Junior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer

Company: IE

Location: Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-18

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the technical delivery and design system implementation for client products, focusing on web, app, and loyalty programs.

• Develop and refine design concepts, prototypes, and testable ideas from client problems, leveraging Figma and strong visual craft.

• Collaborate within cross-functional teams, participating in two-week sprints and larger project blocks, to drive product innovation and client success.

• Grow ownership over design decisions and client presentations, with guidance from senior designers and a focus on AI as a thought partner.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Junior Product Designer" within a product consultancy, emphasizing hands-on client work, skill development, and a growth-oriented environment. The core focus is on contributing to design systems and delivering digital experiences across various platforms.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to the development and maintenance of a major client's design system, adhering to established patterns and standards.

• Design user experiences across multiple digital touchpoints including websites, mobile applications, and customer loyalty platforms.

• Translate complex client challenges into clear, actionable design concepts, interactive prototypes, and user-testable ideas.

• Articulate design rationale and decisions to internal teams, with a clear growth path towards presenting work directly to clients.

• Participate effectively in a two-week sprint cycle, contributing to larger, four-to-six-week project initiatives.

• Partner closely with senior designers to understand how client relationships and business context influence design strategy and execution.

• Utilize Figma as the primary design tool, demonstrating proficiency in creating and managing design assets and components.

• Embrace AI as a tool for ideation and exploration, rather than a replacement for foundational design thinking and visual craft.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of execution (Figma, design system contribution) and strategic thinking (turning problems into concepts, learning client context), typical for a junior role within a consultancy aiming to foster growth.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, but a background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is implied.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in product design, UX/UI design, or a closely related field. Experience working with clients or in a consultancy environment is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Figma for interface design, prototyping, and component management.

• Solid visual design craft, demonstrating an understanding of aesthetics, typography, and layout principles.

• Basic product or UX thinking: the ability to analyze a problem and conceptualize solutions beyond mere execution.

• Clear and effective communication skills, including the ability to articulate design decisions and thinking processes.

• Curiosity and a genuine desire to understand user behavior and product interaction.

• A growth mindset with a strong willingness to learn and adapt.

• Resilience in fast-paced environments and when faced with changing project plans. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with or contributing to design systems.

• Demonstrated experience in creating interactive prototypes.

• Exposure to user research methodologies and principles, even if not directly leading studies.

• Familiarity with Agile delivery methodologies.

• Understanding of Design Thinking principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize foundational design skills (Figma, visual craft) and a strong emphasis on mindset (curiosity, growth, communication), aligning with a junior role focused on development. The preference for design system experience and prototyping indicates a leaning towards practical, deliverable skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma through case studies showcasing interface design, component usage, and prototyping.

• Include examples of how you've translated problems into design solutions, highlighting your thought process and rationale.

• Showcase visual design skills through polished UI examples and an understanding of aesthetic principles.

• If applicable, include examples of contributions to or work within design systems, detailing your role and impact.

• Present projects that illustrate your ability to think about user experience and problem-solving, not just aesthetic execution. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate the design process used in their portfolio projects, from initial problem definition to final concept or prototype.

• Explain how you approached user-centered design, even if through conceptualization rather than formal research.

• Detail the iterative nature of your design process, including any revisions or refinements made based on feedback or self-critique.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "process portfolio" isn't explicitly detailed, the job description implies a need to showcase the candidate's design process, problem-solving approach, and Figma proficiency through their portfolio. The emphasis is on demonstrating thinking and execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a Junior Product Designer role (0-2 years experience) in Melbourne, Australia, a competitive salary range would typically fall between AUD $60,000 - $85,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major Australian cities, considering the consultancy environment and the emphasis on growth and learning.

Benefits:

• Flexible work options to support work-life balance.

• Home technology setup, including a laptop and monitor, to facilitate remote or hybrid work.

• Generous leave programs, including 15 days of "life leave" per year, offering flexibility for personal needs.

• Paid parental leave to support new parents.

• A strong focus on growth and training with dedicated training days each quarter.

• A structured feedback and goal-setting program to support professional development.

• Tailored learning and development experiences designed to enhance skills and career progression.

