Senior Product Designer (UI/UX)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (UI/UX)

Company: Kmart Group (kmartaustr)

Location: Chadstone, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (through January 2027)

Category: Product Design / Digital Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-04-04

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design processes, from initial discovery and definition through to delivery, for critical digital products supporting store operations.

• Apply strong design judgment and systems thinking to shape complex, scalable, and intuitive user experiences across web and mobile platforms.

• Collaborate closely within cross-functional squads, partnering with Product Managers and Engineers to influence product roadmaps and delivery priorities.

• Leverage AI-assisted approaches to enhance discovery, ideation, and delivery, while maintaining high standards of quality and user-centricity.

• Contribute to the evolution and adoption of shared design systems, patterns, and best practices within the product team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a fixed-term engagement through January 2027, indicating a project-based need. The emphasis on "Store Experience team" and "real-world store operations" suggests a focus on internal tools and processes that directly impact frontline staff and operational efficiency. The mention of AI-assisted approaches highlights a forward-thinking approach to design and development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete product design lifecycle, encompassing user research, problem framing, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and final UI/UX delivery.

• Translate complex business requirements and user insights into clear, actionable product strategies and design solutions that address ambiguous problem spaces.

• Design intuitive and scalable digital experiences for web and mobile applications that empower store teams to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.

• Actively influence product roadmap decisions and prioritize development efforts by collaborating with Product Managers and Engineering leads, providing design rationale and impact assessments.

• Conduct rapid prototyping, rigorous user testing, and iterative refinement cycles to mitigate delivery risks and optimize user outcomes and business impact.

• Champion the development and consistency of shared design systems, reusable patterns, and collaborative design workflows to enhance team productivity and product coherence.

• Articulate and advocate for design decisions with compelling rationale, supported by data, user insights, and evidence to influence stakeholders and cross-functional partners.

• Integrate AI-assisted methodologies into the design process to accelerate exploration, enhance ideation, and streamline delivery, collaborating with engineering on AI-driven product enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level individual contributor role with significant autonomy and influence. The focus on "lifting design maturity" suggests the candidate will also be involved in mentoring and process improvement, beyond just execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. A strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience will also be highly valued.

Experience: Extensive experience as a Product Designer is a core requirement, with an implied 5-10 years of professional experience in designing complex, real-world digital products. Experience within a mature product team and Agile delivery environments is essential.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in end-to-end product design, covering discovery, definition, and delivery phases.

• Strong command of product design craft, including interaction design, information architecture, task flow definition, and interface design principles.

• Proven ability to lead user research and discovery initiatives, effectively shaping ambiguous problem spaces into clear design directions.

• Demonstrated experience operating at a senior level, influencing product strategy and stakeholder decisions with confidence.

• Proficiency in designing for scalability, consistency, and long-term product evolution, with strong systems thinking capabilities.

• Adept at working within mature product teams and robust Agile development methodologies.

• High proficiency with industry-standard design and collaboration tools, specifically Figma and Miro.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for retail operations or internal store-facing applications.

• Familiarity with broader digital product strategy and roadmap planning.

• Experience in mentoring junior designers or contributing to design team growth.

• Understanding of performance metrics and how design impacts business outcomes.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "confidence operating at a senior level" and "influencing product direction" suggests that candidates with a track record of leadership and strategic thinking will be highly regarded. The explicit mention of Figma and Miro indicates these are the primary tools used for design and collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, with a strong emphasis on complex digital products and real-world applications.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating your role in problem framing, discovery, user research, ideation, prototyping, and iterative testing.

• Examples of how you've designed for scale, consistency, and long-term product evolution, highlighting your systems thinking capabilities.

• Evidence of your ability to influence product direction and stakeholder decisions, ideally with quantifiable results or impact.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to framing complex problems and translating insights into clear product direction through discovery phases.

• Provide examples of your prototyping and user testing methodologies, demonstrating how you iterate to reduce risk and improve outcomes.

• Illustrate your contribution to the evolution of design systems, patterns, and shared ways of working within a product team.

• Demonstrate how you communicate design rationale and influence decisions using evidence, data, and user insights.

• Include examples of how you've thoughtfully applied AI in your design process to accelerate discovery, ideation, or delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of the role and the focus on "lifting design maturity," the portfolio should not just present final screens but articulate the process and strategic thinking behind the design solutions, particularly in complex or ambiguous problem spaces. The inclusion of AI in the process is a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a fixed-term role in Chadstone, VIC, Australia, a senior product designer with 5-10 years of experience would typically command a salary in the range of AUD $120,000 - $180,000 per annum. This range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major Australian cities, considering the retail industry context and the specific responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Flexible Hybrid Working: Enjoy the flexibility of Kmart Group's "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy, balancing remote and in-office work.

