Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: 7shifts

Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design (SaaS)

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of intuitive and user-friendly experiences for a leading restaurant scheduling and payroll SaaS platform.

• Drive product innovation by conducting thorough customer research and leveraging AI tools to accelerate design processes.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Data Analysts, Product Marketing Managers, and Software Engineers, to deliver impactful product solutions.

• Own a key product area, guiding it from initial concept and research through to high-fidelity design and delivery.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design craft and team rituals within a recognized best workplace.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Product Designer within a SaaS environment focused on the restaurant technology sector. The emphasis on AI tools and a hybrid work model are key differentiators for this opportunity. The salary range indicates a mid-level to accomplished performer target.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive customer research, including interviews and observations, to deeply understand user needs and pain points within the restaurant industry.

• Ideate, prototype, and validate design concepts with customers to ensure early investment in solutions that resonate and solve real problems.

• Design simple, intuitive user interfaces and workflows that minimize friction for restaurant operators and streamline team management.

• Partner effectively with software engineers throughout the design and development lifecycle, ensuring design integrity and quality implementation.

• Actively integrate AI tools into the design workflow for tasks such as research synthesis, concept generation, and rapid prototyping to enhance efficiency and depth of exploration.

• Contribute actively to design team critiques, reviews, and initiatives aimed at elevating design standards and fostering team growth.

• Identify and propose forward-thinking concepts that can unlock new value propositions for 7shifts' customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core product design functions with a strong emphasis on AI integration and customer-centric problem-solving within the specific context of restaurant operations technology.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in product design are paramount. Candidates with degrees in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or related fields will find their academic background aligns well.

Experience:

• Minimum 2-5 years of experience in a Product Design role, preferably within a SaaS company.

• Proven track record of working within cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct user research and translate insights into design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Product Design: Expertise in the end-to-end product design process, from discovery and research to ideation, prototyping, and iteration.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for creating wireframes, mockups, and high-fidelity prototypes, including effective use of collaborative features.

• User Research: Ability to plan, conduct, and synthesize user research (interviews, surveys, usability testing) to inform design decisions.

• AI Tool Integration: A practical, working knowledge of how to leverage AI tools within a design workflow (e.g., for research synthesis, idea generation, content creation).

• Communication & Advocacy: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale and advocate for user needs to diverse stakeholders.

• Prototyping: Skill in creating interactive prototypes to test and validate design concepts effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the restaurant-tech industry or direct experience working in a restaurant environment.

• Familiarity with data analysis and the ability to use data to inform design decisions.

• Understanding of UI/UX principles for both web and mobile applications.

• Experience with design systems and contributing to their development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "working AI practice" is a critical differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to articulate specific examples of how they utilize AI in their design process. The target experience level is explicitly stated as mid-level to accomplished.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of web and/or mobile design projects.

• Projects should clearly demonstrate your thinking process, decision-making rationale, and the specific problems you solved.

• Include examples of how you translated customer research and insights into tangible design solutions.

• Showcase your ability to move from rough concepts and wireframes to polished, high-fidelity designs.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've documented user flows, interaction designs, and system requirements.

• Case studies detailing your approach to problem definition, ideation, and iterative refinement.

• Evidence of collaboration with engineering teams, including how you've handed off designs and ensured implementation quality.

• Showcase your process for integrating AI tools into your workflow and the impact this has had on your efficiency or outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond simply showing finished products; it must articulate the "how" and "why" behind your design decisions, emphasizing process, research, and problem-solving, with a specific nod to AI integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $115,000 CAD per year.

Explanation of Range: This range accounts for the full growth path of the role, from foundational skill-building to mastery. 7shifts typically targets candidates at the "accomplished" level for external hires, meaning individuals who bring relevant experience, demonstrate strong skills, operate confidently, and can deliver impact with a moderate ramp-up period. Placement within this range will be determined by job-related skills, knowledge, experience, and internal equity assessments. Compensation is performance and growth-driven, with opportunities for growth tied to skill development and expanded impact.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.

• Lifestyle spending accounts to support personal wellness and interests.

• Generous parental leave program designed with flexibility.

• Flexible vacation policy encouraging work-life balance and recharge time.

• Home office setup support to ensure a productive remote/hybrid workspace.

