Senior Product Designer (contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (Contract)

Company: Bilue

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Contract

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-30

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end product design process for a complex financial services web portal and its accompanying native iOS and Android applications.

• Drive design strategy and execution from concept usability testing through to high-fidelity, pixel-perfect UI delivery.

• Translate intricate financial workflows and regulated requirements into intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences.

• Leverage Figma proficiency and an AI-accelerated workflow to enhance design efficiency and output quality.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including client engineers, designers, and delivery leads, to ensure seamless product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position within a digital consultancy, focusing on a high-stakes financial institution's web portal and native apps. The emphasis is on senior-level autonomy, rapid delivery, and a strong craft in both design thinking and execution. The role requires a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on UI development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and execute the product design across multiple platforms: a responsive web portal (mobile, tablet, desktop) and native iOS and Android applications.

• Conduct concept usability testing to gather user insights and iterate on designs for improved user experience.

• Simplify complex financial workflows into clear, intuitive, and accessible user interfaces.

• Develop high-fidelity UI screens, interactive prototypes, and reusable components within Figma, adhering to design system principles.

• Apply platform-specific design conventions (Apple HIG, Material Design) and leverage native components appropriately, ensuring consistency without compromising platform integrity.

• Effectively present and articulate design decisions, rationale, and potential risks to client stakeholders.

• Foster close collaboration with Bilue and client-side engineers, designers, and delivery leads to ensure alignment and efficient product development.

• Ensure designs meet accessibility standards (WCAG), particularly crucial for financial services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer capable of handling complex, regulated product environments. The emphasis on both web and native app design, coupled with usability testing and stakeholder presentation, indicates a senior, client-facing role. The requirement to "move fast, make confident calls and deliver without heavy oversight" underscores the contract nature and expected autonomy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in product design, UX/UI, and related fields are paramount. Candidates with formal education in Design, HCI, or related disciplines may possess a foundational advantage.

Experience: Proven track record as a Senior Product Designer or UX/UI Designer with extensive experience in complex digital products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end product design, encompassing both strategic thinking and detailed UI execution.

• Strong command of Figma, including advanced features, design systems, and component architecture.

• Proven experience designing for native iOS and Android platforms, with a solid understanding of Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) and Material Design principles.

• Expertise in responsive web design across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices, with an approach that goes beyond simple resizing.

• Experience conducting usability testing and translating findings into actionable design improvements.

• Ability to translate complex, regulated requirements into clear, user-centric interfaces.

• Proficient in creating high-fidelity UI screens and interactive prototypes.

• Experience presenting and defending design decisions to diverse stakeholder groups.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards, such as WCAG.

• Experience working within an AI-accelerated design workflow, with the ability to articulate its application. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in the financial services sector or other regulated industries.

• Experience with robust design system implementation and maintenance.

• Familiarity with front-end development concepts to facilitate collaboration with engineers.

• Experience working in a digital consultancy or agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a "real craft" with high standards in both design thinking and pixel-perfect execution. The consultative approach, solution-oriented mindset for regulated environments, confident decision-making, and user-insight driven work are key attributes. The explicit mention of an "AI-accelerated workflow" is a significant differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a strong foundation in design thinking, demonstrating problem-solving methodologies applied to complex digital products.

• Highlight a high standard of visual execution and UI craftsmanship across diverse platforms (web and mobile).

• Include case studies detailing the process of translating complex requirements (e.g., financial workflows) into intuitive user interfaces.

• Demonstrate experience with design systems, component architecture, and reusable design elements.

• Feature projects that explicitly address responsive design across different screen sizes.

• Provide examples of native app design for iOS and Android, showcasing adherence to platform conventions.

• Illustrate experience with user research and usability testing, detailing how insights informed design iterations.

• Clearly articulate the role of AI tools in your workflow, from ideation to production. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio piece, clearly outline the design process undertaken, from initial problem definition and research to final UI delivery.

• Detail how you collaborated with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle.

• Explain your approach to iterative design, including how feedback and testing informed changes.

