Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: AustralianSuper

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design & Operations

Date Posted: November 05, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a team of Product Designers to shape and execute design strategy across multiple products and critical member journeys, ensuring a cohesive and user-centric approach to digital service delivery.

• Drive the elevation of design quality and strengthen operational workflows for design teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and best practice adoption within a high-performance environment.

• Partner closely with Product, Engineering, Research, Content, and Service Design teams to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, accessible, and member-centered experiences at scale.

• Champion the development and implementation of robust design principles, scalable design systems, and reusable patterns to enhance efficiency and maintain design integrity across the organization.

• Influence senior stakeholders and build alignment through compelling storytelling, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of member needs, business goals, and organizational priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position within the Product Design function, with significant strategic influence and team management responsibilities. The emphasis on "Product Design & Operations" highlights the need for a candidate who can not only lead design but also optimize the operational processes and systems that support design delivery, a key aspect of Revenue Operations and GTM strategies that rely on efficient product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Product Designers through both transformation initiatives and continuous delivery cycles, fostering professional growth and high team performance.

• Shape and articulate the overarching design strategy across various products, channels, and end-to-end member journeys, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives and member needs.

• Translate high-level strategy into actionable design direction, employing systems thinking to identify root causes, challenge assumptions, and uncover innovative opportunities for improvement.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Management, Engineering, UX Research, Content Design, and Service Design teams to ensure the seamless integration and delivery of consistent, high-quality user experiences.

• Strengthen and evolve design principles, design systems, and operational design practices through regular design critiques, the development of reusable components, and a commitment to continuous improvement methodologies.

• Build strong stakeholder relationships and influence decision-making processes by presenting compelling evidence, actionable insights, and clear, persuasive narratives.

• Explore and integrate responsible, human-centered applications of AI and automation into design processes, while rigorously embedding accessibility, risk management, and compliance requirements.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the design team, encouraging exploration of emerging technologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strategic leadership, operational process improvement within the design function, and cross-functional collaboration essential for GTM success. The mention of AI and automation integration points towards a forward-thinking approach to operations and product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While formal education requirements are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for senior design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Product Design, with a strong track record of delivering impactful digital solutions across complex environments.

• At least 5 years of dedicated experience in leading and managing design teams, demonstrating a capacity for people leadership, mentorship, and team development.

• Proven experience in designing and optimizing digital services within both digital and operational contexts, underscoring the ability to bridge strategic vision with practical execution. Required Skills:

• Product Design Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire design teams, manage multiple projects, and drive design excellence.

• Design Strategy Development: Expertise in formulating and articulating design strategies that align member needs with business objectives and organizational priorities.

• Systems Thinking & Problem Solving: Strong capability in applying systems thinking to uncover root causes, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to partner effectively with Product, Engineering, Research, Content, and Service Design teams to deliver cohesive experiences.

• Design Systems & Scalable Practices: Experience with establishing and leveraging design systems, reusable patterns, and scalable design methodologies for efficient delivery.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Excellent skills in building trusted relationships, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving alignment through evidence-based communication and storytelling.

• Human-Centered Design: A deep commitment to user-centric design principles, with a focus on accessibility, ethical considerations, and emerging technologies like AI.

• Digital Literacy & Tool Proficiency: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Figma and Miro, along with experience in user research platforms like Askable.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the superannuation or financial services industry.

• Familiarity with Agile and Lean methodologies for product development and operational efficiency.

• Experience with user research, synthesis, and insight generation to inform design decisions.

• Understanding of AI and automation technologies and their application in design.

• Experience working within governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "systems thinking," "scalable design practices," and "operational contexts" strongly suggests that candidates with a background in operations or a deep understanding of operational efficiency within design delivery will be highly regarded. This aligns with the need for a holistic approach to product development and GTM strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of product design experience, with clear examples of leadership and team management.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating the ability to shape and execute design strategy across multiple products and end-to-end member journeys.

• Evidence of applying systems thinking to uncover root causes, challenge assumptions, and identify strategic opportunities within complex digital and operational contexts.

• Examples of successful collaboration with Product, Engineering, Research, Content, and Service Design teams, highlighting cross-functional integration and project delivery.

• Demonstrations of strengthening design principles, systems, and practices, including the development or significant contribution to design systems and reusable patterns.

