Product Designer

AustralianSuper
Full-timeMelbourne, Australia

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: AustralianSuper

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full time, Contract

Category: Design Operations / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-10T01:27:18

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role focuses on designing and delivering user-centered digital experiences for key member journeys within a leading superannuation fund.

  • You will translate complex business requirements into intuitive, build-ready design solutions, emphasizing execution and quality.

  • A key aspect involves contributing to and maintaining design systems, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and adherence to usability principles.

  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers and Engineers, is crucial for delivering feasible and impactful design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the emphasis on "design and delivery of features or projects," "translating requirements into solutions," and "collaboration with Product and Engineering" positions this role within a broader product development lifecycle, with a strong operational component in ensuring designs are build-ready and aligned with business objectives. The "maximum term contract" nature also suggests a project-driven operational need.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Own the end-to-end design process for specific features or projects, from concept to delivery.

  • Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity UI designs that clearly articulate user journeys and interaction patterns.

  • Produce build-ready design assets and specifications to ensure seamless handover and implementation by engineering teams.

  • Actively participate in cross-functional team meetings, providing design expertise and ensuring alignment with product strategy and technical feasibility.

  • Uphold and contribute to the evolution of the organization's design system, ensuring brand consistency, accessibility, and usability standards are met.

  • Support and conduct user research activities, including usability testing and concept validation, to gather insights and drive iterative design improvements.

  • Engage with stakeholders to gather requirements, present design concepts, and ensure buy-in for proposed solutions.

  • Champion accessibility standards and best practices throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring inclusive digital experiences for all members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design execution role with a strong operational component. The emphasis on "build-ready solutions," "collaboration with Product and Engineering," and "contributing to design systems" indicates a need for practical design skills that directly support development workflows and operational efficiency in product delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles and methodologies is expected.

Experience: 2-5 years of demonstrable experience in product design, UX, and UI within digital environments, with a focus on delivering tangible design solutions.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in product design, encompassing UX and UI design principles.

  • Strong execution skills with a portfolio showcasing the ability to deliver build-ready design solutions (wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups).

  • Demonstrated experience working effectively within cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

  • Solid understanding of usability principles, user-centred design methodologies, and web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

  • Experience supporting and participating in user research activities, such as usability testing and concept validation.

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with design systems and contributing to their maintenance or evolution.

  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within sprint cycles.

  • Knowledge of user research techniques and their application in iterative design processes.

  • Experience in the financial services or superannuation industry is a plus.

  • Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level role where candidates are expected to be proficient in core design execution and collaboration, but may still be developing advanced strategic or leadership capabilities within design operations. The emphasis on "build-ready solutions" and "cross-functional teams" points towards a need for practical, operational design skills rather than purely conceptual work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a range of projects demonstrating end-to-end product design, from problem definition to final UI.

  • Include case studies that highlight your process for translating business requirements into user-centred design solutions.

  • Present examples of user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity UI designs, clearly articulating design decisions and rationale.

  • Demonstrate experience in collaborating with engineering teams and delivering build-ready assets.

  • Feature examples where you have applied or contributed to design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability. Process Documentation:

  • Detail your approach to user research, usability testing, and iterative design based on feedback.

  • Explain how you manage design iterations and incorporate feedback from Product, Engineering, and stakeholders.

  • Illustrate your process for ensuring accessibility standards are met in design outputs.

  • Provide examples of how you contribute to team processes and improve design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, especially one with an operational focus on delivery, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but a structured approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and the creation of actionable design assets that can be directly integrated into development pipelines. The emphasis should be on the process of how they achieve build-ready solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract role for a specific duration, a competitive daily or hourly rate is expected, aligning with mid-level Product Designer roles in Melbourne. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Melbourne, Australia, a typical range for a 12-month contract could be AUD $70,000 - $110,000 per annum, or equivalent daily rates (approx. AUD $350 - $550 per day), depending on experience and specific project scope.

Benefits:

  • Flexible, blended working arrangements to support work-life integration.

  • Access to learning, coaching, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

  • Opportunities for career growth and advancement within a large, established organization.

  • Contribution to a high-performance environment with a strong risk culture.

  • Potential for impactful work supporting investment delivery for members.

Working Hours: This is a full-time role, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility supported by the company's blended working policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for contract roles is often presented as a range or daily/hourly rate. The estimate is based on typical market rates for mid-level Product Designers in Melbourne, Australia, considering the industry (financial services) and the contract duration. The benefits are directly pulled from the company's description and tailored to highlight aspects appealing to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Superannuation) - AustralianSuper is one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, managing significant assets and serving millions of members. This context implies a focus on long-term financial security, member outcomes, and a regulated operating environment.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (AustralianSuper is a major organization with a significant employee base, often in the thousands). This size indicates established processes, a structured hierarchy, and opportunities for specialized roles within larger departments.

