Contract Senior Website Visual Designer (UX/UI) - Remote | Canada

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Contract Senior Website Visual Designer (UX/UI)

Company: Kanopi

Location: Canada (Fully Remote)

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations (Creative Services)

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end visual and UX design for complex website projects, ensuring a clear design direction and guiding stakeholders toward confident decisions.

• Develop accessible, user-centered design solutions including wireframes, user flows, UI designs, high-fidelity prototypes, and scalable design systems.

• Present and defend design work with clarity and confidence, translating user needs and project goals into actionable design strategies.

• Facilitate discovery workshops and translate research into practical UX deliverables such as sitemaps and user journeys.

• Collaborate closely with Content Strategists, Developers, and Project Managers to ensure cohesive, technically sound, and well-executed digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily focused on visual and UX design, its inclusion within a "Design, Development & Support Agency" and the emphasis on client pitches and sales process involvement positions it within a broader GTM Operations context. The ability to translate client needs into design solutions and present work effectively is crucial for Go-To-Market success. The role also requires a strong understanding of how design impacts development and user experience, which are core to operational efficiency in digital product delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete visual and UX design lifecycle for complex website projects, from initial discovery and strategy through to final launch.

• Create comprehensive, accessible, and user-centered design deliverables, including detailed wireframes, intuitive user flows, polished UI designs, high-fidelity interactive prototypes, and adaptable design systems.

• Articulate and defend design decisions to clients and internal teams, clearly explaining the rationale behind choices, connecting them to user needs and business objectives, and confidently incorporating feedback.

• Plan, facilitate, and lead discovery workshops, effectively translating client requirements, user research, and strategic insights into actionable UX deliverables like sitemaps, user journey maps, and personas.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Content Strategists, Developers, and Project Managers to ensure design solutions are integrated seamlessly, technically feasible, and executed according to the intended vision, including conducting design reviews during development phases.

• Act as a representative for Creative Services in client pitches and sales discussions, leveraging strong design thinking and persuasive presentation skills to contribute to winning new business.

• Actively participate in Kanopi’s marketing and thought leadership initiatives, potentially contributing through webinars, presentations, and other public-facing content opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level strategic contribution to client projects, extending beyond pure design execution to include sales support and thought leadership. This indicates a need for a designer who can influence business development and contribute to the agency's brand through expertise. The emphasis on "leading end-to-end" and "guiding clients and internal teams" suggests a project management and leadership component within the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrated experience are paramount. Candidates with degrees in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or related fields may possess a foundational advantage.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in designing responsive web experiences, with at least 3 years specifically within an agency environment, is required. This experience should showcase a proven ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio Excellence: A robust portfolio demonstrating a strong track record of thoughtful, user-centered UI/UX design for responsive websites, with clear evidence of accessibility best practices, usability principles, and high visual craft.

• Presentation Prowess: Demonstrated confidence and skill in presenting and defending design work to diverse audiences, effectively incorporating feedback while maintaining a clear and consistent design direction.

• Figma Fluency: Expert proficiency in Figma for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and design system creation.

• Modern Design Workflows: Familiarity with and experience in modern design collaboration tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Workspace.

• Project Management Adaptability: Proven ability to manage multiple complex website projects concurrently, adapt to evolving project requirements, and work effectively within both Agile and Waterfall development methodologies.

• Remote Collaboration: Demonstrated comfort and effectiveness working remotely within a distributed team environment.

• Front-End Understanding: Working knowledge of front-end development best practices and a solid understanding of how design concepts translate into functional code.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct Coding Experience: While not mandatory, direct experience in front-end coding (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) is considered a significant asset.

• Analytics & Research Tools: Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., GA4), heatmapping tools, and user testing platforms to inform design decisions.

• Mission-Driven Client Experience: Prior experience working with mission-driven organizations, non-profits, or similar entities is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, user-centered UI/UX design" with specific mention of "accessibility, usability, and visual craft" indicates that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to deliver high-quality, user-focused design solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The requirement for Figma fluency and experience with collaboration tools highlights the need for proficiency in industry-standard software for efficient remote teamwork.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Comprehensive case studies detailing the design process for at least 3-5 significant responsive website projects. Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, the design approach, the user-centered methodologies employed, key challenges, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Accessibility Focus: Specific examples within the portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding and application of web accessibility standards (WCAG) in design, including considerations for color contrast, keyboard navigation, and semantic structure.

• Prototyping & Interactivity: Demonstrations of high-fidelity prototypes or interactive elements that showcase user flows, interaction design, and the overall user experience.

