Product Designer, Design Systems

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer, Design Systems

Company: New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Location: Open - Any NZ NZTE Office (Wellington preferred)

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Category: Design Operations / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive consistency, quality, and efficiency across NZTE's customer-facing digital products through the evolution of its design system.

• Own and maintain the design system, ensuring reusable components, patterns, and comprehensive documentation are up-to-date and accessible.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional product, design, and technology teams to deliver high-standard, user-centric design solutions.

• Explore and integrate emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance design practices and digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer, Design Systems," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a focus on the operational aspects of design, specifically the management, evolution, and application of a design system to ensure scalability and consistency across multiple digital products. This role bridges product design with a strong emphasis on system governance and efficient design delivery, aligning it with operations principles in a design context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the ownership and continuous evolution of NZTE's design system, encompassing UI components, design patterns, style guides, and comprehensive documentation.

• Champion and implement design system best practices to enhance consistency, accessibility (WCAG compliance), and overall quality across all NZTE digital products.

• Partner effectively with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of design system elements into product development lifecycles.

• Develop and maintain a robust library of reusable components and design patterns within Figma, ensuring scalability and ease of use for design and development teams.

• Conduct design reviews and provide guidance to ensure adherence to the design system and maintain a high standard of design craft.

• Investigate and propose innovative applications of emerging technologies, such as AI, to optimize design workflows and improve user experiences.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of NZTE's digital product design, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs.

• Facilitate workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to promote design system adoption and best practices across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "owning and evolving" the design system, "improving consistency, accessibility and quality," and "partnering with product and technology teams" highlights a proactive and governance-oriented approach, typical of operations roles that ensure standardized, efficient delivery of services or products. The exploration of AI integration also points to a forward-thinking, process-improvement mindset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in UI/UX design, with a significant focus on contributing to or managing design systems.

Required Skills:

• Proven UI design capability with a strong portfolio showcasing experience in designing within or contributing to design systems.

• Proficiency in Figma, including advanced skills in creating and managing scalable component libraries, variants, and auto-layout features.

• Demonstrated systems thinking ability, with a capacity to understand and manage the interplay between individual design elements and a larger, cohesive system.

• Strong understanding of design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and best practices for UI/UX.

• Experience with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) and integrating them into design systems.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to effectively partner with designers, developers, and product stakeholders.

• Curiosity and an interest in emerging technologies, particularly AI, and their potential applications in design. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing comprehensive design system documentation, including guidelines, best practices, and usage examples.

• Familiarity with front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design system component creation and implementation.

• Experience working in a government or public sector organization, understanding the unique considerations for such environments.

• Experience in a role directly responsible for a design system's growth and adoption.

• Exposure to user research methodologies and translating user feedback into design system improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified experience level (2-5 years) and the emphasis on Figma proficiency and design system contribution suggest a mid-level role. The preference for systems thinking and accessibility aligns with operational efficiency and compliance, while the curiosity about AI points to a role that embraces technological advancement for process improvement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 case studies demonstrating direct experience with design systems, including contributions to component libraries, pattern development, or system evolution.

• Clearly illustrate the candidate's role in creating or maintaining design systems, detailing their process from ideation to implementation and iteration.

• Include examples of UI design work that highlight consistency, scalability, and adherence to established design principles.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design systems contribute to efficiency, quality, and consistency across multiple digital products.

• Present examples of how accessibility standards were considered and integrated into design solutions. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating or contributing to design system documentation, including style guides, component usage guidelines, and best practices.

• Examples of how the candidate has collaborated with engineering teams to ensure successful implementation of design system components.

• Documentation that illustrates systems thinking, showing how individual design decisions fit into a broader, interconnected framework.

• Case studies that detail the process of identifying design challenges and applying design system solutions to achieve measurable improvements in user experience or development efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Systems role, a portfolio is critical. The requirements here focus on demonstrating practical experience in managing and applying design systems, emphasizing process, collaboration, and measurable outcomes, which are core tenets of operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: NZD $80,000 - $110,000 per annum (Estimated)

Benefits:

• Permanent, Full-Time employment with a stable government organization.

• Comprehensive health and safety provisions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including lifelong learning initiatives and potential for attending industry conferences.

• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Contribution to New Zealand's economic success through impactful digital products.

• Supportive team environment that values collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Access to modern design tools and technology.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on typical mid-level Product Designer salaries in New Zealand for roles with design system responsibilities, and considering the public sector context, an estimated range of NZD $80,000 - $110,000 is provided. This estimate accounts for the experience level, location (New Zealand), and the specialized nature of design systems expertise. Specific benefits like "flexible working" and "lifelong learning" are highlighted as they are explicitly mentioned in the raw data and are attractive to professionals seeking growth and balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, International Trade & Investment Promotion.

Company Size: Over 500 employees (NZTE has approximately 800 staff globally).