• Case studies that illustrate the ability to build stakeholder alignment and influence decisions through evidence, insights, and clear storytelling, particularly with senior leadership.

• Projects that showcase responsible, human-centered uses of AI and automation, alongside a strong understanding and application of accessibility, risk, and compliance requirements. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should ideally include documentation or case studies that highlight the candidate's approach to:

  • Workflow Design and Optimization: How the candidate has designed, improved, or standardized design workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.
  • System Implementation and Automation: Examples of how design systems have been implemented, maintained, or how automation has been used to streamline design processes.
  • Measurement and Performance Analysis: How the candidate measures the impact and effectiveness of design initiatives, using data and insights to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just design execution but also strategic thinking, leadership, and an understanding of operational efficiency. The "Process Documentation" aspect is particularly relevant for operations-focused candidates, showing how they manage and improve the process of design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Product Designer roles in Melbourne, Australia, with 10+ years of experience and significant team leadership responsibilities, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $160,000 - $220,000. This range reflects the seniority, strategic scope, and leadership demands of the position. Benefits:

• Superannuation: Industry-leading superannuation contributions (as expected from a superannuation fund).

• Flexible Working: Support for flexible and blended working arrangements to accommodate diverse needs and promote work-life integration.

• Colleague Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, coaching, and career advancement within a growing organization.

• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs and support.

• Inclusive Culture: A workplace that champions safety, respect, inclusiveness, and diversity.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company achievements.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically around 38-40 hours per week. The role supports flexible working arrangements, allowing for negotiation on specific schedules and potential for hybrid work, balancing operational needs with personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research from reputable Australian job boards and compensation data providers for similar senior design leadership roles in Melbourne. The benefits are typical for large, established organizations in Australia, with a specific emphasis on superannuation given the company's nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Superannuation and Financial Services. AustralianSuper operates as a profit-to-member superannuation fund, meaning its primary focus is on delivering optimal retirement outcomes for its members rather than shareholder profits. This creates a strong member-centric culture.

Company Size: Large. As one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, AustralianSuper has a significant employee base and a complex operational structure, indicating a robust organizational framework and ample resources for its teams.

Founded: AustralianSuper has a long history, tracing its origins back to 1980. This longevity suggests stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of the financial services landscape.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The Lead Product Designer will head a team of Product Designers, likely comprising individuals with varying levels of experience and specialization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, UX Research, Content Design, and Service Design teams. This implies a matrixed or highly collaborative structure where design is integrated early and often in the product development lifecycle.

• Reporting: The Lead Product Designer will report into a senior leader, likely a Head of Product, Director of Design, or a similar executive role, overseeing product strategy and delivery.

Methodology:

• Member-Centricity: A core operational philosophy that drives decision-making, prioritizing member needs and outcomes.

• High-Performance Environment: Emphasis on delivering outstanding results, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

• Risk Culture: A strong focus on managing risk and ensuring compliance within all operational activities, crucial in the financial services sector.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "transformation and continuous delivery" suggests the adoption of Agile or similar iterative methodologies for product development and operational execution.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The need to "build stakeholder alignment and influence decisions through evidence, insights" points to a data-informed approach to operations and strategy.

Company Website: https://www.australiansuper.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's structure as a profit-to-member fund and its large scale mean that operational efficiency, member experience, and risk management are paramount. A Lead Product Designer must understand these operational drivers to effectively lead their team and influence strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, positioned as a "Lead." It signifies a transition from individual contribution or team supervision to strategic oversight, team building, and driving design operations excellence. The role is responsible for setting the direction for design within specific product areas and influencing broader organizational design practices.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a Director or Head of Product, Design, or Digital Experience. They will manage a team of Product Designers. This structure allows for strategic alignment with executive leadership while enabling hands-on team management and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Lead Product Designer has a significant impact on the organization's operational efficiency and its ability to deliver exceptional member experiences. By shaping design strategy, optimizing design processes, and ensuring high-quality product delivery, they directly contribute to member satisfaction, trust, and ultimately, the fund's success in achieving its purpose. Their work influences how members interact with AustralianSuper across various touchpoints, impacting engagement, retention, and the overall value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into a Head of Design or Director-level role, overseeing larger teams or broader design functions.

• Strategic Influence: Greater involvement in setting product and business strategy, leveraging design expertise to drive organizational change and innovation.

