UX Designer

VicGov People Careers
Full-time•Footscray, Australia

šŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: VicGov People Careers

Location: Footscray, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Temporary (12 Months)

Category: UX/Product Design

Date Posted: May 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years suggested)

Remote Status: Hybrid

šŸš€ Role Summary

  • Design and validate compelling, personalized digital experiences for Victorians, ensuring accessibility and user empowerment.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product, Engineering, Delivery, and Policy leaders, to deliver innovative government services.

  • Utilize a comprehensive product design toolkit, including service design, UX tools, research methodologies, and prototyping in Figma and Figjam.

  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems and style guides to ensure consistency across digital platforms.

  • Plan and conduct user research and usability testing to inform evidence-based design decisions and validate solutions.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the end-to-end product design lifecycle within a government context, emphasizing user-centricity, accessibility, and cross-functional collaboration. The "5-10 years" experience level is an inference based on the depth of responsibilities and required skills, suggesting a need for seasoned professionals.

šŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead the design process from discovery and research through to prototyping, testing, and validation, ensuring solutions meet user needs and organizational goals.

  • Develop user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma and Figjam to visualize and iterate on design concepts.

  • Plan and execute user research activities, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights and validate design decisions.

  • Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and policy advisors to translate complex requirements into intuitive and accessible user interfaces.

  • Champion accessibility best practices and inclusive design patterns to ensure digital services are usable by all Victorians.

  • Facilitate workshops and design sprints for ideation, alignment, and iteration with diverse stakeholder groups.

  • Present design concepts, research findings, and strategic recommendations to stakeholders at various levels, building consensus and driving adoption.

  • Contribute to and maintain design systems, style guides, and interaction pattern libraries to ensure consistency and scalability.

  • Continuously seek feedback from design peers and stakeholders to iterate and refine designs collaboratively.

  • Analyze user data and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and inform future design iterations.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities extend beyond typical UI design to encompass strategic product design, user research leadership, stakeholder influence, and design system contribution, reflecting a senior-level role focused on driving digital transformation.

šŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • Proven experience (suggested 5-10 years) in end-to-end UX and product design, with a strong portfolio showcasing complex digital product development.

  • Demonstrated experience working within cross-functional product teams in agile or similar development environments.

Required Skills:

  • End-to-End Product Design: Deep understanding of the entire design lifecycle, from discovery and user research to prototyping, testing, and validation.

  • User Research & Validation: Proficiency in planning and conducting various user research methodologies (interviews, surveys, usability testing) and translating findings into actionable insights.

  • Prototyping & UI Design: Advanced skills in creating high-fidelity UI designs and interactive prototypes using Figma.

  • Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and advocate for user needs.

  • Design Systems: Experience contributing to or working with design systems, style guides, and interaction patterns.

  • Service Design: Understanding of service design principles and methodologies for designing holistic user journeys.

  • Workshop Facilitation: Ability to plan and facilitate workshops for ideation, alignment, and problem-solving sessions.

Preferred Skills:

  • Accessibility Expertise: Strong knowledge of WCAG guidelines and experience designing for universally accessible patterns.

  • Figjam Proficiency: Experience using Figjam for collaborative ideation and design activities.

  • Data Analysis: Ability to interpret user data and analytics to inform design decisions.

  • Public Sector Experience: Familiarity with government digital service delivery or public sector user needs.

  • Agile Methodologies: Experience working within Agile/Scrum development frameworks.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end product design," "influencing stakeholders," and specific tool proficiency (Figma, Figjam) points to a mid-to-senior level UX Designer role requiring a blend of strategic thinking, craft excellence, and strong interpersonal skills.

šŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your involvement in the entire product design process, from problem definition and user research through to high-fidelity design, testing, and outcome.

  • Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate the user problems and business challenges addressed in each case study.

  • Process Documentation: Illustrate your design process, including research methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing approaches.