• Team Member Discount: Receive a discount card for Kmart, Target, Officeworks, and Bunnings.

• Kmart for You Benefits Program: Access exclusive discounts and benefits across entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health from over 60 suppliers.

• Bonus Program: Eligible team members have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program, rewarding commitment and hard work.

• Inclusive Parental Leave: Comprehensive parental leave and ongoing support through a partnership with Circle In, catering to diverse family circumstances.

• Dynamic Learning & Support: Benefit from a structured program focused on continuous learning and professional development.

• Mentor Program: Opportunities to fast-track career growth as either a Mentee or Mentor.

• Kudos Recognition Program: A peer-nominated recognition program offering chances to win prizes.

• Broader Wesfarmers Group Opportunities: Potential for career advancement across the wider Wesfarmers Group.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, a full-time role typically involves around 38-40 hours per week. The hybrid work policy suggests flexibility in managing these hours, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are extensive and typical for a large retail group in Australia. The salary estimate is based on typical senior UX/Product Designer compensation in Melbourne, adjusted for the fixed-term nature of the role and the explicit mention of a bonus program.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail. Kmart Group operates two of Australia's most iconic retail brands, Kmart and Target, making it a significant player in the Australian and New Zealand retail market. The company is part of the Wesfarmers Group, a large, diversified conglomerate.

Company Size: Kmart Group employs over 50,000 individuals across stores, distribution centers, and offices globally. This large scale implies robust processes, significant data volumes, and the potential for substantial impact from digital initiatives.

Founded: Kmart Australia was founded in 1969. The company has a long history and a strong brand presence, now undergoing significant digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the "Store Experience team," focusing on digital products that support store operations and frontline staff.

• You will be embedded within a "cross-functional squad" alongside Product Managers and Engineers, a common structure in agile product development.

Methodology:

• The team operates within a "mature product team" and "Agile delivery environment," indicating established agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) and a focus on iterative development.

• Emphasis on "end-to-end product design" and "systems thinking" suggests a holistic approach to product development, considering the entire user journey and ecosystem.

• The integration of "AI-assisted approaches" points to a willingness to explore and adopt emerging technologies to optimize processes and enhance capabilities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kmart and Target are well-established brands, so the "changing at a rapid rate" suggests a focus on digital transformation and modernization within a traditional retail setting. The "Store Experience team" is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and employee satisfaction in a large retail network.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a position of significant responsibility and autonomy. It requires not only strong design craft but also the ability to lead projects, influence strategy, mentor others implicitly, and contribute to the overall design maturity of the organization. It is a key individual contributor role with leadership potential.

Reporting Structure: The role is embedded within a cross-functional squad, likely reporting to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design, with day-to-day collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within the squad.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of store operations by designing digital tools for store teams. This has a tangible impact on customer experience, employee productivity, and ultimately, business outcomes for Kmart and Target. The role is central to the digital transformation efforts aimed at improving these areas.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: As a senior member, there's an opportunity to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and influence the design strategy and best practices within the Store Experience team and potentially broader Kmart Group.

• Skill Development: The role provides exposure to complex retail operations, AI-assisted design, and large-scale systems, offering significant opportunities to deepen expertise in these areas.

• Career Advancement: Potential for advancement into Lead Product Designer roles, Design Manager positions, or specialization in areas like design systems, user research, or product strategy within Kmart or the wider Wesfarmers Group. The fixed-term nature also allows for exploration of different project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "lift design maturity" and "influencing product direction" phrases suggest that career growth in this role is tied to strategic impact and elevating the design function, not just executing tasks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Chadstone, VIC, and is described as "Hybrid." This suggests a modern office environment that facilitates collaboration, with designated workspaces for design and team meetings, alongside the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Chadstone, VIC, Australia. This location is a major commercial hub in Melbourne, offering good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workplace where close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders is the norm, facilitated by tools like Miro.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma and Miro, as well as other relevant software for product development and project management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person brainstorming, design reviews, and strategic discussions, balanced with the autonomy of remote work. The focus is on outcomes and effective communication regardless of location.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 38-40 hours/week) is expected, with the "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy offering significant flexibility in managing work hours and location. This is beneficial for balancing deep work sessions with team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on hybrid work and flexible policies indicates a modern, employee-centric approach to the work environment, common in tech and digital teams within larger organizations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience and fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your role, decisions, and outcomes.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers or stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, systems thinking, and cultural fit.