• Design System Components: Examples of design system components or style guides that illustrate a commitment to consistency, scalability, and maintainable design.

Process Documentation:

• Discovery & Strategy: Evidence of participation in or leadership of design discovery phases, including sitemaps, user journey maps, and persona development.

• Wireframing & IA: Examples of wireframes and information architecture (IA) that prioritize usability and intuitive navigation.

• UI Design & Iteration: Visual design mockups that reflect a strong sense of aesthetic, brand alignment, and user interface best practices, with evidence of iterative refinement based on feedback.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Examples of how designs were communicated and collaborated on with developers and content strategists, potentially including design review documentation or annotated wireframes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior-level design role, the portfolio is a critical component. It's not just about showcasing polished visuals but also demonstrating a robust, user-centric design process. The emphasis on accessibility, prototyping, and design systems points to the need for a designer who can contribute to scalable and maintainable design solutions, essential for agency work. The ability to document and present this process is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55 - $70 CAD per hour. This range is based on the company's stated hourly rate for this contract position and reflects a senior-level visual designer with specialized UX/UI skills operating in the Canadian market.

Benefits: As this is a contract position, traditional employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not included. However, contractors often benefit from:

• Flexibility: The primary benefit is the flexibility of a contract role, allowing for varied project work and potentially greater control over one's schedule.

• Remote Work: This position is fully remote, offering the convenience and cost savings associated with working from home.

• Diverse Project Exposure: Opportunity to work on a variety of mission-driven client projects, expanding professional experience and portfolio.

• Potential for Ongoing Work: Depending on performance and client needs, there may be opportunities for contract extension or future engagements.

Working Hours: This is a full-time contract role. While the exact daily schedule is flexible within the remote work framework, the expectation is that the contractor will dedicate approximately 40 hours per week to project work and client collaboration. The specific hours will need to align with the needs of client projects and team meetings, which may occur across different Canadian time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate of $55-$70 CAD per hour for a senior-level designer in Canada is competitive, especially for remote contract work. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced UX/UI professionals in major Canadian markets. The lack of traditional benefits is standard for contract roles, with flexibility and remote work being key compensation factors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Agency (Design, Development & Support) specializing in Drupal and WordPress.

Company Size: Kanopi Studios is a growing agency with a fully distributed team. While an exact number isn't provided, "fully distributed team of people" suggests a size that allows for specialization while maintaining close-knit collaboration. This size is beneficial for operations professionals as it often means more direct impact and less bureaucracy.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company's focus on Drupal and WordPress suggests a modern, established presence in the web development space.

Team Structure:

• Distributed Team: Composed of experts across design, development, and support functions, all working remotely.

• Functional Specialization: Team members are experts in specific areas like Drupal, WordPress, UX/UI design, content strategy, and development.

• Reporting: The Senior Website Visual Designer reports to the Director of Strategy and Creative, indicating a clear reporting line within the creative and strategic arm of the agency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Content Strategists, Developers, and Project Managers, emphasizing a team-oriented approach to project delivery.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: A strong emphasis on creating accessible, user-centered solutions is a core methodology.

• Agile & Waterfall: The team is comfortable working within both Agile and Waterfall project management frameworks, allowing for flexibility in client project approaches.

• Mission-Driven Focus: A commitment to working with mission-driven clients, aligning business goals with positive societal impact.

• Collaborative Workflow: Emphasis on clear communication, shared decision-making, and integrated efforts between design, content, and development teams.

Company Website: https://kanopi.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kanopi's positioning as a mission-driven, fully distributed agency specializing in Drupal and WordPress suggests a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and impact. For a designer, this means working with clients who have a clear purpose and contributing to meaningful digital experiences. The distributed nature implies a strong reliance on digital communication and project management tools, which is typical for effective operations in such environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Senior" position, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy expected in handling complex projects and client interactions. It signifies a mid-to-late career stage for a visual designer with specialized UX/UI skills.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Website Visual Designer reports directly to the Director of Strategy and Creative. This structure suggests that strategic direction and creative oversight will be provided by this director, allowing the designer to focus on execution and innovation within their domain.

Operations Impact: As a Senior Visual Designer, the impact on operations is significant, particularly in the Go-To-Market (GTM) context.

• Client Acquisition: Through participation in client pitches and sales processes, the designer directly influences the agency's ability to win new business by showcasing design capabilities and strategic thinking.

