UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design & Digital Product Development

Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years)

Remote Status: On-site (with potential for flexible arrangements)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on designing seamless digital experiences for internal and external users, ensuring products are both useful and usable.

• Key responsibilities include end-to-end product design, from customer research and ideation through to wireframing, prototyping, and testing high-fidelity designs.

• The position requires strong collaboration with cross-functional agile squads and external stakeholders to validate and iteratively test design solutions.

• As a member of the Design Chapter, the UX/UI Designer will champion human-centred design principles and contribute to the organization's Design System and Centre of Excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as UX/UI Designer, the responsibilities and required skills indicate a strong focus on product design within an agile, customer-centric framework, aligning with modern GTM and digital product development operations. The emphasis on human-centered design, accessibility, and cross-functional collaboration is critical for success in this government agency context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product design process, encompassing customer research, ideation sessions, user journey mapping, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Develop high-fidelity designs and conduct usability testing to validate design concepts and ensure intuitive user experiences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional agile squads, product owners, and developers to integrate UX/UI designs into the product development lifecycle.

• Engage directly with customers through various UX research methods to gather insights and inform design decisions, ensuring solutions address real user needs.

• Contribute to and maintain the organization's Design System, ensuring consistency and scalability across digital products.

• Ensure all digital product designs comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and relevant NZ Government web standards, promoting inclusivity.

• Present design concepts and findings clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including senior management and technical teams.

• Actively participate in the Design Community of Practice, sharing knowledge and fostering a collaborative design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant influence on product strategy and user experience. The need to collaborate with agile squads and contribute to a Design System indicates a mature product development process. The emphasis on WCAG compliance is a critical operational requirement for government digital services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of UX/UI design principles and methodologies is paramount. A background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a proven track record of delivering digital products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in delivering UX/UI design for digital products, applying human-centred design methodologies.

• Expertise in various UX research methods (e.g., user interviews, surveys, persona development) and translating customer insights into actionable design recommendations.

• Proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity visual designs.

• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, particularly within agile or iterative environments.

• Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills to articulate design rationale and user needs effectively.

• Proven ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including peers, internal users, and external customers.

• Experience working within agile squads, providing iterative design support.

• Thorough understanding of and ability to implement Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and NZ Government web standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research platforms like Askable.

• Familiarity with contributing to or managing Design Systems.

• Understanding of Te Ao Māori principles and their application in design.

• Experience in the public sector or government digital services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level suggests a candidate who can work independently on design tasks and contribute meaningfully to team projects. The required tools (Figma, Miro, Adobe CC) are standard for UX/UI roles, while Askable points to a specific user research tool. The emphasis on WCAG and government standards implies a need for meticulous attention to detail and adherence to regulatory requirements, crucial for operational efficiency in the public sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of digital product design projects, demonstrating the end-to-end design process from research to final UI.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, the user research conducted, design challenges faced, and the solutions implemented.

• Evidence of iterative design processes, including examples of user testing, feedback incorporation, and design refinements.

• Demonstration of proficiency in creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs using industry-standard tools.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how user insights from research (e.g., from Askable) were used to inform and validate UI designs, patterns, and components.

• Demonstration of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, product managers) within an agile framework to deliver design solutions.

• Work that illustrates contributions to or understanding of Design Systems, showing an ability to maintain consistency and scalability.

• Documentation or explanation of how designs were tested and iterated upon based on user feedback and performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, not just to showcase design skills but also to demonstrate a structured, user-centric design process and the ability to collaborate effectively within an operational framework. The emphasis on research-to-design translation and iterative refinement is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $93,357 - $111,623 NZD per annum, commensurate with skills and experience.

Benefits:

• Five weeks of annual leave per year, promoting work-life balance.

• Comprehensive insurance package including free Life Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance.

• Flexible working arrangements are available, subject to role requirements and team needs, offering adaptability for operations.

• Opportunity to work on impactful digital products that serve the New Zealand public.