Founded: AustralianSuper has a long history, tracing its origins back to the Australian Government Employees Superannuation Fund (AESF) established in 1980. This history suggests stability, a deep understanding of the superannuation landscape, and a commitment to member benefits.

Team Structure:

  • The Product Designer will likely be part of a Product or Digital Experience team, working within a Product Delivery pod or squad.

  • This team will be cross-functional, comprising Product Managers, Engineers (front-end, back-end), UX Researchers, and potentially QA testers.

  • Reporting will likely be to a Design Lead, Product Lead, or Head of Digital Experience, with close collaboration across departments such as Member Services, Investments, and Technology. Methodology:

  • The company emphasizes a "high-performance environment underpinned by a strong risk culture," suggesting a structured, process-driven approach to product development.

  • A user-centred design methodology is explicitly stated, indicating a focus on member needs and iterative improvement through research and testing.

  • Agile methodologies are likely employed for product development, facilitating collaboration and rapid iteration.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is crucial for operations roles. A large, established financial institution like AustralianSuper implies a need for adherence to strict compliance, robust processes, and a focus on measurable outcomes. The "high-performance" and "risk culture" elements suggest that efficiency, accuracy, and strategic alignment are highly valued, impacting how design operations are managed and executed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer (2-5 years of experience) on a 12-month contract. While it's a contract, it offers significant operational experience in a key area of product development within a large organization. It provides a chance to execute on well-defined projects and contribute to established design systems.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Design Lead or Product Lead, working within a cross-functional team. This structure facilitates direct collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers, allowing for hands-on contribution and learning from experienced team members.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is directly tied to improving the quality, consistency, and accessibility of digital experiences across key member journeys. This operational focus on user experience contributes to member satisfaction, engagement, and ultimately, the fund's ability to deliver excellent outcomes for its members.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, accessibility, or design system contribution.

  • Project Variety: Gain exposure to designing for different member journeys and complex financial products.

  • Cross-functional Learning: Enhance understanding of product management, engineering workflows, and agile development processes.

  • Potential for Extension/Permanent Roles: Successful contract performance can sometimes lead to extensions or opportunities for permanent positions within AustralianSuper's growing digital teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, the "growth" aspect is often about skill acquisition and experience gained rather than a traditional linear career path. This analysis highlights how the role can serve as a valuable stepping stone, offering practical experience in design operations within a reputable organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The specific office location will be within Melbourne's central business district or a major commercial hub.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Hub: The office will likely serve as a hub for team meetings, workshops, and collaborative design sessions, fostering direct interaction with Product Managers and Engineers.

  • Technology-Rich: Access to standard office technology, design software, and collaboration tools essential for digital product development.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for informal discussions, brainstorming, and building relationships with colleagues across Product, Engineering, and potentially other design-focused teams.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. This allows for structured work time for design tasks, research, and team collaboration, while also accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is key for operations roles. It implies a need for self-discipline and effective remote collaboration tools, alongside the benefits of in-person interaction for team cohesion and problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely conducted by AI (resume review and/or initial phone screening), with an option for a traditional phone screening. This stage assesses basic qualifications and alignment with core requirements.

  • Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Involves discussions with the hiring manager and potentially key team members (e.g., Product Manager, Senior Engineer). Focus will be on assessing your design process, collaboration skills, and understanding of user-centred design.

  • Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A significant part of the process will be presenting your portfolio, discussing specific case studies, and potentially undertaking a short design exercise or problem-solving task relevant to member journeys. This assesses your practical execution skills and ability to think critically.

  • Final Interview: May involve senior stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the contract role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong projects that best showcase your product design skills, focusing on those with clear problem statements, your design process, and tangible outcomes.

  • Highlight Collaboration: For each project, explicitly describe your role within the cross-functional team and how you collaborated with Product and Engineering.

  • Showcase Execution: Emphasize your ability to deliver "build-ready" UI designs, user flows, and wireframes. Detail the tools and specifications you used.

  • Explain Design Rationale: Be prepared to articulate why you made specific design decisions, referencing user needs, business goals, and usability principles.

  • Address Accessibility: If applicable, highlight how you incorporated accessibility standards into your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Context: Research AustralianSuper's mission, values, and typical member journeys (e.g., sign-up, investment choice, retirement planning).

  • Focus on Process: If given a design challenge, clearly articulate your approach, even if you don't reach a final solution. Demonstrate your thinking process.

  • Time Management: Practice working within defined time limits for design exercises.

