Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: VML

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Contract (Parental Leave Cover)

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Product Design

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end User Experience (UX) design for digital products and services, from initial concept to final delivery.

• Translate complex user needs, business requirements, and client objectives into clear, intuitive, and valuable digital experiences.

• Actively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Experience Strategists, creative teams, and clients, to drive innovation and ensure successful product outcomes.

• Leverage a Human-First philosophy to deeply understand user needs and create impactful, user-centered design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month contract for parental leave cover, offering flexibility for full-time or part-time (4 days/week) engagement based on candidate experience. The emphasis on "craft" and "people skills" suggests a role that requires both strong technical design execution and excellent stakeholder management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• End-to-End UX Leadership: Take ownership of the UX workstream for key projects, guiding the design process from discovery and ideation through to detailed design and delivery.

• Human-Centered Design Execution: Collaborate with Experience Strategists to transform high-level CX visions, service blueprints, and journey maps into tangible, testable prototypes and detailed user flows.

• Collaborative Ideation & Workshop Facilitation: Partner with creative teams and clients in early-stage ideation sessions, facilitate workshops to explore new opportunities, and synthesize diverse inputs into actionable design directions.

• Information Architecture & Interaction Design: Design and structure complex information effectively, encompassing site-wide information architecture, navigation systems, and detailed interaction designs for digital products.

• Prototyping & User Testing: Create wireframes and interactive prototypes at various fidelities to facilitate clear communication, enable user testing, and validate design concepts before development.

• Design System Management: Develop, manage, and apply client-specific design systems to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency across digital product portfolios.

• Leverage Advanced Tools: Utilize modern design tools, including AI-powered agents (e.g., Open WPP), to accelerate design processes and enhance creative output.

• Client Communication & Decision Guidance: Clearly articulate design rationale, present work effectively in plain English, discuss trade-offs transparently, and guide clients toward informed design decisions.

• Methodology Contribution: Contribute to VML's internal methodologies and toolkits, and assist clients in establishing their own best-practice operational frameworks for design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "lead UX work from early thinking through to delivery" and "bring structure and clarity to complex challenges" indicates a need for a proactive, self-sufficient Senior UX Designer who can manage ambiguity and drive outcomes with minimal oversight. The mention of "AI-powered agents (Open WPP)" suggests an expectation to integrate emerging technologies into the design workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for senior-level UX roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Proven experience in senior-level UX design, with a demonstrated ability to lead independent workstreams and drive complex projects from conception to completion. Approximately 5-10 years of relevant professional experience is implied by the "Senior UX Designer" title and the expectation of leading workstreams without constant direction.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Craft: Mastery of core UX design principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• Information Architecture (IA): Strong ability to organize and structure complex information for optimal user navigation and comprehension.

• Interaction Design: Expertise in designing intuitive and efficient user interactions.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Proficient in creating low-to-high fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• User Flow Design: Ability to map out detailed user journeys and interaction sequences.

• Design System Development & Application: Experience in creating, maintaining, and implementing design systems to ensure brand consistency and scalability.

• Client Collaboration & Workshop Facilitation: Proven ability to engage with clients, facilitate productive workshops, and build consensus.

• Communication & Presentation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving & Ambiguity Navigation: Demonstrated ability to tackle ambiguous problems, ask insightful questions, and drive clarity and momentum.

• Pragmatism & Trade-off Management: Ability to balance design quality with real-world constraints such as deadlines, budgets, and technical limitations.

• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to listen, contribute constructively, and challenge ideas respectfully.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-powered design tools or platforms.

• Familiarity with CX strategy, service blueprints, and journey mapping techniques.

• Experience working in a global agency environment or with large enterprise clients.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design decisions.

• Experience with user research methodologies and synthesizing research findings into design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "VML Mindset" (Heart, Brains, Courage) should be considered a key qualification, implying a need for candidates who are empathetic, analytical, and assertive in advocating for strong work. The requirement to "lead your own workstream without needing constant direction" clearly defines the seniority and autonomy expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Craft: Showcase a range of UX design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs (where applicable).

• Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly articulate the project's challenge, the user's needs, and how your design solutions addressed these effectively.

• Process Documentation: Illustrate your design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and collaboration methods used.

• Impact & Rationale: Explain the rationale behind key design decisions and, where possible, demonstrate the positive impact of your work on user experience or business objectives.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you’ve collaborated with strategists, creatives, developers, and clients.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Showcase your ability to map out and design user workflows for complex digital products.

• System Implementation: Include examples of how you have applied or contributed to design systems to ensure consistency and scale.

• Client Engagement: Detail how you have guided clients through design processes, facilitated workshops, and presented design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on translating strategy into tangible outputs and client guidance, the portfolio should not only display finished work but also the process, thinking, and collaborative efforts behind it. Examples of managing ambiguity and making pragmatic decisions under constraints will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior UX Designer title, the location (Perth, Western Australia, Australia), and the contract nature for parental leave cover, a competitive hourly rate or pro-rata annual salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior UX professionals in Australia, the estimated range would be AUD $120,000 - $160,000 per annum (pro-rata if part-time), or approximately AUD $60 - $80 per hour for a contractor.