• Membership in a dedicated Design Chapter with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for flexible arrangements to support operational efficiency and employee wellbeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level UX/UI Designer in New Zealand. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the extended annual leave and insurance, reflects a commitment to employee welfare, which is important for retaining talent in specialized operational roles. Flexible working, where applicable, can enhance operational continuity and employee productivity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Transport and Infrastructure)

Company Size: Large (NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is a significant government entity with a substantial workforce). This implies a structured environment with established processes and a wide reach for its digital products.

Founded: NZTA Waka Kotahi was formed in 2008 through the merger of Land Transport NZ and Transit NZ. Its digital arm, Te Aukaha, focuses on modernizing digital and data solutions.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Design Chapter" under "Te Aukaha – Digital," which focuses on delivering digital and data solutions.

• The Design Chapter likely comprises various design specialists (UX, UI, Service Designers) who collaborate and share best practices.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on human-centred design, customer research, and iterative product development within an agile framework.

• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, and Te Reo Māori, reflecting a bicultural approach to operations and service delivery.

• Focus on continuous improvement through contributions to the Design System and a Design Community of Practice.

Company Website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a government agency like NZTA Waka Kotahi means operating within a regulated environment that prioritizes public good, accessibility, and robust processes. The integration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into the operational approach is a significant cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX/UI Designer. This role is positioned to execute design tasks with a degree of autonomy and contribute to design strategy and standards. It's a role that bridges individual contribution with team leadership in design thinking.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Manager within the Te Aukaha – Digital unit. They will work collaboratively within cross-functional agile squads, potentially having dotted-line reporting or strong working relationships with Product Owners and Scrum Masters.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's work directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of digital products used by millions of New Zealanders and internal staff. By creating intuitive and accessible interfaces, this role contributes to operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and the successful delivery of Waka Kotahi's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX research, interaction design, or accessibility within the transport sector.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX/UI Designer, Lead Designer, or potentially a Design Manager role, mentoring junior designers and leading design initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain experience in product management, agile methodologies, and digital transformation strategies.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities to contribute to the Design System, attend industry events, and engage with the Design Community of Practice for continuous skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within the digital and operations functions of a major government agency. The opportunity to specialize or move into leadership roles, coupled with continuous learning, makes it an attractive mid-career position. The impact on public services is a significant motivator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in one of the specified office locations (Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington, or Christchurch), implying a traditional office-based work environment with opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington, or Christchurch, New Zealand. These are major cities offering diverse amenities and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated quiet zones for focused work.

• Access to modern design tools (Figma, Miro, Adobe CC) and user research platforms (Askable) is provided.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with other designers within the Design Chapter and with members of agile squads, promoting knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is approximately 40 hours, with a degree of flexibility offered. This allows for efficient management of design sprints and iterative work, while also accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role, with flexibility, suggests a balance between structured collaboration and individual focus. The choice of major cities provides good infrastructure and accessibility for employees. The emphasis on a collaborative design environment is key for teams working on complex digital products.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with requirements.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth discussion where candidates present their portfolio, discuss specific projects, design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions around user research, WCAG compliance, and agile collaboration.

• Scenario-Based Interview: Candidates may be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or scenario to gauge their problem-solving skills, design thinking process, and ability to articulate solutions.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of alignment with Waka Kotahi values, commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ability to collaborate within the team and across the organization.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or a panel to discuss career aspirations and strategic fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear case studies for 3-5 of your strongest projects. For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, your contributions, and the outcomes.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your human-centred design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Show how you used data and insights to drive decisions.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support queries, increased user satisfaction). Demonstrate how your designs solved real problems and delivered value.

• Accessibility Focus: Include at least one project that explicitly demonstrates your understanding and application of WCAG guidelines.

• Tool Proficiency: Mention the tools used for each project (Figma, Miro, Askable, Adobe CC).

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with NZTA Waka Kotahi's digital products and services, as well as their stated values and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Review common UX/UI interview challenges, focusing on problem decomposition, user-centric solutions, and clear articulation.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with agile methodologies and how you collaborate within cross-functional teams.

• Be ready to explain your approach to accessibility and how you ensure designs meet government standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess not only technical design skills but also the candidate's process, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within a public sector context. A strong, well-documented portfolio is the cornerstone of the application review.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: For UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design work. Proficiency in creating design systems within Figma is highly valued.