• A positive work environment that fosters social and cultural engagement.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, a standard full-time working week in Australia is typically 38-40 hours. The "flexible work options" suggest some degree of autonomy over scheduling within operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for junior design roles in Melbourne. The benefits package is extensive, with a significant emphasis on professional development and work-life balance, which is attractive for junior talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Consulting, Innovation, Experience Design. IE operates as a full-service product consultancy, accelerating growth for businesses through product mindset, design thinking, and Agile delivery.

Company Size: 60+ employees. This indicates a mid-sized consultancy, large enough to offer diverse projects and structured development but small enough to maintain a close-knit culture and direct access to senior leadership.

Founded: Not specified, but the company has established itself as a significant player in the Australian market, working with large enterprise brands.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design discipline operates within cross-functional teams, suggesting a collaborative environment where designers work alongside developers, product managers, and strategists.

• Reporting structure involves guidance from senior designers, with a clear path for growth and increased ownership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers integrated into sprints and project teams to deliver client outcomes. Methodology:

• IE employs a product mindset, design thinking, and Agile delivery framework to innovate and deliver client solutions.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on user research, testing, and performance metrics, although not explicitly detailed for this junior role.

• Workflow planning and optimization are inherent in the Agile sprint structure and the focus on efficient design system contribution.

• Automation and efficiency are encouraged, with AI positioned as a partner in the design process.

Company Website: [company_url] (Provided as IE, the Innovation and Experience company)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as consultative, client-first, and growth-oriented, emphasizing humility, intellect, integrity, and a servant leadership approach. The emphasis on "one (i.e.)" suggests a strong internal culture focused on collaboration and shared values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior Product Designer role, typically an entry-level position for individuals with 0-2 years of experience. It's designed for someone ready to build their foundational skills on real client projects with significant support.

Reporting Structure: Junior Designers will report to and partner with Senior Designers, who will provide mentorship, guidance, and learning opportunities. They will also be integrated into cross-functional teams.

Operations Impact: While this junior role focuses on execution and learning, the work directly impacts client product delivery, user experience, and ultimately, client growth and success. Contributions to design systems and client-facing designs have tangible business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in Figma, design systems, prototyping, and visual craft through hands-on client work and mentorship.

• Career Progression: A clear pathway exists from Junior to potentially Mid-level and Senior Product Designer roles within IE, with opportunities to lead design efforts and client presentations.

• Learning & Development: Extensive structured training, quarterly training days, and tailored L&D experiences are provided, fostering continuous learning and specialization.

• Client Exposure: Gain experience working with large enterprise brands, understanding diverse business contexts and client relationship management.

• Leadership Potential: The company values "servant leadership," suggesting opportunities to develop leadership skills even at a junior level through initiative, collaboration, and contributing to team success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly positioned as a "growth-focused position" with "plenty of support," highlighting a strong commitment to developing junior talent. The career path appears well-defined within the consultancy model.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration, likely at IE's Melbourne office.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment fosters collaboration within cross-functional teams, encouraging designers to interact closely with developers, strategists, and senior designers.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology is provided, including a home technology setup with a laptop and monitor.

• Opportunities for team interaction are built into the Agile sprint structure and company culture, which aims to bring people together socially and culturally.

Work Schedule: Flexible work options are a core value, allowing for some autonomy in managing working hours, balanced with the needs of client projects and team collaboration within a standard full-time employment framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on flexibility, a collaborative hybrid model, and a supportive team environment are key aspects of the work environment designed to attract and retain talent.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio to assess required skills (Figma, visual craft, basic UX thinking).

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and how they translated client needs into design solutions. Expect questions about specific case studies.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: An interview with team members (potentially senior designers, developers, or project leads) to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit.

• Problem-Solving/Design Challenge: A practical exercise (potentially a take-home assignment or live challenge) to evaluate design thinking, Figma skills, and ability to work within constraints.

• Final Interview: Potentially with leadership to discuss career aspirations, alignment with company values, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Clearly demonstrate your skills in Figma, including component usage, prototyping, and design system interaction.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: For each project, articulate the problem you were trying to solve, your thought process, and how your design decisions addressed it.

• Visual Craft is Key: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished and demonstrates a strong eye for detail, typography, and layout.

• Explain Your Process: Detail the steps you took, even if informal, from understanding the brief to delivering the final concept or prototype.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While challenging for a junior role, mention any positive outcomes or learnings derived from your work.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with web, app, and loyalty program design, and any experience with design systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to common design challenges in a consultancy setting (e.g., tight deadlines, evolving client needs, balancing user needs with business goals).