• Specialization: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in specific areas, such as financial services design, AI-driven design, or advanced design systems.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Developing advanced coaching skills to nurture talent and build high-performing design teams, potentially leading to roles focused on organizational development or talent management within design.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead broader initiatives that span multiple departments, such as digital transformation or customer experience enhancement programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes a move towards broader strategic leadership, operational transformation, and potentially influencing the entire customer journey or product portfolio's operational effectiveness.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. AustralianSuper supports flexible, blended working arrangements. This means the role will involve a mix of on-site and remote work, allowing for in-office collaboration and face-to-face interaction with teams and stakeholders, alongside the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The primary work location is Melbourne, where key teams and stakeholders are based, facilitating in-person collaboration and engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on partnering with Product, Engineering, and other design disciplines suggests a highly collaborative workspace designed to foster cross-functional interaction and co-creation.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools (Figma, Miro, Askable) will be provided, supporting efficient workflow and communication.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, workshops, and informal knowledge-sharing sessions, both in person and virtually.

• Member-Centric Focus: The workspace culture is likely to be infused with the organization's purpose, encouraging a focus on delivering value to members.

Work Schedule:

• While standard full-time hours apply, the hybrid model and commitment to flexibility mean that employees have some autonomy in structuring their workdays, balancing project deadlines with personal needs. This allows for effective management of design processes and critical analysis, even with varied schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires strong self-management and communication skills, especially for leading a team. It also implies a need for robust digital collaboration tools and processes to ensure seamless teamwork regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by the Talent Acquisition team, potentially with initial AI screening for resumes. Candidates may have the option for a traditional phone screening.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on leadership experience, design strategy, team management, and alignment with AustralianSuper's values.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential direct reports (Product Designers), peers (Product Managers, Engineering Leads), and other key stakeholders. These sessions will assess collaboration skills, technical acumen, and cultural fit.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: A practical exercise or a presentation of the candidate's portfolio to demonstrate their design process, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. This is a critical stage for assessing operational impact and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior executive to confirm strategic alignment and organizational fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership & Strategy: Clearly articulate your role in shaping design strategy and leading teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your contributions and impact.

• Showcase Process & Operations: Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to improve design workflows, implement design systems, and use data to measure impact. Emphasize how you've optimized design operations for efficiency and quality.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly define the problem, your approach (including systems thinking), and the measurable outcomes achieved.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to showcase the tangible results of your design work and leadership, such as improvements in user satisfaction, conversion rates, or operational efficiency.

• Address AI & Accessibility: Be prepared to discuss your experience and approach to integrating AI responsibly and ensuring designs are accessible and compliant.

• Storytelling: Structure your presentation as a narrative, guiding the interviewers through your thought process, challenges, and successes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research AustralianSuper's mission, values, and the superannuation industry.

• Practice Design Thinking: Be ready to tackle a design problem using a structured approach, focusing on user needs, business goals, and operational feasibility.

• Prepare Operational Solutions: Think about how design can be integrated with broader business operations to achieve desired outcomes, considering efficiency, scalability, and risk.

• Articulate Your Process: Be able to clearly explain your decision-making rationale, the tools and methods you use, and how you would collaborate with other teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes operational readiness, leadership, and strategic contribution. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only design skills but also their ability to manage design operations and influence business outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency in advanced features, component libraries, and design system management is expected.

• Miro: Critical for collaborative whiteboarding, brainstorming, user journey mapping, and workshop facilitation, supporting remote and hybrid team collaboration.

• Askable (or similar user research platforms): For conducting user interviews, usability testing, and gathering qualitative feedback to inform design decisions.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools beyond Figma (e.g., InVision, Adobe XD) for creating interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics): Understanding how to interpret user behavior data to inform design iterations and measure the impact of design changes.

• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): Ability to work with or interpret data presented in dashboards to understand user trends and operational performance.

• User Feedback & Survey Tools: Platforms for collecting and analyzing user feedback (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics - less direct for design, but understanding user context is key): Awareness of how customer relationship management systems store and utilize user data, which can inform design for user portals or member-facing tools.

• Project Management Tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello): Essential for managing design tasks, sprints, and collaborating with engineering teams on development pipelines.