Benefits:

• Energise Leave: 5 paid half days off per year for personal recharge.

• Birthday Leave: A paid day off to celebrate your birthday.

• Loyalty Leave: A paid day off annually to celebrate your work anniversary.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 24/7 confidential support services.

• Mental Health Support: Access to resources and programs for mental well-being.

• LinkedIn Learning Access: Unlimited access to online courses for professional development.

• Foundation Day: Paid day for community volunteering and giving back.

• PerkSPACE: A platform offering employee discounts and benefits for savings, growth, and convenience.

• Parental Leave: Access to parental leave benefits (though this role is covering existing leave, the company offers it).

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are implied (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility for a 4-day work week (32 hours) depending on experience and preference. The hybrid model requires an average of four days per week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior UX Designers in major Australian cities and is subject to variation based on specific experience, client negotiations, and the exact duration/scope of the contract. The benefits listed are comprehensive for a contract role, offering a good work-life balance and professional development opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing Services, Digital Experience, Commerce, and Brand Strategy. VML operates within the broader WPP network, a global leader in marketing and communications services.

Company Size: VML is a large global agency network with 26,000 employees across 55+ markets. This specific role is within VML Australia & New Zealand (AUNZ).

Founded: VML was formed in 2024 through the merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, creating a unified entity under the WPP umbrella. The legacy of its predecessor agencies brings a deep history of client service and award-winning work.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a larger Digital Experience or Creative team within VML's Australian operations.

• Reporting structure will place the Senior UX Designer under a UX Lead, Creative Director, or Head of Experience, with direct collaboration with project managers, strategists, creative teams, and potentially developers.

Methodology:

• VML emphasizes a "Human-First" philosophy, meaning user understanding is paramount in all design and strategic processes.

• Design processes are built around translating human insights into useful, valuable, and actionable digital products and services.

• The agency encourages the use of modern tools, including AI, to enhance efficiency and creativity.

• Emphasis is placed on clear communication, pragmatic decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving.

Company Website: https://www.vml.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's merger signifies a consolidation of talent and capabilities, aiming to provide integrated brand, customer, and commerce experiences. The "Human-First" philosophy is a core differentiator, suggesting that candidates who can demonstrate empathy and user advocacy will be highly valued. The integration of AI tools hints at a forward-thinking approach to design practice.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the UX Design discipline. It requires independent leadership of design workstreams, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced team members implicitly through example and collaboration. The focus is on executing complex UX challenges and influencing client decisions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report to a design leadership role (e.g., UX Lead, Creative Director) and will work closely with project managers and account teams. They will also collaborate extensively with cross-functional peers.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the quality and effectiveness of the digital products and services designed. By creating user-centered, intuitive, and valuable experiences, they contribute to client satisfaction, user engagement, conversion rates, and ultimately, client business growth. Their ability to translate complex business needs into effective user experiences is crucial for client success and VML's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a UX Lead or Design Director role, managing teams and strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like service design, UX research, or design system architecture.

• Client Strategy Influence: Develop stronger client advisory skills, influencing broader digital strategy beyond just UX execution.

• Mentorship: Gain experience in guiding and mentoring junior designers.

• Industry Exposure: Work on diverse projects for blue-chip clients, expanding portfolio and industry knowledge.

• Continuous Learning: Access to LinkedIn Learning and exposure to cutting-edge tools and methodologies within VML and WPP.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a 12-month contract, the "Senior" title and responsibilities imply that successful performance could lead to longer-term opportunities or serve as a significant stepping stone for future roles within VML or the broader WPP network. The emphasis on client interaction suggests growth in strategic advisory capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: VML operates a hybrid work model, requiring teams to be in the office an average of four days per week. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster creativity, connection, and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Perth, Western Australia. Specific office address details would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan workspaces designed for team collaboration and client presentations.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially shared digital collaboration platforms.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for informal and formal interactions with UX designers, strategists, creatives, project managers, and account teams.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is based on a hybrid model, with an expectation of being in the office for approximately four days per week. Flexibility is noted, and specific arrangements (e.g., for part-time) should be discussed during the interview process. The role is contract-based for 12 months.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a preference for in-person collaboration while acknowledging the need for flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office presence and comfortable working within a team environment that values face-to-face interaction for brainstorming and relationship building.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role requirements and VML's Human-First philosophy.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you present a curated selection of your work, explaining your process, rationale, and impact. This is a critical step to demonstrate your craft, communication skills, and ability to handle ambiguity.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, design leads, and hiring managers to assess your fit with the team, collaboration style, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect scenario-based questions related to UX challenges, client management, and navigating complex projects.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of how well your mindset (Heart, Brains, Courage) aligns with VML's values and approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle complex challenges. Prioritize projects demonstrating impact and clear rationale.

• Tell a Story: For each project, structure your presentation to clearly define the problem, your role and process, the solutions you designed, the rationale behind your decisions, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Don't just show final designs. Explain why you made certain decisions, what trade-offs you considered, and how you collaborated with others.

