UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Auckland Council

Location: Central Auckland, NZ, 1010

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Digital Design & User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Shape intuitive and accessible digital experiences used by Aucklanders daily, focusing on customer-centred design principles.

• Translate customer insights into practical, well-designed solutions by leveraging user research, testing, and thoughtful design methodologies.

• Collaborate within a cross-functional digital team to champion the customer throughout the entire design process.

• Support improvements to customer booking journeys for council venues, parks, and services, enhancing navigation and ease of use.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a government entity, implying a strong focus on public service, accessibility, and user-centricity for a broad demographic. The "Digital team" context suggests a modern approach to service delivery within a public sector organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research and usability testing to deeply understand customer needs and pain points.

• Map customer journeys to identify opportunities for improving user experience and service delivery.

• Create wireframes, prototypes, and interface designs using Figma to visualize and test design concepts.

• Collaborate closely with peers, stakeholders, and delivery teams to iterate on designs and ensure customer needs are prioritized.

• Translate customer insights and research findings into actionable design recommendations and solutions.

• Champion accessibility standards and best practices in all digital design outputs.

• Support the improvement of specific customer booking journeys for council services, ensuring ease of navigation and booking.

• Advocate for the customer throughout the design and development lifecycle, challenging assumptions and influencing decisions with evidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design, requiring proficiency across the entire UX/UI lifecycle from discovery through to implementation support. The emphasis on research, testing, and stakeholder collaboration is crucial for success in this public sector role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in UX/UI design principles is expected, which is typically gained through formal education in design, human-computer interaction, or related fields, or through equivalent professional experience.

Experience: A minimum of 1-2 years of professional experience in UX/UI design or a closely related role, with a proven track record of working on digital products or experiences.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in UX/UI design principles and methodologies.

• Hands-on experience using Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and interface design.

• Practical experience conducting user research and usability testing.

• Solid understanding of customer journey mapping and customer-centred design principles.

• Ability to translate customer insights and research into practical, implementable design recommendations.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

• Experience in designing for digital products or user experiences. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and best practices in digital design.

• Experience working within a government or public sector organization.

• Knowledge of agile development methodologies.

• Experience with A/B testing and data analysis to inform design decisions.

• A portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects with demonstrable impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 1-2 years of experience, coupled with specific tool proficiency (Figma) and methodological understanding (user research, journey mapping), indicates a role that requires foundational expertise but also offers opportunities for growth and deeper impact within the council's digital initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end UX/UI design process.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, research methodology, design process, and final solution.

• Highlight the use of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design within the showcased projects.

• Provide evidence of user research and usability testing conducted, and how findings informed design iterations.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate customer insights and research into practical design recommendations and solutions. Process Documentation:

• For each case study, clearly outline the user research methods employed (e.g., interviews, surveys, contextual inquiry).

• Detail the prototyping and wireframing stages, including the tools used (Figma) and the purpose of each deliverable.

• Explain how usability testing was conducted and how feedback was incorporated into design improvements.

• Illustrate the collaborative process with stakeholders and delivery teams, showing how design decisions were influenced and communicated.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as tangible proof of the candidate's design process, tool proficiency, and ability to deliver user-centred solutions. The emphasis on research, testing, and stakeholder collaboration within the portfolio is key for demonstrating readiness for this public sector design role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: NZD $88,528 to $104,150 per annum, depending on experience and skills.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working: Options for work-life balance and managing personal commitments.

• Hybrid Working: Combines office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility.

• Well-being Focus: Initiatives and support to promote employee health and well-being.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Commitment to a workplace where all staff feel valued and empowered, with accreditations like GenderTick and Pride Pledge.

• Opportunity to work on impactful digital experiences for a large population.

• Professional development and continuous improvement culture.

• Access to a range of organizational benefits as outlined by Auckland Council.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a UX/UI Designer role with 1-2 years of experience in New Zealand. The benefits package emphasizes work-life balance and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, which are significant draws for professionals in the design field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, Municipalities. Auckland Council is the local government authority for the Auckland Region of New Zealand, responsible for a wide range of services and infrastructure. This context implies a focus on public service, community impact, and adherence to public sector standards.

