UX Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Lead

Company: UNSW

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time (35 hours per week)

Category: User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Design Leadership

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid Working Arrangement

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a UX/UI design team to deliver user-centered digital experiences within a leading Australian university.

• Drive the design vision for digital projects, ensuring intuitive, engaging, and accessible user journeys across various platforms.

• Implement and manage a token-driven semantic design system to ensure consistency and scalability of digital assets.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers and developers, to align design solutions with strategic business objectives and user needs.

• Maintain and enhance the Global Digital Experience Framework library to facilitate knowledge transfer and best practice adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Marketing & Digital Experience portfolio, indicating a strategic focus on elevating UNSW's global brand reputation and supporting its 'Progress for All' strategic plan. The "UX/UI Lead" title, coupled with direct reports, signifies a leadership position with significant influence over digital product design and team development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and mentor a small team of UX/UI designers, fostering a data-driven, audience-focused, and collaborative environment committed to continuous improvement and global best practices in user-centric, accessible design.

• UX Design Leadership: Spearhead the UX design of assigned UNSW projects, managing multi-faceted user experiences from initial concept through to launch, ensuring alignment with user needs and business goals.

• Design System Implementation: Define, implement, and manage a token-driven semantic design system (e.g., color, typography, spacing) to ensure consistency, scalability, and adherence to UNSW Brand requirements across all digital platforms.

• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication: Facilitate technical discussions with product managers, developers, and other key UNSW stakeholders, effectively communicating design solutions and providing expert advice on usability, accessibility, and inclusivity to meet industry standards.

• Knowledge Management: Maintain and enhance the Global Digital Experience Framework library, ensuring knowledge transfer is accessible and promotes consistent application of design principles and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design direction, and cross-functional collaboration, typical for a lead role in a large organization. The focus on a "token-driven semantic design system" and "Global Digital Experience Framework" points to a need for structured, scalable design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training, and experience.

Experience: Extensive experience as a UX/UI Designer, with demonstrated experience leading UX/UI designers and a proven track record of delivering high-quality user-centered design solutions using agile methodologies.

Required Skills:

• User-Centered Design Principles: Deep understanding and application of user-centered design, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse projects and processes.

• Visual Design Expertise: Strong knowledge of visual design principles, including grids, layout, typography, and composition, with the ability to create cohesive and visually engaging designs.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Expert proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Sketch, Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with experience in prototyping software for co-design and iteration.

• Design Systems Management: Proven experience designing, implementing, and managing token-driven, semantic design systems within a complex organizational structure, including scaling and evolution.

• Agile Methodologies: Demonstrated experience working within agile development environments.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent skills in communicating design solutions effectively to cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels.

• People Management: Experience in leading and managing a team, setting priorities, and managing workflow for self and direct reports, working effectively without constant direction.

Preferred Skills:

• Website Platforms: Experience with website development platforms, specifically Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) and Adobe Analytics.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: A strong commitment to designing accessible and inclusive digital experiences that meet industry standards.

• Trend Awareness: A passion for user-centered design and a commitment to staying current with emerging design trends and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong portfolio" and "demonstrated experience leading UX/UI designers" clearly indicates a need for candidates who can showcase both individual design excellence and leadership capabilities. The explicit mention of Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite are critical keywords for ATS screening.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• User-Centered Design Process: Showcase a clear, documented process for user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing, demonstrating how user needs informed design decisions.

• Design System Case Studies: Present examples of designing, implementing, or contributing to a semantic, token-driven design system, highlighting its impact on consistency, scalability, and efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Illustrate how you've partnered with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to bring design visions to life, including problem-solving and compromise.

• Impact & Outcomes: Demonstrate the tangible impact of your design work on user engagement, conversion rates, accessibility compliance, or other relevant business metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of how you've mapped out and refined user workflows to improve efficiency and user satisfaction.

