Product Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer II

Company: Nedbank

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-06

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of compelling visual artifacts, including UI layouts, interface elements, prototypes, storyboards, and mock-ups, to effectively communicate User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) needs.

• Maintain and evolve the design system by developing visual, UI, and interaction design assets, ensuring consistency and adherence to established standards.

• Conduct thorough research on the latest visual design, UI, interaction concepts, digital best practices, and online trends to recommend improvements and innovative solutions.

• Collaborate actively with cross-functional teams, including engineers and product managers, to ensure designs are implemented effectively and align with business goals and user experience metrics.

• Advocate for the end-user throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring that product designs solve user problems effectively while balancing user needs, technical constraints, and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer II," the responsibilities and required experience (5-8 years) suggest a mid-level to senior designer role. The emphasis on design systems and cross-functional collaboration points towards a role that bridges individual contribution with strategic input within a larger product development framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling visual artifacts such as UI layouts, interface elements, prototypes, high-level storyboards, mock-ups, and wireframes to effectively communicate UI and UX needs.

• Maintain and custodian the development of visual, UI, and interaction design assets for adoption within the design system.

• Conduct best-practice research to develop and improve UI and interaction design, effectively solving end-user problems.

• Formulate testing parameters to effectively assess user experience and gather actionable feedback.

• Conduct competitor research to identify opportunities for product improvement and to balance user needs, technical constraints, and business objectives.

• Understand project scope and requirements, driving innovative solutions aligned with business goals and UX metrics.

• Develop user experience flows and integrate them into mock-ups, usage scenarios, prototypes, specifications, and navigation maps.

• Create and evaluate interaction models, user task flows, screen designs, and UI details that promote ease of use and optimize the user experience.

• Effectively communicate design ideas, both verbally and visually, to gain stakeholder agreement and buy-in.

• Collaborate actively and work effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are successfully created and implemented.

• Advocate for the end-user throughout the development process, working closely with other members of the Service Design Team to craft a world-class user experience.

• Create solid recommendations and prioritization based on technology and business needs, adhering to the Group's technical infrastructure.

• Adhere to design standards by understanding and following the Design System and the client-centered design process.

• Consider user feedback from user testing results to deliver the best possible customer experience.

• Manage time effectively within each project to ensure agreed deadlines are met.

• Adhere to consistent design patterns and principles across all product designs.

• Support the achievement of business strategy, objectives, and values through the delivery of process, services, and solutions.

• Identify training courses and career progression opportunities through input and feedback from management.

• Ensure all personal development plan activities are completed within the specified timeframe.

• Share knowledge and industry trends with the team and stakeholders during formal and informal interactions.

• Obtain buy-in for developing new and/or enhanced processes that improve stakeholder business operations by highlighting benefits and supporting recommendations.

• Contribute to a culture conducive to achieving transformation goals by participating in Nedbank culture-building initiatives.

• Participate and support corporate responsibility initiatives for the achievement of business strategy.

• Seek opportunities to improve business processes and systems by identifying and recommending effective ways to operate and adding value to Nedbank.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities section is exceptionally detailed. For a concise job description, key themes like "Design System Stewardship," "User-Centric Problem Solving," "Cross-Functional Collaboration," and "Process Improvement Advocacy" should be highlighted. The emphasis on "client-centred design" and "adherence to Group technical infrastructure" points to a regulated environment where design must be both innovative and compliant.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Matric / Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate (Essential)

Experience:

Required Skills:

• UI Design: Proficiency in creating visually appealing and user-friendly interface layouts and elements.

• UX Design: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies to create intuitive and effective user experiences.

• Prototyping: Ability to create interactive prototypes to visualize user flows and test design concepts.

• Wireframing: Skill in developing low-fidelity wireframes to outline product structure and functionality.

• User Research: Experience in conducting user research, user testing, and analyzing feedback to inform design decisions.

• Interaction Design: Designing intuitive and engaging interaction models and user task flows.

