Senior Digital Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Digital Product Designer

Company: HCF Corporation

Location: Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Digital Product Design / Design Systems

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of a comprehensive design system from a clean-slate approach, defining component libraries, Figma best practices, and governance models.

• Drive user-centered design for complex digital products, focusing on simplifying intricate insurance journeys and ensuring accessible, intuitive user experiences across web and mobile platforms.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, engineers, and diverse business stakeholders, within an Agile framework to deliver scalable design solutions.

• Act as a key influencer in shaping design practices across the organization, championing user research, usability, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly positioned as a "Senior Digital Product Designer" with a significant emphasis on "Design Systems." The description highlights a "clean-slate approach" and the opportunity to "build something meaningful from the ground up." This suggests a strategic leadership component within the design function, rather than a purely execution-focused role. The target candidate is expected to not only design but also to establish the foundational principles and infrastructure for design at HCF.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creation and evolution of HCF's design system, defining component architecture, Figma library structure, documentation standards, and governance processes.

• Lead the end-to-end design of complex digital products, translating user research, usability testing, and accessibility requirements into intuitive and efficient user journeys.

• Develop and maintain scalable design practices, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and high-quality user experiences across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaborate effectively with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to align design strategies with business objectives and technical feasibility, fostering a shared understanding of design principles.

• Champion user research methodologies, including usability testing and accessibility audits, to inform design decisions and advocate for user needs throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Influence and mentor other designers and product teams on design system adoption, best practices, and the value of user-centered design principles.

• Proactively identify opportunities for design innovation and process improvement, demonstrating a bias for action in testing new ideas and solving complex problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the strategic and leadership aspects implied by a "Senior" role focused on building a design system from scratch. Emphasis is placed on governance, scalability, and cross-functional influence, which are critical for senior-level design system roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design and digital product design, with a proven track record of leading design initiatives and developing scalable design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in UX/UI design and digital product design across web and mobile applications.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma and other relevant design tooling (e.g., prototyping tools, collaboration platforms).

• Demonstrated experience in building, scaling, or managing design systems, including component libraries, style guides, and documentation.

• Strong understanding of user research methodologies, usability testing, and accessibility standards, including WCAG compliance.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with product managers, engineers, and diverse business stakeholders in an Agile development environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong ability to influence, present, and build alignment across teams.

• A proactive "bias towards action" — ability to drive initiatives forward, test ideas, and solve problems efficiently. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the healthcare, insurance, or other regulated industries.

• Familiarity with emerging AI and agentic design tools and their application in product design.

• Experience in establishing design governance frameworks and processes.

• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate collaboration with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level has been inferred from "Senior" title and the "5-10 years" range is a common benchmark for such roles. Preferred skills have been expanded to include industry-specific and emerging technology relevance as mentioned in the job description.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design projects, clearly articulating your role, the problem statement, your design process, and the resulting outcomes.

• Highlight specific examples of your involvement with design systems, including the creation, maintenance, or significant contribution to component libraries, style guides, or pattern libraries.

• Demonstrate your approach to user research and usability testing, including how you gathered insights and translated them into design decisions that improved user experience.

• Present case studies that illustrate your ability to simplify complex user journeys, particularly within regulated or intricate domains like insurance or healthcare. Process Documentation:

• Document your design process, detailing how you approach problem-solving, user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Provide examples of how you have established or contributed to design governance, including decision-making frameworks, documentation standards, and collaboration protocols for design systems.

• Illustrate your experience working within Agile methodologies, outlining how design is integrated into sprints and how you manage design deliverables and feedback cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored to the explicit emphasis on design systems and complex problem-solving. The emphasis on "clean-slate" and "building from the ground up" implies the need to showcase foundational process development and governance establishment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Product Designer role, hybrid work arrangement, and location in Sydney, Australia, a competitive salary range would typically fall between AUD $140,000 - $190,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major Australian cities, considering the specialized nature of design systems expertise and the financial services/healthcare sector.

Benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, supporting a hybrid work model.

• 50% subsidy on HCF hospital and/or extras cover, offering significant savings on health insurance.

• 18 weeks of parental leave for all new parents, promoting work-life balance during family transitions.

• Comprehensive mental health and wellbeing programs, including workshops, fitness classes, flu vaccinations, and skin checks.

• Discounts on HCF's other insurance products (life, pet, travel), and partnerships with Fitness First gyms and eyecare providers.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including workshops and mentorship programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 38-40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the seniority of the role, the location (Sydney, Australia), and the specialized nature of design systems expertise. This estimate aligns with typical compensation for senior UX/Product Designers in the Australian market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (specifically, Health Insurance). HCF is Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund, operating in a highly regulated sector where trust, member-centricity, and clarity are paramount. This context means design must prioritize accessibility, ease of understanding complex policies, and building long-term member relationships.