• System Implementation & Automation: Show how you've integrated design tools and systems into development workflows, potentially leveraging automation for design system components or testing.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Evidence of how you've used analytics (e.g., Adobe Analytics) or user feedback to measure design performance and drive iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Lead role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing visual design; it must demonstrate a deep understanding of the user-centered design process, leadership in implementing scalable design systems, and the ability to articulate the impact of design on business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $127,000 - $140,000+ per annum (Level 8 base salary, plus 17% superannuation, leave loading, and potential for further adjustment based on experience and specific role responsibilities).

Benefits:

• Flexible Working: Options for hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the university.

• Retirement Contributions: Generous 17% superannuation contributions from the employer.

• Leave Entitlements: Additional leave loading payments and an extra 3 days of leave during the Christmas period.

• Staff Discounts: Access to discounts and entitlements across retail, education, and fitness programs.

Working Hours: Full-Time position, 35 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The base salary of $127k AUD is for Level 8. Given the "Lead" title and responsibilities, the actual total compensation, including superannuation and leave loading, could be significantly higher. Market research for senior UX/UI Lead roles in Sydney's higher education sector suggests a range extending up to $150k+ AUD total package for highly experienced candidates. The "Continuing" employment type indicates a permanent role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Academic Research. UNSW is a globally recognized university committed to research excellence, innovation, and societal impact.

Company Size: Large; UNSW is one of Australia's leading universities with a substantial student and staff population, implying a complex organizational structure and diverse stakeholder landscape.

Founded: 1949. UNSW has a long-standing history and established reputation in higher education and research.

Team Structure:

• Reporting Line: Reports to the Web & UX Manager.

• Team Size: Leads a small team of UX/UI designers (two direct reports).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with product managers, developers, marketing teams, and other university stakeholders across various departments.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: Strong emphasis on understanding and serving the needs of students, staff, researchers, and external partners.

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizes data from sources like Adobe Analytics and user research to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Agile Development: Operates within agile methodologies to ensure iterative design and development cycles.

• Brand Consistency: Adheres to UNSW Brand guidelines and leverages a Global Digital Experience Framework to maintain a unified university presence.

Company Website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large university, UNSW likely has a culture that values academic rigor, collaboration, and long-term vision. The Marketing & Digital Experience portfolio suggests a drive towards modernizing digital presence and enhancing user engagement, balancing tradition with innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor with Leadership responsibilities. This role sits at the intersection of hands-on design expertise and team management, preparing individuals for more senior strategic or managerial roles in UX/UI or digital experience.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Web & UX Manager provides exposure to higher-level digital strategy and decision-making. Leading a team of two offers practical people management experience.

Operations Impact: The UX Lead plays a critical role in shaping the digital perception and functionality of UNSW, directly impacting student recruitment, academic engagement, research dissemination, and overall university reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Web & UX Manager role or a broader Digital Experience Director position, overseeing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as design systems, accessibility, user research methodologies, or digital strategy within the higher education sector.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into product management, digital strategy, or broader marketing leadership roles, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "continuing" employment type suggests a stable, long-term career path within UNSW. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and successful execution of digital experience improvements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working arrangements are offered, combining on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. The Kensington campus is a vibrant academic hub.

Office Location(s): Kensington, NSW, Australia. This is UNSW's main campus, located in Sydney.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: UNSW campuses typically offer various collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and quiet zones conducive to design work and team interaction.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, design software (Sketch, Figma, Adobe Suite), and university IT infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for interaction with the UX/UI team, the Web & UX Manager, and cross-functional project teams.

Work Schedule: The standard 35-hour work week is flexible, aligning with the hybrid working model and the need for focused design and project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a modern approach to work, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and mentorship with the flexibility desired by many design professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, with a strong emphasis on portfolio relevance and alignment with key responsibilities.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design processes, methodology, and their leadership approach.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or case study to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and proficiency with required tools.

• Behavioral & Leadership Interviews: Questions focused on team management, stakeholder collaboration, problem-solving, and alignment with UNSW's values.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Web & UX Manager, potentially Marketing & Digital Experience portfolio lead).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes achieved for each project.

• Highlight Leadership: For team-based projects, emphasize your leadership, mentorship, and how you guided the team's efforts.