• Access to professional coaching and development planning to foster career growth.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The company supports a hybrid work model and emphasizes flexibility, with specific in-office days potentially varying based on team needs and individual arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided in CAD and is explicitly tied to performance and growth. The "accomplished" level designation provides a clear benchmark for candidate expectations. The benefits package is robust and emphasizes employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Restaurant Technology (SaaS) - 7shifts operates within the dynamic and often high-pressure restaurant industry, providing software solutions designed to alleviate operational burdens for managers and staff. This context implies a need for practical, reliable, and efficient tools.

Company Size: 7shifts is a Series C, VC-backed SaaS company, indicating a growth-stage organization with established processes but still agile enough to innovate rapidly. This size often means opportunities for significant impact and career advancement.

Founded: 7shifts was founded with a mission to simplify team management and improve performance for restaurants. This foundational purpose continues to drive their product development and company culture, focusing on creating a thriving restaurant industry.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is led by a Sr. Director, Product Design and Research.

• Product Designers work within cross-functional product teams, each typically comprising a Product Manager, Data Analyst, Product Marketing Manager, and Software Engineers.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centricity: A core methodology is deep engagement with customers through research and feedback to drive product decisions.

• AI Integration: Proactive adoption and integration of AI tools are encouraged to enhance productivity and explore new design possibilities.

• Agile Development: Collaboration with engineering suggests an agile or iterative development process where design is a continuous partner.

• Data-Informed Design: The presence of Data Analysts on product teams implies that design decisions are informed by data and performance metrics.

Company Website: https://www.7shifts.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around supporting restaurant teams, fostering a high-performance environment, and embracing innovation, particularly with AI. The cross-functional team structure is designed for efficient product development and execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, targeting candidates who are beyond entry-level and can operate with a degree of autonomy within their product area. The "accomplished" performance level suggests expectations of solid job-related skills, confidence, and the ability to deliver consistent impact with minimal oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports to the Sr. Director, Product Design and Research, and works within a cross-functional product team, collaborating daily with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing counterparts.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, your impact is directly tied to the usability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the 7shifts platform. By creating intuitive experiences, you directly contribute to reducing operational friction for restaurant managers, improving team performance, and ultimately driving customer satisfaction and retention. Your work influences how tens of thousands of restaurants manage their teams daily.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of product design, user research methodologies, or AI-driven design practices.

• Product Ownership: Progress to owning larger or more complex product areas, potentially leading design initiatives for new features or product lines.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers as the team grows.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in influencing product strategy and roadmap through strong design advocacy within cross-functional teams.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in restaurant technology and team management solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "full growth path" within the salary range suggests clear opportunities for advancement. The role is designed to allow for significant individual contribution and development of specialized skills, particularly in AI integration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: 7shifts operates with a hybrid work model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. They have offices in Saskatoon and Toronto. This model aims to capture the benefits of both in-person connection and individual focus time.

Office Location(s):

• Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to facilitate in-person collaboration and team connection when possible, balanced with remote work flexibility.

• Tools & Technology: Employees are provided with the latest Apple technology and home office setup support, ensuring they have the necessary tools for effective work, whether in the office or remotely.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional team members (Product Managers, Engineers, Data Analysts) are inherent to the daily workflow.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility in how and when work is accomplished, aligning with the hybrid model and the company's focus on results over strict hours. The "90 Day Shift" program also offers unique flexibility for remote work from different locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is a key aspect, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a blend of in-office and remote work. The company provides the necessary equipment and support for this setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Sr. Director, Product Design and Research to delve deeper into your experience, design philosophy, and approach to AI.

• Cross-Functional Team Interview: Meet with members of a product team (Product Manager, Engineer) to evaluate collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you integrate into a team dynamic.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discuss specific case studies, and potentially present a design exercise. This is where you'll articulate your process, decisions, and the impact of your work.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit and broader strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations around the narrative of each project: the problem, your process, your solutions, and the outcomes.

• Highlight AI Integration: Be prepared to showcase specific examples of how you've used AI tools in your design process and the benefits derived.

• Emphasize Process: Clearly articulate your design methodology, research techniques, and decision-making rationale. Show your thinking, not just the final output.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success and impact of your design solutions.

• Tailor to 7shifts: Show an understanding of the restaurant industry and how your design skills can address the specific challenges faced by 7shifts' customers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be ready to articulate your approach to tackling ambiguous problems and designing user-centered solutions.