• Document the creation and application of design systems or component libraries.

• Showcase how you ensured consistency and adherence to platform guidelines (HIG, Material Design) and accessibility standards (WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this contract role, serving as the primary evidence of the candidate's capabilities. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, process maturity, and the ability to handle complex, regulated product challenges. Explicitly showing how AI tools were integrated is a must.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract role, compensation will likely be structured as an hourly rate or a fixed project fee. Given the senior level, location (Sydney), and specialized nature of the work (financial services, complex product), an estimated hourly rate could range from AUD $80 - $130+, depending on experience, specific skill set, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Contract-based engagement, offering flexibility and project-specific immersion.

• Opportunity to work with a reputable digital consultancy (Bilue) on projects for well-known Australian businesses.

• Exposure to complex challenges within the financial services sector.

• Collaborative and purpose-driven company culture with a "people-first" approach.

• Hybrid work model, balancing focused work with team collaboration.

• Potential for future engagements based on performance and project needs.

Working Hours: The standard full-time working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week. However, as a contract role, there may be flexibility in scheduling, provided project deadlines and team collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contract roles, salary is typically negotiated based on market rates for specialized skills and experience in the specific location. Researching typical contract rates for Senior Product Designers in Sydney, Australia, particularly within consulting or financial services, is advised. Benefits are generally less comprehensive than full-time roles but may include project-based bonuses or opportunities for extended contracts.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Digital Consultancy, serving primarily the Financial Services sector. Bilue designs and builds technology solutions, including mobile apps and web platforms.

Company Size: Bilue is part of the "Bilue" organization, which has a presence in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, and Manila. While the exact size of the Sydney team is not specified, the company description suggests a growing, values-led team that emphasizes low politics and high trust.

Founded: The founding date for Bilue is not explicitly stated, but the company is described as having established offices and a growing presence, indicating it's an operational entity with a track record.

Team Structure:

• The project team will likely include Bilue's delivery leads, engineers, and other designers, alongside client-side counterparts.

• Collaboration is described as "second nature," suggesting an integrated and communicative team environment.

• The role involves close collaboration with Bilue and client engineers, designers, and delivery leads. Methodology:

• Bilue focuses on designing and building "smart, user-friendly technology" that drives impact and delivers exceptional customer outcomes.

• The company culture encourages curiosity and collaboration, valuing excellence over ego.

• Processes are likely agile, iterative, and focused on delivering tangible results, especially given the contract nature of this role.

• Emphasis is placed on grounding work in "real user insight, not just aesthetics."

Company Website: bilue.com.au

📝 Enhancement Note: Bilue positions itself as a modern, people-first digital consultancy. The culture is described as down-to-earth, values-led, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on trust and low politics. This suggests a working environment where individuals are empowered and encouraged to contribute meaningfully.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior Product Designer level, requiring significant autonomy, leadership in design craft, and the ability to manage complex projects with limited oversight. It's a hands-on role focused on delivering high-quality design output within a defined timeframe.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report to a Delivery Lead or Design Lead within Bilue, and will also work closely with client stakeholders. The precise reporting lines will be clarified during the onboarding process.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer will directly impact the user experience and perceived quality of a critical financial institution's web portal and mobile applications. Successful design execution will lead to improved customer satisfaction, engagement, and potentially operational efficiency for the client. The role's success is measured by the quality of design deliverables, user feedback, and timely completion of the contract.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in financial services design, accessibility (WCAG), and native app design best practices.

• AI Tool Mastery: Further refine and expand the application of AI tools in the design process, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.

• Consultancy Experience: Gain valuable experience working within a digital consultancy, understanding client management and project delivery dynamics.

• Future Engagements: Successful completion of this contract may lead to further opportunities with Bilue or the client, depending on performance and business needs.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The project itself offers substantial material for a robust design portfolio, showcasing complex problem-solving and high-impact deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, "growth" is primarily focused on skill enhancement, portfolio building, and gaining experience within a consultancy and a specific industry. Long-term career progression within Bilue would depend on performance and the availability of future contract or permanent roles, which are not guaranteed by this position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Bilue operates a hybrid model, indicating a mix of office-based work and remote work. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, at Level 13, 4 Bligh Street.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Model: Allows for focused, individual work remotely, while leveraging office time for collaboration, brainstorming, and team connection.