Company Size: HCF is a large organization, as indicated by its position as Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund and its broad range of offerings. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact within a large user base.

Founded: 1932. With a long history, HCF has a strong established presence and legacy in the Australian market. This history implies a need for modernizing digital experiences while respecting existing brand trust and member loyalty.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Digital Enterprise" team, suggesting a central function responsible for core digital capabilities and standards across the organization.

• The "Senior Digital Product Designer" will likely work within a broader digital design or product team, collaborating with other designers, product managers, researchers, and potentially a dedicated design systems lead or team.

• Expect a matrixed reporting structure where the designer reports to a Design Lead or Head of Digital Product, while working on projects led by various Product Managers. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on using member data, user research, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Focus on streamlining complex insurance processes and journeys through intuitive digital design.

• Automation and Efficiency: Leveraging design systems and scalable practices to improve design and development efficiency, leading to faster delivery of features and a more consistent user experience.

Company Website: https://www.hcf.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out by referencing HCF's industry position, history, and stated purpose. This provides a backdrop for understanding the strategic importance of design and design systems within the organization, particularly concerning member trust and the complexity of healthcare/insurance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior individual contributor level. It signifies a transition from primarily executing design tasks to leading design initiatives, establishing best practices, and influencing strategic direction within the digital product space. The focus on building a design system from scratch also implies a leadership role in shaping HCF's design infrastructure and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Digital Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Digital Product, or a similar senior leadership role within the Digital Enterprise or Product team. They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Engineers, UX Researchers, and other designers across various product squads.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By establishing a robust design system, the Senior Digital Product Designer will directly influence:

• Consistency & Quality: Ensuring a unified and high-quality user experience across all HCF digital touchpoints.

• Efficiency: Significantly reducing design and development effort by providing reusable components and clear guidelines, accelerating time-to-market.

• Scalability: Enabling the organization to scale its digital offerings more effectively and maintain brand integrity.

• Member Experience: Directly contributing to simplifying complex insurance journeys, improving member satisfaction, and building trust.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer, Design System Manager, or Head of Design role, managing teams and setting broader design strategy.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in design systems, accessibility, or specific areas of digital product strategy within the health insurance domain.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Develop strong stakeholder management and strategic influencing skills that can lead to roles in Product Management or broader digital strategy.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall growth of design talent within HCF.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the "Senior" aspect and the implications of building a design system. It details the impact on efficiency and scalability, which are key "operations" aspects of design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a combination of remote work and in-office presence. The "Sydney CBD (Office)" location suggests a professional office environment in a central business district.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Sydney CBD, Australia. This provides access to a major metropolitan hub with excellent transport links and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective virtual collaboration tools and practices, alongside in-office time dedicated to focused teamwork, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma), collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana), and potentially specialized design system management tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design peers, product teams, and engineering leads during in-office days, fostering knowledge sharing and alignment on design initiatives.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (likely 38-40 hours per week) is expected, with the flexibility to balance remote and in-office work. This structure allows for focused deep work at home and collaborative sessions in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement is detailed, with implications for collaboration and workspace utilization, connecting it to the operational aspects of design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements, particularly design system experience and UX/UI proficiency.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on key projects that demonstrate your design system expertise, problem-solving skills, and user-centered approach. Expect to discuss your process, rationale, and impact.

• Technical/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study, either remotely or in a timed session, to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and Figma skills.

• Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues, including other designers, product managers, and engineers, to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within the Digital Enterprise team.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Digital Product) to cover strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall alignment with HCF's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design Systems: Dedicate a significant portion of your portfolio to showcasing your experience with design systems. Include examples of component creation, documentation, governance, and the impact of implementing a system.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process (research, ideation, testing), and the quantifiable outcomes or improvements achieved.

• Demonstrate User-Centricity & Accessibility: Ensure your work clearly reflects an understanding of user needs and adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Tailor to HCF: Research HCF's current digital presence and brand. If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to address potential areas where a design system could bring significant value.

• Be Concise and Clear: Focus on impactful projects and articulate your contributions clearly and concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Focus: If a design challenge is given, anticipate tasks related to component design, pattern application, or defining guidelines within a given context.

• Agile Simulation: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach design within an Agile sprint cycle, manage feedback, and collaborate with developers.

