Digital Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Product Designer
Company: Air Canada
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Digital Product Design
Date Posted: October 15, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of industry-leading digital experiences across Air Canada and Aeroplan digital channels.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and other designers, to deliver exceptional user journeys.
• Utilize user feedback, usage data, and research insights to inform design decisions and product roadmaps.
• Translate complex design concepts into detailed process flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
• Champion user-centered design principles and inclusive design practices throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on enhancing the digital customer experience for Air Canada and its loyalty program, Aeroplan. The emphasis is on creating user-centric, data-informed designs that contribute to business growth and customer delight within the travel and loyalty sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with digital product managers, product owners, developers, designers, company leaders, and business partners to conceptualize and deliver innovative digital solutions.
• Design and deliver exceptional digital experiences across Air Canada and Aeroplan digital channels, ensuring a seamless and engaging customer journey.
• Create user-centered designs by thoroughly considering user feedback, analyzing usage data, conducting user research, and balancing technical constraints with business value.
• Interpret insights from usability testing, user research, and analytics to identify opportunities for improvement, address user pain points, and inform product roadmap development.
• Facilitate and actively participate in the discovery, definition, and planning phases of new products and features, driving a cohesive design vision across all digital touchpoints.
• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including process flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design intent and solutions.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the end-to-end iterative product design process, encompassing discovery, definition, development, and delivery stages.
• Effectively articulate the rationale behind design decisions, rallying support for solutions that not only delight customers but also contribute significantly to business growth objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can bridge the gap between user needs, technical feasibility, and business objectives. Emphasis on interpreting data and research for actionable insights is crucial, indicating a data-driven design approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design or a related field, or equivalent practical experience launching digital products.
Experience: 3+ years of experience as a Digital Product Designer, with a strong track record of designing and launching complex digital experiences (web applications, mobile applications). Experience designing operational business applications is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in designing and launching complex digital experiences across web and mobile applications.
• Deep understanding of inclusive design principles and a commitment to creating accessible digital experiences.
• Expertise in design thinking and human-centered design methodologies.
• Familiarity with at least one Agile process framework (e.g., SCRUM, SAFe).
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma.
• Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups and adapt to different working styles.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating technical and business concepts fluently.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and self-manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability and resilience in embracing an ever-changing digital landscape.
• Punctuality and dependability to support overall team success.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the airline, loyalty, or travel industry.
• Experience designing operational business applications.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies and analytics interpretation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for experience with operational business apps, though preferred, suggests a potential for designing internal tools or systems that support Air Canada's operations, in addition to customer-facing products. This broadens the scope of the role beyond purely consumer-facing design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3 years of experience in digital product design, with a strong emphasis on end-to-end product development lifecycle contributions.
• Present case studies demonstrating the design and launch of complex digital experiences (web apps, mobile apps), highlighting your role and impact.
• Include examples of user-centered design processes, detailing how user feedback, research, and data informed your design decisions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in creating various design artifacts, including process flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
• Highlight projects that showcase adherence to inclusive design principles and the creation of accessible digital experiences.

Process Documentation:

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes or business impact.
• Detail your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (product managers, developers, stakeholders) throughout the design and development phases.
• Explain how you interpreted usability testing, user research, and analytics data to drive design iterations and product improvements.
• Illustrate your understanding of Agile methodologies by describing how you integrated design work within an Agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies that not only showcase design skills but also demonstrate a strategic, data-informed approach to problem-solving and a clear understanding of the impact on users and the business.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Digital Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Toronto, Canada, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between CAD $70,000 and CAD $95,000 annually. This range is subject to adjustment based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the outcome of the interview process.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Employee travel privileges and discounts on Air Canada flights and services.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Access to internal wellness programs and employee assistance services.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime during peak project periods. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Toronto office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on average compensation data for similar roles in Toronto, Canada, considering the experience level and industry. Benefits are standard for a large, established corporation like Air Canada, with a notable inclusion of employee travel perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aviation, Travel & Tourism, Loyalty Programs. Air Canada operates within a highly competitive and regulated global industry, requiring a strong focus on customer experience, operational efficiency, and brand reputation. The integration of the Aeroplan loyalty program adds a significant dimension to customer engagement and retention strategies.
Company Size: Large Enterprise. Air Canada is a major international airline with a vast global network and a significant workforce, indicating a structured organizational environment with established processes and extensive resources.
Founded: 1937. With a long history, Air Canada has evolved significantly, adapting to industry changes and technological advancements, fostering a culture that balances tradition with innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Product Design team likely operates within a broader Digital or Technology department, collaborating closely with Product Management, Engineering, UX Research, and Marketing.
• Designers may work within specific product squads or feature teams, reporting to a Design Lead or Manager.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring designers to work with various stakeholders across different business units to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.