• Design Systems: Experience in developing, maintaining, and adhering to design systems for consistency and scalability.

• Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and collaboration skills to gain buy-in from stakeholders.

• Process Design: Understanding of process design principles and their application in product development.

• Web Design: Familiarity with web design principles and best practices.

• Layout Design: Strong ability in visual layout and composition.

• Time Management: Proven ability to manage project timelines and deliver within deadlines.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in relevant design tools (specific tools not listed, but common ones like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite would be expected).

• Experience in writing, editing, and proofreading design documentation.

• Customer Orientation and Innovation as behavioral competencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Technical / Professional Knowledge" section directly translates into required skills. The "Behavioral Competencies" are also critical for success in this role and should be considered alongside technical skills. The mention of "relevant design tools" is a placeholder; candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency in industry-standard tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of visual artifacts, including UI layouts, interface elements, prototypes, storyboards, and mock-ups demonstrating effective communication of UI and UX needs.

• Include examples of contributions to or development of design system assets (visual, UI, and interaction design).

• Present case studies that highlight user problem-solving through UI and interaction design, detailing the process from research to solution.

• Demonstrate the ability to formulate and apply testing parameters for user experience assessment.

• Feature competitor research and analysis that led to product improvement recommendations.

• Illustrate user experience flows integrated with mock-ups, usage scenarios, and prototypes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of understanding and adhering to a client-centered design process.

• Documentation or examples of how user feedback from testing results was incorporated into design iterations.

• Examples of how design recommendations and prioritization were made based on technology and business needs.

• Demonstrations of adherence to consistent design patterns and principles.

• Any experience or documentation related to improving business processes and systems through design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for a Product Designer role. The emphasis on design systems, user research, and cross-functional collaboration suggests that portfolios should not only showcase visual output but also the thought process, problem-solving approach, and impact of the designs. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their work, explaining their design decisions and the rationale behind them, particularly in relation to business objectives and user needs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the experience level (5-8 years minimum, up to 10 years implied by AI analysis) and the role's responsibilities in a financial institution like Nedbank in Johannesburg, South Africa, a competitive salary range would be estimated between ZAR 550,000 to ZAR 850,000 per annum. This estimate considers the typical compensation for mid-to-senior level Product Designers in the South African market, factoring in the specific industry and the scope of work.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical aid plan.

• Retirement fund contributions (pension or provident fund).

• Paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Access to Nedbank's employee wellness programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Specific start and end times to be confirmed, but typically within business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

• Given the "On-site" work arrangement, consistent presence in the Johannesburg office will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market research for Product Designers in Johannesburg with 5-10 years of experience within the financial services sector. Actual compensation will vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the company's internal compensation structure. Benefits listed are typical for large financial institutions in South Africa.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Banking

Company Size: Large (Nedbank is a major financial institution with a significant employee base, likely thousands globally and within South Africa). This implies a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for scale.

Founded: Nedbank was founded in 1971, with a history tracing back to 1888. This long history suggests stability, a deep understanding of the financial market, and a culture that likely balances tradition with innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a "Service Design Team" and collaborates with "cross-functional teams," including product managers and potentially engineering.

• The Product Designer II will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or a Product Management lead, depending on the specific team structure within Nedbank's digital or product development divisions.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on a "client-centered design process" and adherence to a "Design System."

• Focus on user research, competitor analysis, and user testing to inform design decisions and solve user problems effectively.

• Application of "process design" principles to enhance operational efficiency and product functionality.

• Drive for "innovation" while maintaining "consistent design patterns and principles" and aligning with the "technical infrastructure of the Group."