• Collaborative Environment: The office space and company culture encourage interaction and teamwork, essential for design sprints and stakeholder alignment.

• Technology: As a digital consultancy, expect access to modern design tools and technology, including Figma and AI-accelerated workflows.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines. The hybrid model allows for some control over the work schedule, balancing personal needs with project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering a balance between focused individual work and in-person collaboration. This arrangement is common in modern tech and design roles, aiming to improve work-life balance while maintaining team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess core qualifications and experience. Be prepared to highlight relevant projects that showcase your senior-level product design skills, especially in complex or regulated environments.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present key projects from your portfolio. Focus on your design process, problem-solving approach, the rationale behind your decisions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, native app design, responsive design, and usability testing.

• Technical/Situational Interview: Expect questions related to design challenges, stakeholder management, collaboration with engineers, and how you handle constraints. Be prepared to discuss your experience with AI tools and how you integrate them into your workflow.

• Client/Stakeholder Introduction (Potentially): Depending on the stage, you might have an opportunity to meet key client contacts to assess fit and communication style.

• Offer: Following successful interviews, an offer for the contract position will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best demonstrate your senior-level capabilities, focusing on complexity, impact, and relevance to financial services or regulated industries.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes or learnings.

• Show Your Process: Detail your research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and UI design stages. Explain why you made certain choices.

• Highlight Native & Responsive Design: Explicitly showcase your ability to design for both web responsiveness and native mobile platforms (iOS/Android), demonstrating an understanding of platform conventions.

• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Include examples of your work within Figma, perhaps showcasing component libraries or design system elements.

• Explain AI Integration: Clearly articulate how you used AI tools to enhance your workflow, speed up processes, or improve design outcomes. Be specific about the tools and techniques.

• Accessibility Focus: If applicable, highlight projects where accessibility (WCAG) was a key consideration and how you addressed it.

• Conciseness is Key: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a specific design problem related to financial workflows or user onboarding.

• Prepare examples of how you've managed difficult stakeholder conversations or resolved design disagreements.

• Think about how you would ensure consistency across web and native platforms while respecting platform-specific nuances.

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of design systems and component-based design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio as proof of capability. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design thinking, process, and the practical application of their skills, especially concerning native apps, responsive design, and the use of AI tools.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Deep proficiency is required, including advanced features like auto layout, variants, and component libraries.

• Prototyping Tools: Integrated within Figma or standalone tools for creating interactive user flows.

• Usability Testing Platforms: Tools for conducting remote or in-person user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, or in-house solutions).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts user behavior and analytics is beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude could be advantageous for understanding user flows and conversion rates post-launch. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Senior Product Designer role, but understanding how design integrates with CRM systems or marketing automation platforms might be relevant in broader GTM contexts. AI-Accelerated Workflow Tools:

• Candidates are expected to have experience with AI tools that assist in the design process, such as AI-powered ideation tools, content generation aids, or rapid prototyping assistants. The ability to articulate their use is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of the design technology stack for this role. The explicit requirement for an "AI-accelerated workflow" means candidates must be prepared to discuss their experience with AI design tools and how they leverage them for efficiency and enhanced output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence, Not Ego: A focus on high-quality work and genuine contribution, rather than personal recognition.

• Collaboration: Teamwork is fundamental, with an emphasis on open communication and mutual support.

• Curiosity: Encouragement to explore new ideas, technologies, and solutions.

• Purpose-Driven: Designing technology that delivers impact and positive customer outcomes.

• People-First: A culture that values its employees and fosters a positive working environment.

• Low Politics, High Trust: An environment where transparency and trust are paramount, enabling efficient work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with engineers, delivery leads, and client stakeholders are expected.