• Collaboration Suites (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace): Standard tools for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in these tools is crucial, but the emphasis for a Lead role is on how these tools are leveraged to drive operational efficiency, enable collaboration, and support strategic design initiatives. Understanding how design integrates with broader product and business operations tools is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Energy: Demonstrating enthusiasm, proactivity, and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on, contributing to a dynamic and productive work environment.

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all interactions and decision-making, fostering trust within the team and with stakeholders.

• Generosity of Spirit: A collaborative and supportive approach, willing to share knowledge, help colleagues, and contribute to the collective success of the team and organization.

• Excellent Outcomes: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful results that meet or exceed member expectations and business objectives, driving continuous improvement in design and operational processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with Product, Engineering, Research, Content, and Service Design teams, ensuring a unified approach to member experience.

• Process Review & Feedback: Fostering a culture where design processes are regularly reviewed, critiqued, and improved, with open exchange of constructive feedback among team members and partners.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and wider organization through presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

• Co-Design & Facilitation: Utilizing strong facilitation skills to lead co-design workshops and collaborative sessions, ensuring diverse perspectives are integrated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values directly translate into how operations are conducted. A candidate who embodies these values will likely thrive in this environment, contributing to a positive and productive design and operational culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Operations: Ensuring design quality and consistency across a growing portfolio of products and member journeys, while maintaining efficient design processes.

• Balancing Innovation with Governance: Integrating new technologies like AI and automation responsibly, while adhering to strict governance, risk, and compliance requirements in the financial sector.

• Influencing Senior Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in and alignment from diverse senior leaders with potentially competing priorities, requiring strong communication and strategic negotiation skills.

• Leading Through Change: Guiding the design team through organizational transformations and evolving business needs, maintaining morale and focus.

• Measuring Design Impact: Clearly demonstrating the ROI and business value of design initiatives in a complex financial services environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Access to programs focused on strategic leadership, team development, and organizational change management.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend leading design and financial services conferences to stay abreast of trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within AustralianSuper and potentially the broader financial services industry.

• Specialized Skill Development: Training in emerging areas like AI in design, advanced accessibility standards, or complex systems architecture.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to gain deeper understanding of Product Management, Engineering, and business operations through collaborative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Addressing these challenges requires strong operational acumen, strategic foresight, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, all of which are key for success in a senior operations-focused role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a design strategy for a complex member journey, and how you would ensure it aligns with business goals and operational capabilities." (Focus on strategic planning, alignment, and operational feasibility.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within a design team, particularly when balancing rapid delivery with robust design systems and governance?" (Highlight process optimization, team leadership, and risk management.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to influence senior stakeholders to adopt a new design direction or process. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating communication, influence, and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do your personal values align with AustralianSuper's values of Energy, Integrity, Generosity of Spirit, and Excellent Outcomes?" (Be ready to provide specific examples of how you embody these values in your work and leadership.)

• "Describe your experience working in a highly regulated industry like financial services. How do you ensure design solutions meet governance, risk, and compliance requirements?" (Showcase understanding of industry constraints and operational controls.)

• "How would you integrate human-centered AI and automation into our member experiences, while ensuring ethical considerations and accessibility?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking, responsible innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key themes: Leadership, Strategy, Process Improvement, and Outcomes. Use a narrative structure for each case study.

• Quantify Operations & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (especially any operational improvements made), the tools used, and the measurable results (e.g., efficiency gains, user satisfaction improvements, conversion rate increases).

• Demonstrate Systems Thinking: Explain how you approached complex problems by considering the broader system, interdependencies, and potential ripple effects.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight how you partnered with Product, Engineering, and other teams, and how you facilitated effective collaboration.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, leadership style, how you handle conflict, and your vision for the future of design at AustralianSuper.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design expertise but also strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and a deep understanding of the financial services context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 10+ years of product design experience, 5+ years of team leadership, and specific achievements related to design strategy, systems thinking, and operational process improvements within design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies that demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable outcomes. Include examples of how you've optimized design processes, leveraged design systems, and considered accessibility and AI. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., link to a personal website or well-organized PDF).

• Research AustralianSuper: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, recent news, and the superannuation industry landscape. Understand their commitment to members and their focus on high performance and risk culture.

• Practice Your Narrative: Prepare to articulate your experience and approach using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership, strategic contributions, and operational impact. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and impact.

⚠️ 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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