• Miro: For collaborative whiteboarding, brainstorming, user journey mapping, and ideation sessions.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Likely includes tools like Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation, image editing, and graphic design elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Pendo) to understand user behaviour and inform design decisions would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX/UI role, but an understanding of how user data flows from digital products into CRM or other backend systems could be advantageous.

User Research Tools:

• Askable: Specifically mentioned, indicating a need for experience with this platform for recruiting and managing user research participants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools are industry-standard for UX/UI design. Proficiency in Figma for design system work and Miro for collaboration is crucial. Experience with Askable signals a practical, research-driven approach to design within NZTA.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Focused: A primary value, driving all design efforts to create useful and usable experiences that meet user needs.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, working within agile squads, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Courage: Encouraged to challenge the status quo, propose innovative solutions, and advocate for user needs.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding public trust, ensuring accessibility, and delivering on commitments.

• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi: A foundational value, requiring a willingness to understand and engage with Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and Te Reo Māori in design and work practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working within agile squads means a dynamic, collaborative approach with frequent feedback loops and iterative development.

• Cross-Functional: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with product managers, developers, testers, and business analysts, fostering a shared understanding of project goals.

• Community of Practice: Active participation in the Design Community of Practice encourages knowledge sharing, peer review, and collective problem-solving among designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a significant cultural differentiator, requiring candidates to be open to learning and integrating Māori perspectives into their work. This commitment shapes the operational approach to inclusivity and service delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Government Requirements: Ensuring designs are user-friendly while also meeting regulatory standards, accessibility requirements, and the broader mission of a government agency.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Collaborating effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, each with potentially different priorities.

• Driving Adoption of Human-Centred Design: Championing user-centric methodologies within a large organization and potentially in teams less familiar with design thinking.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies and Standards: Continuously learning and adapting designs to new technologies, accessibility guidelines, and government digital standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Contribution: Opportunities to shape and expand the organization's Design System, a key area for operational consistency and efficiency.

• Accessibility Expertise: Deepen knowledge and practical application of WCAG and government accessibility standards.

• Agile & Product Development: Gain hands-on experience in agile methodologies and the full product lifecycle within a large-scale digital transformation context.

• Cultural Competency: Develop a deeper understanding and practical application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in design and professional practice.

• Networking: Engage with a broad network of designers, product professionals, and government stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a mid-level role in a large, complex organization, offering significant learning opportunities. The growth potential is substantial, particularly in specialized areas like accessibility and government digital standards.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project from your portfolio. What was the problem, how did you approach it using human-centred design, what were the key decisions, and what was the outcome?"

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with developers or product managers who had different priorities. How did you reach a consensus?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where user testing revealed significant issues with a design you created. How would you diagnose the problem and what steps would you take to iterate?"

• Accessibility: "How do you ensure your designs are accessible to all users, particularly those with disabilities? Can you give an example of how you've applied WCAG guidelines?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for NZTA Waka Kotahi specifically?"

• "How do you approach incorporating Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into your design work?"

• "How would you contribute to our Design Chapter and Design Community of Practice?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio pieces as compelling narratives of problem-solving and impact.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them back to user research and business objectives.

• Demonstrate Iteration: Show how you incorporated feedback and iterated on designs, rather than presenting a single, perfect solution.

• Highlight Collaboration: Mention how you worked with others and what your specific contribution was.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust, user-centric design process, strong collaboration skills, and a commitment to accessibility and the organization's unique cultural values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/careers/our-benefits/

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI skills, human-centred design process, and experience with accessibility. Ensure each project has a clear narrative explaining the problem, your role, process, and outcomes.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX/UI Design," "human-centred design," "WCAG," "agile," and specific tools like "Figma" and "Askable." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on concise explanations and clear articulation of your design thinking and impact. Be ready to discuss your approach to accessibility and collaboration.

• Research NZTA Waka Kotahi: Understand their mission, values, digital presence, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This will inform your answers and demonstrate your genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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