Methodology:

• Air Canada likely employs a hybrid approach to product development, incorporating elements of Agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe) for iterative development and traditional project management for larger strategic initiatives.
• Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics, user research, and A/B testing to validate design concepts and optimize performance.
• A strong focus on customer experience (CX) and user experience (UX) is paramount, aiming to create seamless and delightful interactions across all digital touchpoints.

Company Website: https://www.aircanada.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Air Canada is likely a blend of established corporate practices and a drive for innovation, especially within its digital transformation efforts. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion, as stated in the job description, suggests an environment that values varied perspectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Digital Product Designer role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 3+ years of experience. It signifies a level of autonomy and the ability to handle complex design challenges independently, while still collaborating within a team structure. The role is key to shaping the digital face of Air Canada and Aeroplan.
Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead within the Digital Product organization. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Product Owners, Developers, and UX Researchers, fostering a matrixed reporting environment common in Agile teams.
Operations Impact: The work of a Digital Product Designer directly impacts customer satisfaction, engagement, conversion rates, and operational efficiency. By creating intuitive and effective digital experiences, this role contributes to revenue growth through increased bookings, loyalty program engagement, and reduced customer support costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as user research, interaction design, or information architecture within the travel domain.
• Leadership: Potential to advance into Senior Digital Product Designer roles, Lead Designer positions, or management roles within the design team.
• Skill Development: Access to training programs, workshops, and conferences to enhance skills in emerging design technologies, methodologies, and industry best practices.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunity to work on diverse projects across different digital channels and business units, gaining a holistic understanding of Air Canada's operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a major corporation, with opportunities to specialize or move into leadership. The impact of design on core business metrics like revenue and customer loyalty is significant, providing a strong foundation for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, meaning the designer will be working from Air Canada's corporate offices in Toronto. This environment is designed for collaboration and access to company resources.
Office Location(s): The primary location is Toronto, Ontario, Canada (YYZ area). This offers access to a major urban center with public transportation options.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with design peers, product managers, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Access to standard office technology, including powerful workstations, design software licenses, and potentially digital whiteboarding tools, is anticipated.
• Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, and brainstorming sessions will be integral to the daily workflow, promoting a dynamic and interactive work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, with typical business hours. While flexibility might be present for specific tasks, the on-site nature emphasizes consistent availability during core working hours to facilitate real-time collaboration and project alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for direct collaboration and team synergy. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment typical of a large airline.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role requirements.
• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Call: A brief discussion to gauge your experience, interest, and cultural fit.
• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to complete a take-home design exercise or present a case study from your portfolio, focusing on your problem-solving approach, design process, and impact.
• Team Interviews: Interviews with other designers, product managers, and potentially stakeholders to evaluate your technical skills, collaboration style, and ability to articulate design rationale.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss final details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your experience with complex digital products, user-centered design, and measurable outcomes. Prioritize projects relevant to travel, loyalty, or operational applications if possible.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (including research and iteration), your solutions, and the final impact (quantified with data if possible).
• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your understanding of the end-to-end design process, from discovery and ideation to detailed design and delivery. Include wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Address Inclusive Design: Be prepared to discuss your approach to inclusive design and accessibility.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly understand the brief and constraints. Focus on your thought process and how you would approach the problem, even if you can't complete everything within the given timeframe.
• For portfolio presentations, practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on the "why" behind your choices. Be ready to answer questions about your process, trade-offs, and the impact of your designs.
• Prepare to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and how you integrate design within these frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a practical demonstration of design skills and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio presentation that highlights process and impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency is required in tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma. Candidates are expected to be adept at using these for wireframing, UI design, and interactive prototyping.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, or Microsoft Teams is expected for team communication and project management within an Agile environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) is beneficial for interpreting user behavior and performance data.