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Familiarize yourself with Design Thinking and Agile methodologies, as these are core to IE's operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process strongly emphasizes portfolio review and the ability to articulate design thinking and process, reflecting the consultancy's client-facing nature.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for all design activities, including interface design, prototyping, and design system collaboration. Proficiency is explicitly required.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct requirement for this junior role, understanding that the designs will be evaluated based on user behavior and business metrics is important. Exposure to analytics concepts is a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this design role, but understanding how designs integrate into larger product ecosystems is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the critical tool for this role. While other design tools are not explicitly mentioned, a strong understanding of the design tool ecosystem is implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-First: Always prioritizing client needs and delivering exceptional outcomes.

• Humility & Integrity: Earning trust through actions, maintaining high ethical standards.

• Sharp Intellect & Curiosity: Approaching challenges with analytical thinking and a desire to learn.

• Servant Leadership: Leading through support, collaboration, and empowering others.

• Growth Mindset: Embracing lifelong learning, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

• Structured Innovation: Driving progress through thoughtful experimentation and process.

• Deep Listening & Open Sharing: Valuing diverse perspectives and transparent communication.

• Courage to Challenge: Advocating for better solutions while respecting the status quo.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with diverse teams (developers, strategists) to deliver holistic product solutions.

• Servant Leadership: A supportive and empowering approach to teamwork, where individuals help each other succeed.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, sharing insights, and providing constructive feedback.

• Agile Cadence: Collaborating within sprint cycles, adapting to team needs and project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply ingrained with specific values that shape how consultants operate and interact, emphasizing a professional, client-focused, and growth-oriented approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Design Best Practices: Learning to navigate client expectations while advocating for user-centered design and optimal solutions.

• Adapting to Diverse Client Projects: Quickly understanding new industries, business goals, and user bases for each client engagement.

• Developing Ownership: Growing from executing tasks to taking ownership of design decisions and presenting work confidently.

• Mastering Design Systems: Understanding and contributing effectively to complex design systems.

• Fast-Paced Consultancy Environment: Managing multiple projects and evolving requirements within tight timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Quarterly training days and structured L&D programs offer dedicated time for skill enhancement.

• Mentorship: Partnership with senior designers provides invaluable on-the-job learning and career guidance.

• Hands-on Experience: Working on real client projects across various platforms (web, app, loyalty) offers practical skill development.

• Exposure to Industry Trends: Staying abreast of design thinking, Agile delivery, and emerging technologies like AI in design.

• Career Pathing: Opportunities to progress within IE, potentially specializing or moving into leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is designed to present challenges that are integral to learning and growth within a professional consultancy environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for approaching a new design problem. Walk us through a project in your portfolio and explain how you used Figma to bring it to life." (Focus on problem definition, ideation, Figma execution, and any user considerations).

• Collaboration: "How do you approach working within a cross-functional team? Describe a time you had to collaborate with developers or project managers on a design." (Highlight communication, teamwork, and understanding of different roles).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a client wants to increase user engagement on their loyalty app. What are some initial design considerations or features you might explore?" (Demonstrate product thinking, user empathy, and ability to generate ideas).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a product consultancy like IE, specifically in the Junior Product Designer role?" (Showcase research into IE's values, methodology, and client focus).

• "How do you align with IE's values, such as client-first, humility, or a growth mindset?" (Provide specific examples from your experience or aspirations).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new tools like AI in design?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, starting with your strongest, most relevant case studies. For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and any outcomes or learnings.

• Figma Focus: Be prepared to share your Figma file or walk through key screens and components, explaining your design decisions and system usage.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives. Explain the context, the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learned.

• Conciseness: As a junior, focus on depth in 2-3 key projects rather than breadth. Be clear and to the point.

• Enthusiasm: Show genuine passion for design, learning, and contributing to client success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating foundational design skills, a strong understanding of the design process, excellent communication, and a cultural alignment with IE's values and consultancy model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your Figma skills, visual craft, and any experience with design systems or prototyping. Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your problem-solving abilities and design thinking.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, skills (Figma, UX/UI, communication), and any academic projects or personal work that demonstrates your design potential. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for portfolio projects. Prepare to discuss your understanding of client-first principles and your eagerness to learn and grow within a consultancy environment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with IE's work, client engagements, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.