Lead UX Designer

Lead User Experience Designer - Canberra (Onsite) | 12-Month Contract + Extensions

Location: Canberra, ACT (Onsite)
Contract: 12 months, with up to 2 x 12-month extensions
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Security Clearance: TSPV

About the Role

Cleared Recruitment is partnering with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) to find experienced Lead User Experience Designers to join a large transformational ICT program. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the design and improvement of DFAT's digital systems, creating intuitive, user-centred experiences that make a real impact.

As a Lead UX Designer, you will collaborate closely with business analysts, developers, product owners, end users, and stakeholders to deliver seamless, accessible, and visually appealing digital solutions. You'll be responsible for research, prototyping, testing, and iterating designs while advocating for the user throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to user research, usability testing, and discovery activities.

• Analyse research and data to evaluate and improve existing and proposed user interfaces.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver user-centred solutions.

• Develop UX artefacts including personas, journey maps, service blueprints, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Communicate insights and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Promote UX design standards, best practices, and guidelines across the department.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience designing intuitive, user-centred digital experiences across web and mobile platforms.

• Expertise in user research, usability testing, and translating insights into actionable design solutions.

• Strong experience creating UX artefacts: personas, journey maps, service blueprints, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Proficiency with tools such as Axure RP, Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Strong visual and interaction design skills, aligned with accessibility and brand guidelines.

• Ability to identify user pain points and propose innovative, practical solutions.

• Must have a Positive Vetting (TSPV) clearance.

About DFAT

DFAT promotes and protects Australia's international interests to support security and prosperity. With a global network of over 120 offices and more than 6,000 staff, DFAT collaborates internationally to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, and provide assistance to Australians overseas.

The Information Management and Technology Division (IMD) delivers high-quality ICT solutions to DFAT's global workforce, managing complex, multi-year digital transformation programs.

Why Join This Program

• Work on high-impact, transformational digital projects.

• Collaborate with experienced, multidisciplinary teams.

• Gain exposure to complex systems, cutting-edge tools, and innovative UX practices.

• Opportunity to contribute to DFAT's global digital services.

At Cleared, we provide tailored recruitment solutions to individuals seeking their next opportunity and to organisations searching for talent within Defence Industry, Intelligence and National Security.