Founded: Established in 2003 (as a result of merging Trade New Zealand and the New Zealand Trade Development Board).

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the Digital team, which focuses on developing and maintaining NZTE's digital products and platforms.

• This team likely comprises Product Managers, Designers (UX/UI), Developers (front-end, back-end), QA Testers, and potentially Data Analysts.

• The Product Designer, Design Systems will report into a Design Lead or Head of Digital Product, working closely with other designers and engineering leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with strong partnerships expected with product teams, marketing, and international business advisors. Methodology:

• NZTE emphasizes a user-centered approach to digital product development, focusing on delivering value to New Zealand businesses.

• The organization promotes iterative development, continuous improvement, and a data-informed decision-making process.

• There's a focus on efficiency and scalability, which the design system plays a crucial role in supporting.

• An emerging focus on leveraging AI and new technologies to enhance service delivery and user engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: NZTE's mission to support New Zealand businesses internationally shapes its operational focus on delivering effective, scalable digital tools. The company's public sector nature implies a commitment to quality, accessibility, and long-term impact, which are all amplified by a robust design system. The size suggests a structured environment with opportunities for both specialization and cross-functional interaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Design Systems Specialist. This role is for an individual contributor who is becoming an expert in design system management and application. It sits beyond an entry-level designer and contributes significantly to the operational efficiency and quality of design output.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer, Design Systems will likely report to a Design Manager, Lead Product Designer, or Head of Digital Product. They will work collaboratively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other Designers, forming part of a larger Digital or Product team.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on operational efficiency by reducing redundant design work, speeding up development cycles, and ensuring a consistent, high-quality user experience across all digital touchpoints. This consistency builds trust and improves the effectiveness of NZTE's services for businesses. The role also influences design maturity and innovation within the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in design systems, becoming a go-to authority within NZTE and potentially the wider New Zealand design community.

• Leadership: Transition into a Senior Design Systems role, leading the strategy and roadmap for the design system, or potentially managing a small team of design system contributors.

• Broader Product Design: Move into a Senior Product Designer role on specific product teams, leveraging design system expertise to drive complex product initiatives.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Develop skills in product management or technical program management by understanding the full product development lifecycle facilitated by the design system.

• AI Integration: Become a leader in how AI is applied to design operations and product development within NZTE.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key player in operationalizing design. Growth opportunities focus on deepening expertise, taking on more strategic or leadership responsibilities within design operations, or leveraging this specialized knowledge in broader product development contexts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with the expectation of being within commuting distance of an NZTE office (Wellington preferred). This suggests a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): "Open - Any NZ NZTE Office" implies flexibility across NZTE's New Zealand locations. Key offices include Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and potentially others. The preference for Wellington suggests it may be the primary hub for digital teams or leadership.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration indicate a workplace that values both independent work and team interaction. In-office days are likely used for brainstorming, workshops, and team alignment.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma is specified) and potentially other collaboration software (e.g., Slack, Jira, Confluence) is expected. NZTE's commitment to digital transformation suggests a modern tech stack.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with a diverse group of professionals across design, product, engineering, and international trade advisory roles. Regular syncs, team meetings, and cross-functional project work.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) with flexibility, allowing for effective management of design system tasks, which may require focused, uninterrupted blocks of work alongside collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Open - Any NZ NZTE Office" location and hybrid model suggest a modern, flexible work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and the blend of remote and office work are typical of tech-forward organizations looking to attract talent with diverse work preferences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and cover letters, with a strong emphasis on portfolio quality and relevance to design systems.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, focusing on design system case studies, explaining their contributions, process, and impact. This stage assesses design craft, systems thinking, and communication skills.

• Technical/Skills Interview: Deeper dive into Figma proficiency, design system architecture, accessibility knowledge, and problem-solving approaches. May involve a small design challenge or system critique exercise.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Interview: Assessment of ability to work with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders. Focus on communication, collaboration style, and understanding of development workflows.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Digital, Director) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with NZTE's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Design Systems: Dedicate a significant portion of your portfolio to design system work. Clearly articulate your role, the system's purpose, its components, and how you contributed to its growth or maintenance.

• Showcase Process & Impact: For each case study, detail your thought process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased consistency, reduced design debt, faster development cycles). Quantify impact where possible.

• Demonstrate Figma Mastery: Highlight your proficiency in Figma, including complex component setups, auto-layout usage, and how you've structured libraries for scalability.

• Accessibility Integration: Clearly show how you’ve incorporated accessibility principles and standards into your design system work.

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations to tell a compelling story about your contributions and how they align with the goals of a design system.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Audit/Critique: Be prepared to critique an existing design system or a set of UI components, identifying areas for improvement based on consistency, accessibility, and scalability.

• Component Design Exercise: You might be asked to design a new component or adapt an existing one within a hypothetical design system context.