• Skills-Based Exercise (Potential): A practical design challenge or a deep dive into a specific problem space may be presented to evaluate your design craft and problem-solving approach.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader in the product or design organization to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your senior-level experience, focusing on complex problems, end-to-end ownership, and measurable impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Clearly articulate your role, the problem, your process, your design rationale, the solutions, and the outcomes (quantifiable where possible).

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Demonstrate how you approach designing for scale, consistency, and long-term product evolution.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with Product and Engineering, and how you influenced decisions.

• Include AI Integration: If applicable, clearly explain how you've used AI thoughtfully in your design process.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle ambiguity, stakeholder management, and your approach to design systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, quickly grasp the user and business goals related to store operations.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your problem-solving steps clearly (e.g., research, ideation, solution, testing).

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thought process and how you'd approach the problem, not just the final solution.

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be ready to discuss potential trade-offs and justify your decisions.

• Time Management: Practice delivering your solution and presentation within a given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "lifting design maturity" means interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only design but also improve processes and mentor others. Portfolio presentations should reflect this broader impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design work. Proficiency is essential.

• Miro: A key tool for collaborative whiteboarding, ideation, user journey mapping, and workshop facilitation.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, experience with other dedicated tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and measure product performance is advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how digital products integrate with backend systems and potentially CRM data for store operations could be relevant.

• Experience with project management and workflow tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) is standard in Agile environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Miro is critical. Proficiency in these tools is a must-have for this role. Understanding how design impacts data and analytics will be a strong advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of store teams and customers through intuitive digital experiences.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork, where Product, Design, and Engineering work in tight synergy to achieve common goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using insights from user research, analytics, and business performance to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of iteration, learning, and refinement, constantly seeking ways to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies, like AI, and creative problem-solving to drive forward.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Squads: Working seamlessly within cross-functional product squads, fostering open communication and shared ownership.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: Actively participating in design critiques, sprint reviews, and stakeholder feedback sessions to refine solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture where design knowledge, best practices, and learnings are shared openly, potentially through design system contributions or internal presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values and culture emphasize a fast-paced, collaborative, and results-oriented environment, underpinned by a commitment to improving the retail experience through digital innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Scale in a Large Organization: Creating digital solutions that are intuitive and effective for thousands of store team members across numerous locations requires careful consideration of diverse user needs and contexts.

• Balancing Innovation with Legacy Systems: Integrating new digital solutions with existing store infrastructure and operational processes can be complex.

• Influencing Stakeholders in a Traditional Industry: Navigating the dynamics of a large, established retail organization to champion design-led initiatives and drive change.

• Leveraging AI Effectively: Successfully incorporating AI into the design process requires thoughtful experimentation, ethical considerations, and a clear understanding of its value proposition for users and the business.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Retail Operations: Gaining a profound understanding of the intricacies of retail store operations and how digital tools can optimize them.

• AI in Design: Exploring cutting-edge applications of AI in product discovery, ideation, and design workflows.

• Design Systems Mastery: Contributing to and leveraging sophisticated design systems at scale.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Developing skills in influencing and collaborating with Product Management and Engineering at a senior level.

• Mentorship: Participating in the Kmart Group's Mentor Program to accelerate personal and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to tackle significant operational challenges within a leading retail group, with a focus on leveraging technology, including AI, to drive tangible improvements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product problem you've tackled from discovery to delivery. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your role, methodology, and impact).

• "How do you approach designing for scale and consistency across multiple platforms and user groups?" (Highlight systems thinking and design system experience).

• "Walk me through a time you had to influence stakeholders who had different priorities. How did you gain their buy-in for your design recommendations?" (Demonstrate communication, persuasion, and data-driven rationale).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kmart Group and the retail industry?" (Show research into the company and its challenges/opportunities).

• "How do you approach working within a cross-functional, Agile team?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and adaptability).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context is Key: For each case study, clearly state the business problem, target users, and your specific role and responsibilities.

• Show the Process: Use visuals (sketches, wireframes, user flows, prototypes) to illustrate your journey from problem to solution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased efficiency, reduced errors, improved user satisfaction).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, trade-offs, and how you handled challenges.

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly articulate where and how AI was used and its impact on your workflow and the outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with AI in design thoroughly, as it's a highlighted requirement. Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking and leadership potential, not just execution skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Kmart Group careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 complex projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, systems thinking, and experience in influencing product direction, with a specific focus on operational or internal-facing applications if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your senior-level experience, key skills (Figma, Miro, Agile, discovery, AI integration), and quantifiable achievements in product design and impact on business outcomes.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your strategic approach, problem-solving methodology, collaboration, and the tangible results of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI in design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kmart and Target, their current digital initiatives, and the retail landscape to articulate your interest and understanding during interviews.

⚠️ 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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