
- Preparation: Focus on your problem-solving framework, user-centric approach, and how you define and track success metrics (e.g., completion rates, error reduction, time on task).

Company & Culture Questions:

"What interests you about Macquarie University and this specific role within the Student 360 Program?"
- Preparation: Research Macquarie's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Connect your skills and career aspirations to the program's goals.
"How do you see yourself contributing to our collaborative and innovation-driven culture?"
- Preparation: Highlight experiences where you've actively contributed to team success, shared knowledge, or championed new ideas.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure: For each project, present a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role/Process -> Solution -> Impact/Results.
Visuals: Use high-quality visuals for wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. Annotate key design decisions.
Data & Metrics: Integrate user research findings and any quantifiable results (e.g., usability test findings, conversion improvements) to demonstrate impact.
Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a defined timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes), leaving ample time for Q&A.
Tool Demonstration: If appropriate, be ready to briefly demonstrate interactive elements of a prototype.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will probe your operational thinking – how you structure your work, collaborate to achieve efficiency, and use data to drive improvements. A strong portfolio presentation that demonstrates these skills is critical for success in this operations-aligned UX role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Macquarie Group careers portal.
Resume & Cover Letter Optimization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, proficiency in Figma and Miro, experience with user-centric design, and any relevant project successes. Clearly state how you meet the selection criteria.
Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible (via a link in your resume or application), and showcases 3-4 of your strongest projects that align with the role's requirements, focusing on user journeys, process, and impact.
Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, articulate your UX process, and answer behavioral questions using the STAR method. Practice presenting your work concisely and persuasively.
Company Research: Understand Macquarie University's mission, values, and the goals of the Student 360 Program. Familiarize yourself with their design system (GEM) and the Salesforce ecosystem.

⚠️ 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.

Senior UX Designer