Principal Experience Designer

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 134,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) seeks a Principal Experience Designer to provide strategic leadership across a large digital transformation programme. You will lead human-centred design from research to detailed product design, partnering with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to shape customer experiences.

Based in Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington or Christchurch, the role coaches design teams, evolves the Design System, and supports delivery squads with informed decisions.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading human-centred design for products/services.
• Background in design thinking, product design, and customer experience.
• Experience leading design operations and working in agile environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead human-centred design across a range of connected initiatives from research to detailed digital product design.
• Influence senior leaders and stakeholders with clear design recommendations.
• Provide design direction across delivery squads and maintain a connected end-to-end customer view.
• Coach and mentor others to lift design capability and evolve the Design System and Design Community of Practice.

Skills

Human-centred design

Product strategy

Stakeholder influence

Agile experience

Mentoring

Tools

Askable

Miro

Figma

Adobe CC

Job description

Fixed term position - parental leave cover until end of April 2027Join a passionate customer-focused teamLead human-centred design for a large digital transformation programmeCan be based in Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington or ChristchurchWe are looking for a Principal Experience Designer to provide strategic design leadership across a large programme of work, to cover a team member on parental leave until the end of April 2027.Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunityIn this role, you will lead human-centred design across a range of connected initiatives, working from research and discovery through to concept ideation, validation and detailed digital product design.Drawing on deep expertise in CX and UX/UI design, you will bring clarity to ambiguity, identify improvements across channels and touchpoints, and ensure solutions are grounded in evidence, aligned with business and technology direction, and deliver accessible and meaningful digital experiences for customers.A key part of the role is influencing at a high level. You will partner with leaders, stakeholders and cross-functional teams to understand legislative changes, communicate insights and design recommendations, and build shared ownership of customer outcomes. You will also provide design direction across delivery squads, helping teams make informed and pragmatic decisions while maintaining a connected view of the end-to-end customer experience.As a leading member of the Design Chapter, you will lift design capability by coaching and mentoring others, strengthening our craft, and championing human-centred design approaches across Waka Kotahi. You will contribute to the evolution of our Design System, Human-Centred Design Centre of Excellence and Design Community of Practice, helping create consistent, high-quality design across the organisation.View the position description. Appointment salary is from $133632 to $148,480 (pro rata) commensurate with skills and experience.Ko koe tenei | About youTo be successful in this role, you will bring:Extensive experience leading human-centred design for products and/or services, with a background in design thinking, product design, customer experience and research.Demonstrated expertise in product strategy, helping shape roadmaps and deliver meaningful customer experiences.Strong communication skills to articulate design decisions confidently and influence senior leaders and stakeholders.Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor others, enhance internal capabilities, and foster a customer-focused culture.Proven experience in leading, influencing and building credibility with stakeholders, internal users and external customers.Proven experience of navigating ambiguous environments, including adapting to new challenges and working styles.Ability to manage multiple priorities and pieces of work in a fast-paced environment.Strong experience working in agile environments, integrating research and design seamlessly within the product development lifecycle.Proven experience in leading design operations to enable efficiency (e.g. design systems, libraries and templates).Strong proficiency in research and design tools, such as Askable, Miro, Figma, and Adobe Creative Cloud.Ko wai matou | About usAt NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) our purpose is transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. Our Te Aukaha - Digital group helps enable that by providing modern, fit-for-purpose digital, information, and technology services for our people, partners, and customers. We are future-focused, collaborative, and committed to creating better outcomes for Aotearoa.Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you'll get in returnWe offer a comprehensive rewards package including:Competitive salary and benefits package.5 weeks annual leave (pro rata)Flexible working arrangementsMe pehea te tuku tono | How to applyReady to design with purpose and lead with impact?Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.Ra Katinga | Applications close:2 November 2026For further information, email: [e-mail] be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.NZTA| Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.