• Experience with data visualization tools or platforms that help in presenting insights to stakeholders would be an asset.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding how design impacts user journeys within a CRM context and how automation influences user experience is valuable.
• Familiarity with design systems and component libraries is highly desirable for maintaining consistency across digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in core design tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD is non-negotiable. Experience with Agile project management tools and an understanding of analytics for data-informed design are also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A core value likely permeates the team, ensuring all design decisions prioritize the customer experience and address user needs effectively.
• Collaboration: The team thrives on teamwork, encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among designers and cross-functional partners.
• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to create cutting-edge digital experiences that set Air Canada apart.
• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, attention to detail, and delivering polished, effective solutions that meet business objectives.
• Inclusivity: A dedication to designing for all users, ensuring accessibility and equity in digital experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely employs a highly collaborative approach, working closely with product managers to define requirements, developers to ensure feasibility and implementation, and UX researchers to validate designs.
• Regular design critiques and feedback sessions are expected to foster continuous improvement and shared learning.
• A transparent and open communication style is encouraged to facilitate effective problem-solving and alignment across diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration, customer-centricity, and innovation aligns with typical tech-forward design teams in large organizations. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to integrate into a team-oriented, results-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the diverse requirements and priorities of various business units (e.g., Marketing, Operations, Loyalty) while maintaining a cohesive user experience.
• Legacy Systems Integration: Designing for platforms that may have existing technical constraints or require integration with older systems, demanding creative problem-solving.
• Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with emerging technologies, design trends, and user expectations in the fast-paced aviation and travel industry.
• Data Interpretation: Effectively translating complex user data and analytics into actionable design insights and measurable improvements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading design and technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.
• Specialized Training: Access to workshops and courses focused on advanced UX research, interaction design, design systems, or specific design tools.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership and knowledge transfer.
• Cross-Departmental Projects: Opportunities to contribute to projects outside of core design responsibilities, broadening understanding of Air Canada's business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges common to large enterprises undergoing digital transformation, offering significant growth potential for designers who can navigate complexity and drive innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex digital product you designed from concept to launch. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and quantifiable results).
• "How do you incorporate user research and data analytics into your design process? Provide an example." (Highlight your data-driven approach and ability to translate insights into design solutions).
• "How do you approach designing for accessibility and inclusive user experiences?" (Demonstrate your understanding of these principles and practical application).
• "Walk me through your experience working within an Agile development environment. How do you collaborate with product managers and developers?" (Showcase your team collaboration and understanding of Agile workflows).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about designing for Air Canada and the travel industry?" (Research Air Canada's current digital initiatives and customer experience goals).
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or differing opinions on your designs from stakeholders?" (Emphasize your collaborative and open-minded approach).
• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt your design vision. What was your strategy?" (Focus on your communication and persuasion skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact. Use visual aids effectively.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., conversion rate increases, reduction in support tickets, user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the value of your design work.
• Showcase Your Process: Be ready to walk through your wireframes, prototypes, and final mockups, explaining the rationale behind key design decisions at each stage.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about trade-offs, alternative solutions you considered, and how you would iterate on the design further.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of the design process, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to create user-centered designs that drive business value, specifically within the context of Air Canada's digital platforms.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Product Designer position:

• Submit your comprehensive resume and a link to your online portfolio through the Air Canada careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience with complex digital products, user-centered design, and measurable outcomes, ideally with relevance to travel or operational applications.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of experience, proficiency in design tools (Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD), and understanding of Agile methodologies, using keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Air Canada's current digital presence, customer experience initiatives, and the Aeroplan program to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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