• Process Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would approach introducing or evolving a design system in a new or existing product team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a practical demonstration of skills through a portfolio and potential design challenges, typical for design roles. The focus on design systems, collaboration, and impact aligns with the operational nature of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, component creation, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency in advanced features like variants, auto-layout, and component libraries is essential.

• Design System Management Platforms: While not explicitly mentioned, candidates should be aware of tools or methods for documenting and sharing design systems (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook integration, internal wikis).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude): Familiarity with how design impacts user behavior and business metrics, and how to interpret data to inform design decisions.

• Accessibility Testing Tools (e.g., WAVE, axe): Tools used to audit and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello): For tracking design tasks, sprints, and collaborating with engineering teams.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams): For day-to-day communication and team coordination.

• Prototyping Tools (e.g., Figma's built-in prototyping): For creating interactive mockups and user flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma makes it a critical tool. Other listed tools are standard for design and product development operations, facilitating collaboration, workflow management, and data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to serving New Zealand businesses by providing effective and user-friendly digital tools.

• Excellence & Quality: Driving high standards in design craft, accessibility, and system integrity.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to improve processes and outcomes.

• Efficiency: Streamlining design and development workflows through robust systems and processes.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of learning, iterating, and enhancing both products and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Open communication and active participation in cross-functional teams, fostering a shared understanding of product goals and design system implementation.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture where feedback is welcomed, given constructively, and used to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactive sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings related to design systems and product design.

• Agile Methodologies: Likely operating within an agile framework, requiring adaptability and close collaboration within sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: NZTE's values, as inferred from its mission and the job description, emphasize practical impact, quality, and forward-thinking approaches. These align well with the operational goals of a design system role, focusing on enabling efficient, high-quality design delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Design System Adoption & Governance: Ensuring consistent adoption and adherence to the design system across various product teams and stakeholders, some of whom may have established workflows.

• Balancing Flexibility and Consistency: Finding the right balance between maintaining strict system consistency and allowing product teams the flexibility they need to innovate and meet specific user needs.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in design tools, front-end technologies, and emerging areas like AI, and integrating them thoughtfully into the design system.

• Measuring Design System Impact: Quantifying the ROI and impact of the design system on development speed, design consistency, and user satisfaction can be challenging but crucial for advocacy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Specialization: Becoming a recognized expert in design systems through hands-on experience, industry best practices, and potentially certifications.

• AI in Design: Gaining practical experience in exploring and implementing AI tools and methodologies within a design workflow.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Deepening understanding of product management, engineering processes, and business strategy through close collaboration.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, lead design system initiatives, or transition into senior design or design operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in design systems roles and require strong operational thinking and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and expanding influence within the design and product operations space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in building or evolving a design system. What was your role, what were the key challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, collaboration, and quantifiable impact).

• "How do you ensure accessibility is integrated into a design system, and what are the key considerations for WCAG compliance?" (Highlight specific standards and practical implementation methods).

• "Imagine a product team is resistant to adopting the design system. How would you approach this situation and encourage adoption?" (Demonstrate your communication, negotiation, and influence skills, focusing on the benefits of the system).

• "How do you balance the need for design system consistency with the need for product teams to innovate and iterate quickly?" (Showcase your understanding of pragmatic system management and stakeholder management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and how do you see this role contributing to our mission?" (Research NZTE's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Connect your passion for design systems to their goals).

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers? Can you provide an example of a successful collaboration and a challenging one?" (Prepare specific examples that highlight your teamwork and problem-solving abilities).

• "What are your thoughts on the role of AI in the future of design and design systems?" (Show your curiosity and forward-thinking approach, relating it to potential efficiency gains or new design possibilities). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Clearly define the problem, your approach, the solution (design system elements), and the results for each case study.

• Highlight Your Contribution: Be explicit about your role and responsibilities within any team-based projects.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively to demonstrate components, patterns, and documentation. Walk through interactive prototypes or Figma files if possible.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your design system work has improved efficiency, consistency, quality, or user experience. Quantify impact where possible.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to probe the candidate's operational thinking, system-level perspective, collaboration skills, and understanding of how design systems drive business value, all critical for a role focused on design operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your resume and cover letter through the provided application link on jobs.lever.co.

• Tailor your resume and cover letter: Highlight experience relevant to design systems, UI design, Figma proficiency, systems thinking, and accessibility. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on operational impacts like efficiency gains or consistency improvements.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features design system case studies. Clearly articulate your role, process, and the outcomes of your work. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio during an interview.

• Research NZTE: Understand their mission, values, and current digital products. Identify how your design systems expertise can support their goals of helping New Zealand businesses grow internationally.

• Prepare for a design challenge: Anticipate a potential exercise related to design systems, UI critique, or component design, and practice articulating your thought process clearly.

⚠️ 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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