Company Size: Large organization (implied by the scope of services and employee numbers of Auckland Council, which is a major employer). This size suggests structured processes, potential for diverse career paths, and significant cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Auckland Council was formed in 2010 through the amalgamation of eight local government bodies. This history indicates a blend of established practices and ongoing integration efforts, creating a dynamic environment for digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Digital team," suggesting a dedicated unit focused on digital service delivery and innovation.

• This team likely operates collaboratively, working with various council departments and stakeholders to deliver digital solutions.

• The structure will involve cross-functional collaboration with product managers, developers, content strategists, and other design professionals. Methodology:

• Emphasis on customer-centred design and bringing customer insights to life through research and testing.

• Focus on creating simple, accessible, and intuitive digital experiences for a broad user base.

• Likely follows agile or iterative development methodologies to deliver improvements and new features.

• Data-driven decision-making, using research and analytics to inform design choices.

Company Website: https://careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a local government body like Auckland Council means contributing to services that directly impact a large population. The culture is likely to be oriented towards public good, accessibility, and long-term service improvement, which can be a strong motivator for design professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-to-mid-level UX/UI Designer position. It offers a solid foundation for individuals looking to build their careers in user experience and interface design, particularly within the public sector. The scope involves supporting specific improvement projects while gaining exposure to broader digital initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will report to a manager or lead within the Digital team. They will work closely with peers in design, development, and product management, fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on how Aucklanders interact with council services digitally. By improving booking journeys and overall digital experiences, the designer contributes to increased citizen satisfaction, operational efficiency for the council, and greater accessibility to public services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, such as user research methodologies, information architecture, or interaction design.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design efforts on specific projects or features as experience grows.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams across the council, understanding the broader context of public service delivery.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior designers as the team expands.

• Career Advancement: Opportunities to move into Senior UX/UI Designer roles, UX Lead positions, or specialize in related fields like Service Design or Product Management within the council.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides a structured environment for career growth in UX/UI design. The public sector context offers unique challenges and rewards, focusing on societal impact and long-term service improvement rather than purely commercial metrics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Auckland Central, with a hybrid working model. This suggests a professional office environment that supports collaboration, team meetings, and focused work, complemented by the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Central Auckland, NZ, 1010. This central location offers good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space will likely facilitate interaction with peers, stakeholders, and delivery teams, essential for the cross-functional nature of the role.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), collaboration tools, and potentially user research labs or equipment.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and project sync-ups, fostering a dynamic and interactive work culture.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) with flexible working options available. This allows for a balance between dedicated work time and personal needs, supporting employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid working model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. This setup is designed to support productivity and employee well-being within a large public sector organization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or team lead to discuss experience, motivations, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your design process and problem-solving approach.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical exercise or in-depth discussion of your portfolio. This is where you'll present case studies, explain your design decisions, and demonstrate your Figma proficiency and understanding of user research.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional stakeholders or senior leadership to confirm suitability and alignment with council values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that showcase your end-to-end UX/UI process.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges you faced, and the impact of your solution.

• Highlight Figma Usage: Explicitly show how you used Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design. Include screenshots or interactive prototypes.

• Showcase Research Impact: Emphasize how user research and usability testing informed your design decisions and led to tangible improvements.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio and answer detailed questions about your design choices and methodologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Auckland Council's services and digital presence to understand their user base and challenges.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Be prepared for a hypothetical design problem related to public services or user journeys. Think about how you would approach discovery, ideation, and solutioning.

• Figma Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable and efficient in Figma, as it's a key tool.

• Articulate Your Process: Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on user-centricity and data-informed decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical skills and a deep understanding of the design process. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates Figma proficiency and the impact of user research is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and interface design. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback, or internal council tools).

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Jira for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics to understand user behaviour and track key metrics.

• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of how to interpret data and potentially use tools for reporting on user behaviour and design performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this UX/UI role, an understanding of how CRM systems and automated workflows impact user journeys can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a primary tool, indicating a strong expectation of proficiency. Familiarity with user research and analytics tools will enhance a candidate's ability to gather insights and measure the impact of their designs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centred: A core value, driving all design decisions to meet the needs of Aucklanders.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together across teams and departments to achieve common goals.

• Accessibility & Inclusion: Commitment to designing services that are usable by everyone, regardless of ability or background.

• Impact & Service: Focus on making a tangible positive impact on the community through effective digital services.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning, iteration, and refinement of processes and products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with product managers, developers, content strategists, and business stakeholders to ensure cohesive digital solutions.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of sharing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and openly discussing design challenges.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Design choices are supported by user research, data, and stakeholder input.

• Team Support: A supportive environment where team members help each other to achieve collective success and learn from shared experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Auckland Council, particularly within the Digital team, is likely to be mission-driven, focusing on community impact and collaborative problem-solving. Values such as customer-centricity, inclusion, and continuous improvement are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Stakeholder Requirements: Navigating diverse needs and priorities from various council departments and user groups.

• Designing for a Diverse Audience: Catering to the wide range of digital literacy, accessibility needs, and service requirements of Auckland's population.

• Adhering to Public Sector Constraints: Working within established processes, regulations, and budgets typical of government organizations.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology: Continuously learning and adapting design approaches to new digital trends and user expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Public Service Design: Gaining expertise in designing for civic engagement, municipal services, and community impact.

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in areas like interaction design, information architecture, or service design.

• Accessibility Specialization: Becoming an expert in designing inclusive digital experiences for all users.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Exposure to a wide array of council services, broadening understanding of civic operations.

• Formal Training & Workshops: Access to internal and external training programs to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents the challenge of designing for a complex, diverse public audience while offering significant opportunities for professional development in a field with broad societal impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs or stakeholder requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process for negotiation, research, and finding common ground.)

• "Walk us through a complex customer journey you've mapped. What were the key pain points, and how did your design address them?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible to all users? Can you provide an example where you implemented accessibility best practices?" (Highlight specific techniques and your understanding of WCAG or similar standards.)

• "Describe your process for conducting user research and translating findings into design iterations. Use an example from your experience." (Focus on methodology and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Auckland Council specifically, and what appeals to you about designing for public services?" (Research the council's mission and recent digital initiatives.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with developers and product managers?" (Emphasize your communication style and experience with cross-functional teams.)

• "Our values include customer-centricity and inclusion. How do these values align with your design philosophy?" (Connect your personal values and experiences to the council's stated values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process (Research, Design, Test) -> Solution -> Impact.

• Visuals Matter: Use clear screenshots, wireframes, prototypes, and user flow diagrams. Ensure they are well-organized and easy to follow.

• Explain Your "Why": Don't just show what you did; explain why you made certain design decisions, backing them up with research or user feedback.

• Highlight Figma: Explicitly demonstrate your Figma skills – show your process from low-fidelity wireframes to high-fidelity prototypes.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics that show the positive outcomes of your design work (e.g., "Reduced task completion time by 15%," "Increased booking conversion by 10%").

• Be Ready for Live Critiques: Some interviews might involve a live design exercise or a request to critique an existing interface.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to deeply articulate your design process, demonstrate your Figma proficiency, and connect your work to the specific context of public service design and user accessibility for Auckland Council.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Auckland Council careers website.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your experience with Figma, user research, usability testing, and customer journey mapping. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your end-to-end UX/UI process, emphasizing your use of Figma and the impact of user-centred design. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a link to a personal website or PDF).

• Prepare your narrative: Be ready to clearly articulate your design process, your problem-solving approach, and your passion for user-centred design, especially within a public service context.

• Research Auckland Council: Understand their services, mission, and commitment to digital transformation and accessibility to tailor your responses during the interview.

⚠️ 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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