• Emphasize Pragmatism: Showcase instances where you balanced ideal UX with real-world constraints (deadlines, budgets, technical limitations).

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, how you handle feedback, and how you approach ambiguity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Company Research: Understand VML's "Human-First" philosophy, their client roster, and recent work. Research WPP and its role in the industry.

• Process Thinking: Be ready to discuss your personal design process and how you adapt it to different project needs and client contexts.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to discuss how you would approach hypothetical UX challenges, client disagreements, or tight deadlines, drawing on your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "leading your own workstream" and "making an impact quickly" means your portfolio and interview performance should highlight your ability to be self-directed and deliver tangible results. Be prepared to discuss how you use AI or other advanced tools to enhance your work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar. Figma is increasingly becoming the dominant tool for collaborative design.

• Wireframing: Tools like Balsamiq, Axure RP, or features within the primary design suites.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Miro, Mural, or similar for remote whiteboarding and workshop facilitation.

• Project Management: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for tracking tasks and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for UX design, an understanding of how to interpret user analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a direct responsibility for a UX Designer, but awareness of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact user journeys and customer experiences is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of "AI-powered agents (Open WPP)" suggests that candidates who are curious about or have experience with emerging AI tools in design workflows will be particularly well-received. Familiarity with collaborative design platforms is essential for a hybrid and agency environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-First: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs, which drives all design and strategic decisions.

• Collaboration: A belief that the best work emerges from strong teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect across disciplines and with clients.

• Pragmatism: A grounded approach that balances creative ambition with the realities of project constraints (time, budget, technology).

• Courageous Creativity: Encouraging team members to speak up, challenge weak ideas, and push for innovative solutions that deliver real value.

• Continuous Learning: A culture that values curiosity, staying updated with industry trends, and embracing new tools and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Working as part of blended teams composed of strategists, creatives, UX designers, and account managers, fostering a holistic approach to client solutions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct, honest, and respectful dialogue to ensure clarity and alignment.

• Workshop-Driven: Utilizing collaborative workshops as a key method for ideation, problem-solving, and client alignment.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and giving constructive feedback to improve work and foster professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Heart, Brains & Courage" mindset is central to VML's culture. Candidates will be evaluated on their empathy (Heart), analytical and problem-solving skills (Brains), and their willingness to advocate for strong work and challenge the status quo respectfully (Courage).

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Ambiguity: Navigating complex client briefs and evolving project requirements with unclear initial direction. Preparation involves practicing structured problem-solving techniques and developing comfort with iterative processes.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Synthesizing diverse client opinions, user needs, and technical constraints into a cohesive and effective design. This requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Driving Adoption of Best Practices: Introducing and championing user-centered design principles and methodologies within client organizations that may have different operating models.

• Staying Ahead of Technology: Integrating new tools and technologies, such as AI, into established design workflows efficiently and effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Deepen expertise in specific UX disciplines through project work and internal VML resources.

• Client Advisory Skills: Develop strategic thinking and client management capabilities through high-level client interactions.

• Industry Trends: Exposure to cutting-edge digital trends and technologies through VML's global network and client work.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior leaders within VML and gain insights into career progression within a large agency structure.

• Professional Development: Access to LinkedIn Learning for continuous skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a dynamic agency environment. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for professional development, not just in design craft but also in strategic advisory and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX problem you solved. What was your process, what were the trade-offs, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on IA, user flows, and pragmatic decision-making).

• "How do you translate a broad CX vision or journey map into actionable design deliverables?" (Demonstrate ability to bridge strategy and execution).

• "How do you approach a project where the client has strong opinions but limited understanding of UX best practices?" (Showcase communication, empathy, and influence).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does VML's 'Human-First' philosophy mean to you, and how do you apply it in your work?" (Show empathy and user advocacy).

• "How do you embody 'Heart, Brains, and Courage' in your professional interactions?" (Align your personal values with VML's).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Rationale -> Outcome/Learnings.

• Visuals: Ensure your visuals are clean, professional, and effectively communicate your design thinking. Use sketches, wireframes, prototypes, and final designs where appropriate.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Honesty: Be prepared to discuss challenges, mistakes, and what you learned from them. This demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.

• Engagement: Treat it as a conversation, not just a presentation. Be ready to answer probing questions about your decisions and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only your technical UX skills but also your ability to operate autonomously, communicate effectively, and align with VML's specific cultural drivers. Be prepared to discuss how you might leverage AI tools in your design process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the VML careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your senior-level UX craft, problem-solving abilities, and experience in handling complex digital product challenges. Tailor your project selection to highlight the responsibilities mentioned (e.g., IA, prototyping, client collaboration).

• Resume Optimization: Align your resume with the job description, emphasizing keywords related to UX design, information architecture, prototyping, design systems, client collaboration, and experience leading workstreams. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design rationale, and demonstrating your understanding of the "Human-First" philosophy and VML's values. Prepare to discuss how you navigate ambiguity and manage pragmatic constraints.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research VML, its recent work, its parent company WPP, and its "Human-First" approach. Understand the agency model and the importance of client relationships.

⚠️ 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.