• Open Communication: Sharing of ideas, feedback, and design rationale is encouraged.

• Agile & Iterative: The team likely operates with agile methodologies, requiring flexibility and continuous feedback loops.

• Supportive Environment: Team members are expected to back each other up and contribute to a positive team dynamic, even on short engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bilue's values emphasize a healthy, collaborative, and results-oriented culture. The "people-first" and "low politics, high trust" aspects suggest an environment where designers can thrive and contribute without unnecessary bureaucracy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Financial Workflows: Translating intricate and regulated financial processes into simple, intuitive user experiences requires deep analytical and design thinking.

• Balancing Platform Conventions: Maintaining a consistent experience across web and native apps while respecting the unique conventions and capabilities of each platform.

• Tight Contract Timeline: Delivering high-quality, pixel-perfect designs within a short-term contract requires efficiency, strong decision-making, and minimal oversight.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing expectations with diverse client stakeholders, especially in a regulated industry.

• AI Integration Demonstration: Clearly articulating and demonstrating the practical application and benefits of AI tools in the design workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Knowledge: Gaining deep insights into financial services design, user behavior, and regulatory requirements.

• Advanced Figma Skills: Further honing expertise in design systems, component architecture, and Figma's advanced features.

• AI Design Tool Proficiency: Becoming a more adept user of AI-powered design tools, enhancing efficiency and exploring new creative possibilities.

• Consultancy Experience: Understanding client management, project delivery cycles, and working within a consultancy framework.

• Portfolio Growth: The project itself is a significant opportunity to add a high-impact case study to your portfolio, showcasing complex problem-solving and cross-platform design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the project's complexity and the contract nature of the role. The growth opportunities are primarily experiential, focusing on skill development and portfolio enhancement rather than formal training programs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex financial workflow you've designed for. What were the key challenges, and how did you simplify it for users?" (Focus on your process, user research, and design rationale).

• "How do you ensure consistency in design across web (responsive) and native mobile (iOS/Android) platforms while respecting platform-specific conventions?" (Discuss your approach to design systems and platform guidelines).

• "Walk me through a project where you used AI tools to accelerate your design process. What tools did you use, and what was the impact?" (Be specific about the tools, your workflow, and the benefits).

• "How do you approach concept usability testing, and how do you translate findings into actionable design improvements?" (Detail your methodology and iteration process).

• "Imagine a scenario where a client stakeholder disagrees with your design direction. How would you handle this situation?" (Focus on communication, data-driven arguments, and collaborative problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Bilue and this specific contract role?" (Show you've researched Bilue's values and project type).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and 'low politics, high trust' team environment?" (Provide examples of your collaborative style).

• "How do you ensure your work is grounded in user insight rather than just aesthetics?" (Discuss your user research and testing practices). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with the problem statement, your role, the project goals, then delve into your process (research, ideation, design), key decisions, challenges, solutions, and finally, the outcomes/learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, prototypes, and clear annotations to explain your design thinking.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, highlighting your problem-solving skills and impact.

• AI Integration: Explicitly point out where and how AI tools were used within your process for each relevant project.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on the most critical aspects of each project. Practice your delivery to be clear and impactful.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills (Figma, native design), and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should heavily focus on showcasing senior-level design craft, strategic thinking, and the practical application of tools like Figma and AI. The ability to articulate one's process, rationale, and collaborative approach is paramount for a contract role requiring autonomy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating expertise in complex digital products, native app design (iOS/Android), responsive web design, and proficiency in Figma. Specifically highlight any work related to financial services or regulated industries, and clearly articulate your use of AI tools in your design workflow.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight senior-level product design experience, focusing on achievements, responsibilities that align with the job description (e.g., end-to-end design, stakeholder management, usability testing), and mention specific tools like Figma and any AI design applications.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, rationale behind decisions, and ability to handle complex requirements. Prepare to discuss your experience with native platform guidelines and your collaborative style.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bilue's company values, culture, and the types of digital solutions they provide. Understand their "people-first" and "purpose-driven" ethos to align your responses during the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.