  • Communicate Clearly: Prepare to explain your thought process and design decisions concisely and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the AI screening mention, candidates should ensure their resume is keyword-optimized for "Product Designer," "UX," "UI," "user-centred design," "accessibility," and "cross-functional collaboration." The portfolio review is paramount, so preparation should focus on demonstrating practical execution and collaborative problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, given industry trends and collaborative nature), Sketch, Adobe XD.

  • Collaboration: Jira, Confluence (common in agile environments for task tracking and documentation).

  • Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary design tool, familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or similar tools used to track user behaviour and website performance is beneficial for understanding design impact. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design outputs integrate with CRM or marketing automation platforms can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design tools, particularly Figma, is almost a prerequisite for this role. The emphasis on collaboration and agile development means familiarity with project management and communication tools is also essential for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Energy: Bringing enthusiasm and a proactive approach to design challenges and team collaboration.

  • Integrity: Upholding ethical design practices, prioritizing member data privacy, and delivering honest, transparent design solutions.

  • Generosity of Spirit: Willingness to share knowledge, mentor junior colleagues, and support team members to achieve collective goals.

  • Excellent Outcomes: A commitment to delivering high-quality, user-centred designs that meet business objectives and contribute to positive member experiences.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working closely with Product Managers and Engineers, ensuring design is integrated into the development lifecycle from the outset.

  • Iterative & Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages continuous feedback, testing, and refinement of designs based on user insights and stakeholder input.

  • Data-Informed: While primarily a design role, an appreciation for data and metrics that inform design decisions and measure success is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with these values is key to successful integration into the AustralianSuper team. For a designer, demonstrating "Energy" and "Generosity of Spirit" in collaborative settings, and driving towards "Excellent Outcomes" through diligent design work, will be crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing User Needs with Business Requirements: Effectively translating diverse member needs and complex financial product requirements into intuitive and feasible designs.

  • Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a high level of design quality and consistency across various digital touchpoints and features within a large organization's ecosystem.

  • Adapting to a Regulated Environment: Navigating the specific compliance and regulatory requirements inherent in the financial services industry.

  • Working within a Contract Term: Delivering significant design impact and build-ready solutions within a 12-month timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deepen Financial Services UX Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for superannuation and investment products.

  • Master Design System Contributions: Enhance skills in contributing to and scaling complex design systems.

  • Agile & Cross-functional Proficiency: Further develop skills in agile methodologies and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

  • Exposure to AI in Recruitment: Gain insight into how AI is used in talent acquisition processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in large, regulated industries and highlight the need for strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities focus on leveraging the contract period for targeted skill development relevant to the operations of product design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to translate complex business requirements into a user-centred design solution. What was your process, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on your methodology, collaboration, and results.)

  • "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Can you provide an example of how you've addressed accessibility in a past project?" (Demonstrate your understanding of standards and practical application.)

  • "Walk me through a project where you collaborated closely with Product Managers and Engineers. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about AustralianSuper and our mission to deliver excellent outcomes for members?" (Research the company's values, mission, and recent news.)

  • "How do you align with our values of Energy, Integrity, Generosity of Spirit, and Excellent Outcomes?" (Prepare specific examples from your experience.)

  • "How would you contribute to a high-performance environment and a strong risk culture as a Product Designer?" (Connect your design approach to efficiency, quality, and responsible innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline: Problem, Your Role, Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), Solution, and Outcomes/Impact.

  • Focus on 'Build-Ready': Emphasize the tangible outputs you delivered (user flows, wireframes, UI specs) and how they facilitated engineering implementation.

  • Quantify Where Possible: If you have metrics on user engagement, conversion rates, or task completion improvements resulting from your designs, present them.

  • Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs made, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating practical execution, collaborative problem-solving, and alignment with the company's specific values and operational focus on member outcomes and risk.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud candidate portal link.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords such as "Product Designer," "UX," "UI," "user-centred design," "wireframing," "user flows," "design systems," "accessibility standards," "usability testing," and "cross-functional collaboration." Highlight achievements with quantifiable results where possible.

  • Portfolio Curation: Prepare a portfolio that clearly showcases your design process, execution capabilities (build-ready assets), and collaborative experience. Select case studies that best represent your ability to solve problems and deliver high-quality digital experiences.

  • Interview Practice: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, particularly those focusing on your design process, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research AustralianSuper, its mission, values, and recent activities. Understand their focus on member outcomes and their commitment to a high-performance, risk-aware culture.

⚠️ 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. The mention of AI in the recruitment process suggests candidates should be mindful of how their application materials might be initially processed.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have experience in product design, UX, and UI within digital environments. Strong execution skills, knowledge of accessibility standards, and the ability to work in cross-functional teams are essential.