Company Website: https://www.nedbank.co.za/

📝 Enhancement Note: Nedbank's position as a large, established financial institution suggests a corporate culture that values compliance, security, and customer trust, alongside a growing emphasis on digital transformation and innovation. The "client-centered design" approach indicates a commitment to user needs, which is crucial for a Product Designer.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Product Designer II

This level typically signifies a designer who has moved beyond foundational skills and can independently manage design tasks for moderately complex features or products. They are expected to contribute to design strategy, mentor junior designers, and actively participate in cross-functional decision-making. The "5-8 years experience" requirement reinforces this mid-to-senior level positioning.

Reporting Structure:

The Product Designer II will likely report to a Design Manager, Lead Product Designer, or a Product Owner within a specific business unit or digital transformation team. They will work closely with Product Managers, UX Researchers, UI Developers, and other cross-functional stakeholders.

Operations Impact:

The Product Designer II has a direct impact on the user experience of Nedbank's digital products and services. By creating intuitive, efficient, and visually appealing interfaces, they influence customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and ultimately, the bank's revenue and market position. Their work is crucial in translating business objectives into user-friendly digital solutions that drive engagement and adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Product Designer / Lead Designer: Progression to a more senior role with increased responsibility for complex projects, strategic design direction, and potentially team leadership.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like UX Research, Interaction Design, or Design System Management.

• Product Management: A potential career pivot into Product Management, leveraging deep product understanding and user empathy.

• Management Track: Moving into design management roles, focusing on team development, process improvement, and strategic oversight of design initiatives.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training, certifications, and industry conferences to stay abreast of design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role implies a path for growth within Nedbank's design or product teams. The emphasis on "continuous learning" and "career progression" suggests a supportive environment for professional development, which is a key attraction for experienced designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Nedbank operates with a hybrid work model for many roles, but this specific position is listed as "On-site." This suggests a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration, idea generation, and team cohesion within their Johannesburg offices.

Office Location(s): Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Nedbank has multiple campuses and offices in Johannesburg, offering various amenities and potentially different team environments. The exact office location would be specified during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workspace designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms, potentially open-plan areas, and dedicated spaces for design critique sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware, likely including powerful workstations and relevant licenses for design and prototyping tools. The company's commitment to a "Design System" implies robust digital tools for asset management and implementation.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with product managers, developers, researchers, and fellow designers, fostering a dynamic and interactive work setting.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, likely structured around core business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to facilitate team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

• While the role is on-site, Nedbank may offer some flexibility within the workday, but consistent office presence is a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement for this role suggests that Nedbank prioritizes face-to-face interaction for design processes like brainstorming, workshops, and design reviews, which are crucial for a collaborative design function.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit resume and portfolio, highlighting relevant experience and design projects.

2. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications for basic qualifications and experience.

3. Portfolio Review & Initial Interview: A hiring manager or senior designer will likely review the portfolio and conduct an initial interview to assess design skills, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. This may involve discussing specific projects and design decisions.

4. Technical/Skills Assessment: This could be a design challenge, a case study presentation, or a more in-depth interview focused on design principles, tools, and methodologies. Expect questions about your experience with design systems, user research, and cross-functional collaboration.

5. Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, fellow designers, potentially business leads) to evaluate collaboration style and alignment with team dynamics.

6. Final Interview & Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership, followed by an offer if successful.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills relevant to the job description (UI/UX, design systems, user research, problem-solving).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you implemented, and the impact or results achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Design System Contributions: If you have experience with design systems, showcase your contributions – whether building, maintaining, or utilizing them. Explain how you ensured consistency and scalability.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Focus on how you approached complex user problems and translated them into effective design solutions. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction).

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your design decisions, trade-offs made, and lessons learned. Understand how your work aligns with business goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the problem statement, constraints, and objectives.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely for research, ideation, design, and preparation for presentation.

• Process Emphasis: Focus on demonstrating your design process rather than just the final output. Explain your rationale at each step.

• Stakeholder Perspective: Consider how your proposed solutions would benefit the business and align with Nedbank's objectives and brand.