• Showcase Design Systems: Dedicate a section to your experience with design systems, detailing your approach to tokenization, scalability, and implementation.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used for each project, but focus more on the why behind your tool choices.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Ensure examples of accessible and inclusive design practices are evident.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building or evolving a design system for a large, complex organization like UNSW.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions related to resolving design conflicts, managing stakeholder expectations, or improving user flows for common university digital touchpoints (e.g., student portals, course selection, research information).

• Data Interpretation: Practice discussing how you would use data from Adobe Analytics to inform design decisions and measure the success of UX initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to walk through their work with detail, demonstrating not just aesthetic skills but strategic thinking, process rigor, and leadership potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design: Sketch, Figma (expert proficiency required).

• Prototyping: Figma, potentially others like InVision or Adobe XD.

• Creative Suite: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Adobe Analytics (experience working with it is required).

• Data Visualization: Potentially Tableau, Power BI, or internal UNSW reporting tools.

CRM & Automation:

• Content Management System (CMS): Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) (experience working with it is required).

• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Adobe Experience Manager and Adobe Analytics, alongside Figma and Sketch, is critical. Proficiency here is a non-negotiable for many parts of the role, especially concerning consistency and data-informed design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of students, staff, and the wider university community in all digital initiatives.

• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Striving for high standards in design execution and actively seeking opportunities to enhance processes, skills, and outcomes.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication across departments to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated digital experiences.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Dedication to creating digital environments that are accessible and welcoming to all users, regardless of ability or background.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with marketing, IT, academic departments, and student services to ensure digital solutions are aligned with institutional objectives and user needs.

• Feedback Loops: Open to constructive feedback from peers, stakeholders, and users to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively contributing to and leveraging the Global Digital Experience Framework and fostering a culture of shared learning within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: UNSW's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as stated in the job description, likely permeates its team culture. This role will require an ability to champion these values in design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating diverse requirements from various university departments, each with unique priorities and user bases.

• Scalability of Design Systems: Ensuring a token-driven design system remains effective and manageable as UNSW's digital footprint expands.

• Adoption of Best Practices: Driving the consistent adoption of user-centered and accessible design principles across a large, complex organization.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting to evolving digital technologies and user expectations in the fast-changing higher education landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design System Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in design system architecture, governance, and tooling.

• Higher Education Digital Trends: Exposure to best practices and innovations in digital experience within the global university sector.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal training in people management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant UX, design, and higher education technology conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong problem-solving, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills, alongside technical design expertise. Growth opportunities are geared towards both technical specialization and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building or evolving a semantic, token-driven design system for a large university with diverse digital platforms?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements for a digital project. What was your approach and the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure that your UX/UI designs are inclusive and accessible to all users, particularly in a higher education context?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about UNSW's strategic goals, and how do you see the UX/UI team contributing to them?"

• "How would you foster a collaborative and high-performing UX/UI team culture?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable outcomes.

• Lead with Leadership: When presenting projects involving a team, highlight your leadership, guidance, and mentorship contributions.

• Design System Deep Dive: Be prepared to thoroughly explain your design system philosophy, implementation details, and its benefits.

• Tool Agnostic, Skill Focused: While mentioning tools is important, emphasize the design thinking and problem-solving behind their use.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their strategic thinking, leadership potential, and understanding of the higher education sector. The interview process will likely assess how well they can translate their experience into tangible benefits for UNSW.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Lead position:

• Submit your CV and Cover Letter: Address the key selection criteria within your cover letter (no more than 2 pages).

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, clearly showcases your UX/UI process, leadership experience, and design system work. Prepare a concise presentation narrative for potential interview stages.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX/UI leadership, design systems, agile methodologies, and proficiency with Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite, Adobe AEM, and Adobe Analytics. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with UNSW's 'Progress for All' strategic plan, its values regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion, and its current digital presence.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering potential interview questions, focusing on clear communication and demonstrating your strategic approach to UX leadership.

⚠️ 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.