  • Outcome & Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs on user experience and business objectives where possible (e.g., improved task completion rates, increased user satisfaction, efficiency gains).

  • Figma/Figjam Showcase: Include examples of your work created in Figma, and highlight collaborative exercises or ideation sessions conducted using Figjam.

  • Design System Contribution: If applicable, demonstrate contributions to or utilization of design systems.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design: Evidence of designing user flows and interaction patterns for complex digital services.

  • Research & Validation: Documentation of user research plans, methodologies, and findings, including how these informed design decisions and validation.

  • Iteration & Refinement: Examples of how feedback from testing and stakeholders was used to iterate and improve designs.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a UX role in a government digital transformation context, a portfolio needs to demonstrate not just visual design skills but a robust understanding of user-centered design methodologies, research validation, and the ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly solutions. Emphasis should be placed on the "why" and "how" of design decisions, supported by evidence.

šŸ’µ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

  • Flexible Working Arrangements: The department actively promotes flexible work options, which can include flexible hours and potential for hybrid work arrangements.

  • Professional Development: Opportunities for training, skill enhancement, and career growth within the Digital Transformation Group.

  • Public Sector Stability: Employment within the Victorian Public Service offers a stable and secure work environment.

  • Impactful Work: The chance to contribute to digital transformation initiatives that directly benefit Victorians.

  • Superannuation: Standard superannuation contributions as per Australian employment law.

  • Leave Entitlements: Generous annual leave, personal/carer's leave, and other entitlements.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours are typically 38 hours per week. The role offers flexibility, allowing for adjustments to daily start/end times, subject to operational needs and team coordination.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on the Victorian Public Service (VPS) grading system. A UX Designer role at this level often falls within the VPS Grade 4 or 5 bandings. The benefits highlight common offerings within the public sector, with a specific mention of flexible working as stated in the job description.

šŸŽÆ Team & Company Context

šŸ¢ Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, Digital Transformation, Technology Services. The role is within the Victorian Government's Digital Transformation Group (DTG), focused on modernizing public services.

Company Size: VicGov People Careers represents a large entity (Victorian Public Service), with the Digital Transformation Group likely comprising hundreds to thousands of employees across various departments. This signifies a structured environment with opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: The Victorian Public Service has a long history, but the Digital Transformation Group is a more recent initiative focused on modernizing government services through technology and improved user experiences.

Team Structure:

  • Cross-Functional Teams: The UX Designer will work within agile, cross-functional teams that include Product Managers, Engineers, Delivery Leads, Policy Advisors, and other Designers.

  • Design Community: There is likely a broader design community within DGS or the wider Victorian Government, facilitating knowledge sharing and peer support.

  • Reporting: The role reports into Design or Product leadership within the Digital Transformation Group.

Methodology:

  • User-Centred Design: A strong emphasis on understanding and designing for the needs of Victorians.

  • Agile Development: Likely operating within an Agile framework, involving iterative development, regular feedback loops, and cross-functional collaboration.

  • Data-Informed Decisions: Using user research, usability testing, and performance data to guide design choices.

  • Digital Transformation Focus: Driven by a strategic agenda to accelerate and improve government services through digital means.

Company Website: https://www.vic.gov.au/ (General Victorian Government portal; specific DGS information may be within departmental sites)

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The context provided highlights a significant shift towards digital service delivery within the Victorian Government. The UX Designer will be part of a strategic effort to improve citizen-facing services, requiring adaptability and collaboration in a large public sector organization.

šŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior UX Designer. It requires a strong foundation in design principles and methodologies, coupled with the ability to work independently, influence stakeholders, and contribute to strategic product direction. It's beyond an entry-level or junior position, demanding a comprehensive understanding of the design lifecycle and practical application.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a Design Lead or Head of UX within the Digital Transformation Group. They will work in project-based teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing how Victorians interact with government services. Successful design outcomes can lead to increased public satisfaction, improved efficiency in service delivery, greater accessibility, and cost savings through streamlined digital processes.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas such as service design, accessibility, or user research.

  • Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or Design Manager role, mentoring junior designers and leading design strategy for larger initiatives.

  • Cross-Departmental Projects: Gain exposure to a variety of government services and digital transformation challenges across different departments.

  • Skill Development: Continuous learning through workshops, conferences, and internal training programs focused on emerging design trends and technologies.

  • Government Policy Influence: Contribute to shaping the future of digital service delivery within the Victorian Government.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a public sector digital transformation initiative, emphasizing both vertical progression in design leadership and horizontal exposure to diverse government services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is based in Footscray, VIC, with the expectation of working from the office some days per week, complemented by remote work flexibility. This allows for in-person collaboration and focused remote work.

Office Location(s): Footscray, Victoria, Australia (3011). This location is a key hub for government services in the western suburbs of Melbourne.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes collaborative areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design studios to facilitate teamwork and workshops.

  • Technology Access: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized hardware or software for design and research activities.

  • Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with design colleagues, product teams, and other government stakeholders, fostering a connected and supportive work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 38 hours/week) with the flexibility to adjust start and end times. The hybrid arrangement means a portion of the work will be remote, requiring self-discipline and effective time management.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, common in government digital transformation units.

šŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Application Submission: Submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (max 3 pages).

  • Initial Screening: Review of applications by the recruitment team to assess suitability against the core requirements.

  • Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A detailed discussion with Design leadership or senior team members. This will involve presenting your portfolio, discussing your design process, and elaborating on how you've met the key selection criteria. Be prepared to walk through case studies and explain your decision-making.

  • Skills-Based Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a design exercise or challenge to assess your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and approach to a specific brief. This might be completed within a timeframe or as a take-home task.

  • Stakeholder/Team Interview: Meet with other team members, Product Managers, or Delivery Leads to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication effectiveness.

  • Final Interview: May involve a senior leader to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience in end-to-end product design, user research, and working within cross-functional teams.

  • Focus on Process & Rationale: Clearly articulate the problem, your process, your role, the challenges, your decisions, and the outcomes. Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your points.

  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or evidence of the positive impact your designs have had.

  • Address Key Criteria: Ensure your case studies and presentation directly address the key selection criteria mentioned in the job description, especially stakeholder influence, user advocacy, and research validation.

  • Figma/Figjam Integration: Be ready to showcase your Figma work and discuss how you use Figjam for collaboration.

  • Storytelling: Present your work as a compelling narrative, demonstrating your passion and problem-solving abilities.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly understand the user, the problem, and the constraints.

  • Emphasize Process: Focus on outlining your thought process and design methodology, rather than just presenting a final solution.

  • User-Centricity: Demonstrate how you would approach user research and validation for the challenge.

  • Accessibility & Inclusivity: Consider how to make the solution accessible to all users.

  • Time Management: If timed, allocate time for research, ideation, sketching/wireframing, and presenting your approach.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for government roles often emphasizes a structured approach, with a strong focus on the selection criteria and the ability to articulate process and impact. A well-documented portfolio that showcases these aspects is crucial.

šŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for high-fidelity UI design, prototyping, and component creation.

  • Figjam: Key for collaborative ideation, brainstorming, workshop facilitation, and user flow mapping.

  • Service Design Tools: Potentially tools like Miro, Mural, or specific service design software for journey mapping and process visualization.

  • Prototyping Tools: Figma's prototyping capabilities are primary, but familiarity with others like InVision or Adobe XD could be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or similar platforms to understand user behaviour on digital platforms.

  • A/B Testing Tools: Experience with tools that facilitate A/B testing for design iteration and optimization.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not a primary focus for UX, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools integrate with front-end experiences can be beneficial for context.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Figjam indicates these are central to the team's workflow. Proficiency in these tools, along with a strong understanding of broader UX research and service design methodologies, is expected.

šŸ‘„ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centred: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Victorians.

  • Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

  • Inclusivity & Accessibility: Designing for everyone, ensuring no one is left behind.

  • Innovation: Driving forward-thinking solutions to improve government services.

  • Efficiency: Streamlining processes and digital platforms to enhance productivity and effectiveness.

  • Evidence-Based: Grounding design decisions in research, data, and user feedback.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work seamlessly with product, engineering, and policy teams, fostering a shared understanding of project goals.

  • Open Feedback: A culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and encouraged in design reviews and team rituals.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in design discussions, sharing insights, and learning from peers.

  • Iterative Approach: Embracing an iterative design process, comfortable with refining work based on feedback and testing.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture likely reflects a modern, agile approach within a public sector context, aiming to balance the mission-driven nature of government work with innovative design practices.

⚔ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively navigating diverse stakeholder requirements, including business, technical, regulatory, and user needs, to achieve optimal design solutions.

  • Legacy Systems & Processes: Working within established government frameworks and potentially integrating with older systems, requiring creative problem-solving.

  • User Adoption: Encouraging adoption of new digital services among a broad and diverse population with varying digital literacy.

  • Scope Creep: Managing project scope effectively in a large organizational setting.

  • Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible impact of design interventions in a public sector environment, which can sometimes have longer feedback loops.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Training: Access to training in advanced UX techniques, service design, accessibility standards, and new design tools.

  • Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant design and technology conferences.

  • Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or leaders within the Digital Transformation Group.

  • Leadership Development: Pathways to develop leadership skills for managing projects or teams.

  • Exposure to Policy: Gaining a deeper understanding of public policy and its intersection with digital service design.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles in government digital transformation, requiring resilience, strong communication, and a strategic approach to problem-solving. Growth is tied to both technical skill advancement and navigating the complexities of public sector innovation.

šŸ’” Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder who had a different vision for a product. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your communication, negotiation, and user advocacy skills.)

  • "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature or service from scratch. What steps do you take, and how do you ensure it's user-centred and accessible?" (Highlight your end-to-end design methodology, research, and validation.)

  • "How do you approach designing for users with diverse needs and technical abilities, particularly in a public service context?" (Emphasize your understanding of accessibility, inclusivity, and user research.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about designing digital services for the Victorian Government?" (Show your understanding of the public sector mission and your desire to make an impact.)

  • "How do you see your role contributing to the Digital Transformation Group's goals?" (Align your skills with the group's objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and responsibilities, the process you followed, key decisions and rationale, challenges faced, your contributions, and the final outcomes/impact.

  • Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, user flows, prototypes, research insights) to support your narrative. Make sure your Figma work is presented clearly.

  • Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with other team members and stakeholders.

  • Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If exact metrics aren't available, describe the qualitative impact or user feedback received.

  • Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, design choices, and research findings.

  • Practice: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on bridging your UX expertise with the specific needs and context of government digital transformation, emphasizing user advocacy, collaboration, and a structured design process.

šŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

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

  • Resume & Cover Letter Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in end-to-end product design, user research, Figma proficiency, and stakeholder management. Craft a compelling cover letter (max 3 pages) that directly addresses each of the key selection criteria with specific examples from your experience.

  • Portfolio Preparation: Select 2-3 of your strongest end-to-end product design case studies. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your process, rationale, collaboration, and measurable impact. Prepare to present these visually, highlighting your work in Figma and any collaborative efforts using Figjam.

  • Interview Practice: Anticipate questions related to your design strategy, problem-solving approach, stakeholder management, and experience in user research and validation. Practice articulating your process and outcomes clearly and concisely.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Victorian Government's Digital Transformation Group's mission, current initiatives, and the importance of user-centric, accessible digital services. Understand the context of working within a public sector environment.

āš ļø 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.


Application Requirements

Requires deep expertise in end-to-end product design, including discovery, prototyping, and testing. Proficiency in Figma, Figjam, and service design methodologies is essential, along with the ability to influence stakeholders.