• AI Application: Consider how you might approach a design challenge using AI as a primary tool for ideation or research synthesis.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated effectively with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of design skills, collaborative ability, and a forward-thinking approach, especially concerning AI. The portfolio review is a critical component requiring thorough preparation and clear articulation of process and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• Collaborative Design Tools: Experience with other collaborative platforms that integrate with Figma or serve similar functions.

• AI Tools: A broad category, encompassing AI assistants for research synthesis (e.g., ChatGPT for analysis), idea generation, content creation, or even AI-powered design tools that accelerate workflow. Candidates should be ready to name specific tools they use and how.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Google Analytics, Mixpanel) used by product teams is beneficial for understanding user behavior and product performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly used by Product Designers, but understanding the impact of design on user adoption within a CRM context or how design choices affect automated workflows can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. The expectation for AI tools is significant and requires candidates to demonstrate practical application rather than just theoretical knowledge. Familiarity with analytics helps in understanding product performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of restaurant operators and their teams.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as AI, to drive product evolution and efficiency.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork to achieve shared goals.

• Growth Mindset: Encouraging continuous learning, skill development, and personal/professional advancement.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering meaningful value and tangible improvements for customers and the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are embedded within product teams and work closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Marketing to ensure aligned product development.

• Open Feedback Culture: Design reviews and team rituals encourage constructive feedback to elevate the quality of work and foster learning.

• Shared Ownership: Teams work collaboratively towards common product objectives, with design playing a pivotal role in shaping the user experience.

• Agile & Iterative: The team likely embraces iterative design processes, allowing for continuous refinement based on feedback and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values emphasize a people-centric approach (customers and team), a drive for innovation (especially with AI), and a collaborative, results-oriented work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Restaurant Industry Complexity: Navigating the unique operational challenges, time constraints, and diverse user roles within the restaurant sector requires empathy and deep understanding.

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively translating user needs into designs that also meet business objectives and technical constraints.

• AI Integration Nuances: Mastering the ethical and practical application of AI in design to augment, not replace, human creativity and critical thinking.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective collaboration in a hybrid work setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Becoming a go-to expert within the company for leveraging AI tools and workflows in product design.

• Restaurant-Tech Domain Expertise: Developing deep knowledge of the restaurant industry's operational landscape and technology needs.

• Product Strategy Influence: Growing your ability to shape product roadmaps and strategies through impactful design contributions.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to guide junior designers and take on more leadership within design initiatives.

• Continuous Learning: Access to resources, conferences, and development planning to stay at the forefront of design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, particularly around AI integration and understanding the niche market. The development opportunities are geared towards specialization and increased influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used AI tools to significantly improve your design process or the outcome of a project. What specific tools did you use, and what was the impact?"

• "How do you approach understanding the unique operational challenges of the restaurant industry? Walk me through your research process for a new feature targeting restaurant managers."

• "Imagine you're designing a new scheduling feature. How would you balance the needs of a busy restaurant owner with those of their frontline staff? What trade-offs might you consider?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about 7shifts' mission and the restaurant technology space?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our hybrid work culture and fostering collaboration within your product team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the Problem, Process, Solution, and Outcome.

• Showcase AI: Dedicate specific slides or talking points to demonstrate your AI workflows and their impact.

• Highlight Research: Detail your user research methodology and how it informed your design decisions.

• Explain Trade-offs: Discuss any difficult decisions or compromises made during the design process and why.

• Connect to 7shifts: Explain how your skills and experience are relevant to solving problems for restaurant teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect behavioral and situational questions that probe your design process, AI utilization, collaboration skills, and understanding of the restaurant industry. Be ready to articulate your portfolio with a focus on process and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features examples of your best work, with a clear emphasis on your design process, problem-solving skills, and any AI integration. Tailor your presentation to highlight projects relevant to SaaS or B2B products.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to include keywords from the job description (e.g., Product Design, SaaS, Figma, AI tools, User Research, Prototyping, Cross-functional collaboration). Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project case studies. Prepare specific examples of how you've used AI in your workflow and how you approach user research and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with 7shifts' product, mission, values, and recent news. Understand their target market (restaurants) and the challenges they aim to solve.

⚠️ 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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