• Project Success: High-quality, user-centered, and accessible design is critical for client satisfaction, project delivery efficiency, and the overall success of the websites developed. This directly impacts client retention and future business opportunities.

• Brand Reputation: Contributing to thought leadership and public-facing opportunities enhances Kanopi's reputation as an expert agency, indirectly supporting GTM efforts.

• Process Improvement: By implementing efficient design systems and workflows, the designer contributes to the operational efficiency of the creative team.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, accessibility, or design systems.

• Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives on larger projects, or take on more strategic client consultation roles.

• Broader Agency Contribution: Develop skills in areas like UX research, content strategy, or even project management, leveraging the cross-functional nature of the agency.

• Thought Leadership: Grow influence through continued participation in webinars, presentations, and content creation, building personal and agency brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies that candidates are expected to operate with a high degree of independence, lead projects, and mentor others. The reporting structure to a Director of Strategy and Creative suggests opportunities to influence strategic decisions and contribute to the agency's overall creative vision. The growth opportunities highlight pathways for continued professional development within the agency's specialized environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This means the work is performed from a home office or any location where the contractor can effectively perform their duties and maintain connectivity.

Office Location(s): The position requires the contractor to reside and be legally able to work in Canada. Specific city or provincial requirements beyond this are not detailed, but the mention of "Langley, British Columbia" in the job posting suggests a potential hub or a representative location for the Canadian team.

Workspace Context:

• Distributed Collaboration: The environment is inherently collaborative, relying heavily on digital tools for communication, project management, and file sharing. Effective use of these tools is paramount.

• Technology Stack: Access to and proficiency with a robust technology stack including Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Google Workspace is essential. The agency likely provides necessary project management and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: While remote, opportunities for team interaction will exist through scheduled meetings, virtual workshops, and collaborative design sessions. The culture aims to foster connection despite physical distance.

Work Schedule: This is a contract role expected to involve approximately 40 hours per week. While the specific daily schedule offers flexibility, it must accommodate client needs, team meetings, and project deadlines. This flexibility is a key aspect of the remote work environment, allowing individuals to manage their time effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of the work is a significant aspect of the environment. It necessitates strong self-discipline, excellent communication skills, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools. The requirement to be based in Canada ensures compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations for contractors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of resumes, cover letters, and portfolios against the stated requirements.

• Initial Questions: A short set of questions to gauge initial fit, potentially focusing on design philosophy, remote work experience, or client management approach.

• Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews with various team members, including potential colleagues, managers (Director of Strategy and Creative), and possibly clients for pitch simulations. These will assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessments: May include a short, practical design task or a case study presentation to evaluate design thinking, process, and execution.

• Final Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment of all gathered information, focusing on the candidate's ability to meet the role's demands and contribute to the team's success.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight your UI/UX expertise, accessibility considerations, and visual design craft for responsive websites.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your design process (discovery, wireframing, prototyping, testing, iteration), key decisions, and the impact/outcome. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Accessibility: Dedicate specific sections or call-outs within your case studies to demonstrate your understanding and application of accessibility standards.

• Interactive Demos: If possible, include links to live websites or interactive prototypes that allow reviewers to experience your work firsthand.

• Tailor to Kanopi: If possible, subtly tailor your portfolio presentation to align with Kanopi's mission-driven focus and their specialization in Drupal/WordPress.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve a hypothetical client brief. Focus on understanding the user needs, outlining your strategic approach, and demonstrating your problem-solving skills within a defined timeframe.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain your rationale, defend your choices, and respond to feedback constructively.

• Figma Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable navigating Figma quickly and efficiently, as it may be used during assessments.

• Client Scenario: Anticipate questions about how you would handle client feedback, manage conflicting stakeholder opinions, or navigate challenging project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to be thorough, assessing not only design skills but also communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. The emphasis on portfolio review and skills assessments highlights the practical nature of evaluating a designer's capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process and justify their design decisions with a user-centric and business-oriented perspective.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system management. Mastery of Figma's advanced features, including component libraries, auto layout, and collaborative editing, is essential.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Proficiency with Photoshop for image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially After Effects for motion design or advanced prototyping elements.

• Google Workspace: Essential for collaboration, document creation, and communication. This includes Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics (GA4): Familiarity with GA4 for understanding user behavior, traffic sources, and conversion tracking is an asset.

• Heatmapping & User Testing Platforms: Experience with tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, or similar platforms for analyzing user behavior on websites, and tools for conducting user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com) to gather qualitative feedback.