• Communication Practice: Rehearse explaining your design rationale and process clearly and persuasively, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, product managers, and engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are specifically tailored to a Senior Product Designer role with a strong design systems focus, providing actionable advice for candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design system development. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Design System Management Tools: Potentially tools like Zeroheight, Specify, or similar platforms for documenting and managing design system components and guidelines.

• Prototyping Tools: Advanced prototyping capabilities within Figma or other tools (e.g., InVision, Axure) for creating interactive user flows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or specialized product analytics tools (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• A/B Testing Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting A/B tests to optimize user interfaces and flows.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that help in presenting design-related data and insights effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks, sprints, and cross-functional workflows.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack for daily communication and team collaboration.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote usability testing and gathering user feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on industry standards for senior digital product designers, with a specific emphasis on tools relevant to design systems and digital product development in a large enterprise.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human Touch / Member Centricity: A core value at HCF, meaning all design decisions must prioritize the member's needs, making healthcare understandable, affordable, and high-quality.

• Make it Better: A drive for continuous improvement, applying to processes, products, and the design system itself, encouraging innovation and efficiency.

• Get There Together: Emphasizes collaboration, cross-functional teamwork, and shared ownership in achieving design and business goals.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing data from user research, analytics, and business metrics to inform design decisions and measure the effectiveness of solutions.

• Efficiency and Scalability: Valuing processes and systems (like design systems) that enable the organization to operate more efficiently and scale its digital offerings effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and other business units is expected to ensure design solutions are holistic and aligned.

• Process Review and Feedback: A culture that encourages open feedback on designs, processes, and system components to foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, research findings, and design patterns across teams to build collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are derived from HCF's stated values and industry context, framing how a design leader would operate within the organization, focusing on collaboration and member-centricity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a Design System from Scratch: The primary challenge will be building a comprehensive and adopted design system in an organization that may not have one, requiring significant influence, stakeholder buy-in, and robust governance.

• Balancing Consistency with Flexibility: Ensuring the design system supports diverse product needs while maintaining a consistent brand and user experience across all digital touchpoints.

• Adoption and Governance: Driving adoption of the design system across multiple product teams and establishing effective governance mechanisms for its ongoing evolution.

• Navigating a Regulated Industry: Designing for complex insurance products requires a deep understanding of compliance, legal requirements, and the need for clarity and trust.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Strategy & Architecture: Opportunities to deepen expertise in the strategic planning, architecture, and implementation of enterprise-level design systems.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge design practices in regulated industries and the application of emerging technologies like AI in design.

• Leadership and Influence: Developing strong leadership, stakeholder management, and change management skills essential for driving large-scale design initiatives.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in or leading mentorship opportunities, contributing to the growth of design talent within HCF.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the specific context of building a design system from scratch in a large, regulated organization, and growth opportunities are aligned with senior-level design leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to building a design system from the ground up. What are the key phases, considerations, and potential pitfalls?" (Focus on process, governance, stakeholder engagement, and phased rollout.)

• "How would you balance the need for design consistency with the flexibility required by different product teams at HCF?" (Prepare to discuss modularity, customization guidelines, and communication strategies.)

• "Can you walk us through a complex user journey you've simplified through design? What was your process, and what was the impact?" (Use a STAR method response, highlighting user research, iterative design, and quantifiable results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about HCF's purpose and values, and how would you ensure your design work reflects them?" (Research HCF's mission, values, and target audience. Connect design decisions to member centricity and making healthcare understandable.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers, especially in an Agile environment?" (Highlight experience with cross-functional teams, communication tools, and iterative feedback loops.)

• "How do you measure the success and impact of a design system?" (Prepare to discuss metrics related to efficiency, consistency, developer satisfaction, and user experience improvements.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcome. Use storytelling to make your work memorable.

• Emphasize Design System Contributions: Dedicate clear sections or highlight specific projects that showcase your design system expertise, component design, and governance experience.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the positive impact of your design solutions and design system contributions (e.g., reduced development time, increased user satisfaction, improved conversion rates).

• Showcase Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you collaborated with stakeholders, engineers, and product managers throughout your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, design system expertise, and understanding of HCF's context, providing specific preparation guidance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Digital Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the HCF External Career Site link provided.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience in digital product design, user-centered methodologies, and crucially, your expertise in building or contributing to design systems. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, your role, and the measurable outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Systems," "Figma," "UX/UI," "User Research," "Accessibility (WCAG)," "Agile," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on your design system contributions and how you approach complex problem-solving. Be ready to articulate your design rationale and the impact of your work clearly and concisely.

• Research HCF: Understand HCF's mission, values, and their position in the Australian health insurance market. Consider how your design philosophy aligns with their commitment to a "human touch" and simplifying healthcare.

⚠️ 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.

---