• Presentation Clarity: Prepare a clear, concise presentation that effectively communicates your approach and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and practical application of design skills. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design thinking process and demonstrate how their work contributes to business objectives and user satisfaction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI/UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (Expect proficiency in at least one, ideally multiple).

• Wireframing Tools: Balsamiq, Axure RP, or integrated features within Figma/Sketch.

• Design System Management: Tools and methodologies for creating, maintaining, and implementing design systems (e.g., Storybook, internal platforms).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for the designer, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and how user behavior is tracked can be beneficial for data-informed design.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design role, but understanding how products integrate with CRM systems or automate user journeys can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description emphasizes the need to "Adhere to design standards by understanding and following the Design System" and mentions "relevant design tools." Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with modern design and prototyping tools, and their experience working within or contributing to established design systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Orientation: A primary focus on understanding and meeting user needs to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve problems and improve products.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying updated with industry trends, tools, and best practices in design.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in design and business practices, crucial for a financial institution.

• Efficiency: Seeking opportunities to improve processes and systems for better operational outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with product managers, developers, researchers, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful implementation of designs.

• Open Communication: Valuing clear, concise, and timely communication, both verbally and visually, to convey ideas and gather feedback.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and user feedback, using it to iterate and improve designs.

• Process Adherence: Respecting established design processes and methodologies while also contributing to their improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The behavioral competencies listed (Collaborating, Continuous Learning, Customer Orientation, Decision Making, Earning Trust, Innovation) directly reflect Nedbank's desired culture for its employees, especially in design roles where user empathy and team integration are key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: A common challenge in product design, requiring negotiation and creative problem-solving to find optimal solutions.

• Adhering to a Strict Design System and Technical Infrastructure: Ensuring creative freedom while maintaining consistency and compliance within established frameworks.

• Gaining Stakeholder Buy-in: Effectively communicating design rationale and value to diverse stakeholders to secure agreement and support for UX initiatives.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology and Design Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to new tools, methodologies, and user expectations in the digital landscape.

• Driving Change in a Large Organization: Championing user-centered design principles and advocating for UX improvements within a large, established financial institution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal and external training programs, workshops, and courses focused on advanced design techniques, tools, and methodologies.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend design conferences and events to network and learn about emerging trends.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or leaders within Nedbank's design community.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen by working closely with product management, engineering, and business units.

• Design System Contribution: Deepening expertise by actively contributing to the evolution and governance of Nedbank's design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to develop within a large, stable organization. The challenges presented are typical for senior design roles in established companies, and the growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to advance their careers in product design and related fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs with business objectives. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, negotiation skills, and ability to find compromises.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for all users?" (Demonstrate understanding of accessibility standards and best practices.)

• "Walk me through a project where you significantly influenced the user experience of a product. What was your specific contribution, and what was the impact?" (Prepare a case study from your portfolio that highlights your process and results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Nedbank's approach to digital transformation and customer experience?" (Research Nedbank's latest initiatives, app, and online services.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "What are your thoughts on design systems, and how have you worked with them in the past?" (Discuss your experience with design system principles, contribution, or utilization.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact/Results.

• Focus on the "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design decisions at every stage. Why did you choose a particular layout, interaction, or color scheme?

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increase in conversion rates, reduction in user errors, positive user feedback).

• Highlight Collaboration: Mention how you worked with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Keep your explanations clear and to the point, allowing time for questions. Practice your delivery to ensure confidence and clarity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not just design skills but also problem-solving abilities, communication effectiveness, and cultural alignment. Preparing specific examples from your experience, especially those related to design systems and user-centric problem-solving, will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Nedbank Careers portal.

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

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 5-8 years of experience, specific design skills (UI, UX, prototyping, wireframing, research), and any experience with design systems or client-centered design processes mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the listing naturally.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Nedbank's digital products and their commitment to customer experience. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, articulate your design process, and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Understand the Design System: Be ready to discuss your experience with design systems, their importance, and how you've worked with them. If you have examples of contributions, prepare to share them.

⚠️ 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.