CRM & Automation:

Project Management & Communication:

• Slack/Microsoft Teams: For real-time team communication and collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Likely tools such as Asana, Jira, Trello, or Monday.com for task management, project tracking, and workflow visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Google Workspace highlights the core technological requirements. The inclusion of analytics and research tools as preferred skills indicates a data-informed approach to design. For a designer, understanding how their work integrates with development and contributes to marketing/sales operations (via CRM and automation) adds significant value.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A foundational value, ensuring that all design decisions prioritize the needs and experiences of the end-user. This translates into designing for accessibility, usability, and inclusivity.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, visually appealing, and technically sound design work. This means attention to detail and a dedication to excellence in execution.

• Collaboration & Transparency: A belief in working together openly and effectively across disciplines. This involves clear communication, sharing of ideas, and mutual respect among team members.

• Mission Alignment: A drive to work on projects that have a positive impact, aligning with the goals of mission-driven organizations. This fosters a sense of purpose and shared values.

• Continuous Improvement: An ethos of learning and adaptation, embracing new tools, methodologies, and best practices to enhance both individual skills and team performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Operates through close collaboration with Content Strategists, Developers, and Project Managers, ensuring that design is an integrated part of the entire project lifecycle, not an isolated phase.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and improve outcomes. This involves open discussions and a willingness to iterate.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encourages team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings, particularly in a distributed environment, to foster collective growth and efficiency.

• Client Partnership: A style that treats clients as partners, involving them in the design process through workshops and presentations, building trust and ensuring alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kanopi's stated values emphasize a human-centered approach, a commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit, which are all critical for successful operations in a creative agency. The focus on mission alignment also suggests a team that is passionate about its work and the impact it creates.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Client Needs: Navigating client feedback and project constraints while maintaining a strong, user-centered design vision requires diplomacy and strategic compromise.

• Managing Remote Collaboration: Ensuring seamless communication and efficient workflow across a distributed team, overcoming potential communication gaps and time zone differences.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, web technologies, and accessibility standards in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

• Translating Complex Needs: Synthesizing diverse client requirements and user research into cohesive, intuitive, and visually compelling design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Opportunities to deepen skills in areas like advanced prototyping, interaction design, user research methodologies, and inclusive design practices.

• Design System Development: Gaining experience in creating and scaling comprehensive design systems that can be applied across multiple projects.

• Client Presentation & Sales Support: Developing stronger client-facing communication, negotiation, and sales support skills through active participation in pitches and client meetings.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to engage with industry events, webinars, and thought leadership activities, enhancing professional visibility and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common for senior designers in agency environments, particularly those working remotely. They highlight the need for strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with advancing a career in UX/UI design and agency operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a complex, accessible website from discovery to launch." Be prepared to walk through a recent project, detailing your steps, tools used, and how you ensured user-centricity and accessibility throughout.

• "How do you handle client feedback when it conflicts with your design recommendations?" Focus on your communication strategy, how you advocate for the user while respecting client goals, and your ability to find collaborative solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kanopi's mission-driven approach?" Research Kanopi's values and past projects. Connect your own motivations and experiences to their mission and client types.

• "How do you stay connected and collaborate effectively in a fully remote team?" Discuss your preferred communication tools, strategies for maintaining team cohesion, and your approach to asynchronous collaboration.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives. Clearly define the "problem," your "solution," and the "results."

• Focus on Process: Don't just show the final screens. Explain why you made certain design choices and how you arrived at them.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Concise Explanations: Be prepared to present each project within a specific timeframe, highlighting the most critical aspects.

• Interactive Walkthrough: Be ready to navigate your Figma files or prototypes live, demonstrating your tool proficiency and design thinking in real-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating not just design skill, but also a strategic, user-focused, and collaborative approach. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, justify their decisions, and showcase their ability to work effectively within an agency and remote setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract position:

• Click the ‘Apply for this Job’ button located at the bottom of the job posting page.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of relevant experience, specifically mentioning agency work, responsive web design, UX/UI expertise, and proficiency with Figma and accessibility standards. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that addresses why you are a great fit for Kanopi and specifically answer the question: "What’s your favorite piece of technology, and why?" This is an opportunity to showcase your communication skills and personality.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and clearly demonstrates your capabilities in UI/UX design, accessibility, and client presentation. Have it ready to upload or link.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kanopi Studios, their mission, their work (especially Drupal and WordPress projects), and their company values. This will be crucial for your cover letter and interviews.

⚠️ 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.