Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: Hiive Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design Date Posted: 2025-07-22 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy and design for key pillars within a fast-growing fintech marketplace.
• Leverage design fundamentals and user-centered methodologies to enhance product polish and user journeys.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, and Design partners in a modern tech stack environment.
• Contribute to user research and testing initiatives to deepen audience understanding and validate hypotheses.
• Champion company values and foster an inclusive, collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a high-growth fintech startup environment, emphasizing a blend of strategic design thinking, hands-on execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The focus is on delivering measurable business outcomes through user-centric product design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategize and design for designated product pillars, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives and company vision.
• Develop and execute user research plans, including user interviews and testing, to gather insights and inform design decisions.
• Create intuitive interaction flows, information architecture diagrams, and wireframes that simplify complex information and illustrate optimal user journeys.
• Apply strong visual design principles to elevate the product's polish, aesthetic appeal, and overall user experience.
• Synthesize feedback from diverse stakeholders and navigate technical constraints to present human-centered design solutions.
• Document design processes, decisions, and outcomes clearly and efficiently for team collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Actively participate in design critiques and provide constructive feedback to peers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Support and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Management and Engineering, to ensure successful product development and launch.
• Identify and address design challenges, making pragmatic decisions to drive project progress and achieve desired results.
• Contribute to building a strong narrative around product vision, clearly articulating the role of design in achieving company goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to product design, requiring the candidate to be comfortable with the entire design lifecycle from research and strategy to execution and collaboration. Emphasis is placed on influencing product direction and fostering a positive team dynamic.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for roles with this experience level. Experience: 3-5 years of professional product design experience, demonstrating a strong track record of delivering successful user experiences. Experience in fintech, marketplace platforms, or high-growth startups is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of Figma and proficiency with other relevant design and prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Proven ability to apply diverse design methodologies and techniques effectively.
• Strong understanding of information architecture, user flow mapping, and interaction design principles.
• Excellent visual design skills with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting user research and usability testing.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale to various stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder inputs.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, problem-solving approaches, and successful outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the Fintech industry or designing for marketplace platforms.
• Proficiency in facilitating user research and translating findings into actionable design improvements.
• Technical understanding that aids in developing and scaling systems.
• High adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, rapidly changing environments.
• Experience with design systems and component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma mastery and a strong portfolio is critical. Candidates should prepare to showcase their process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of their design decisions, particularly in a startup context where adaptability and initiative are key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online or PDF portfolio is mandatory.
• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design process.
• Highlight projects that involved user research, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and user testing.
• Clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process, key decisions, and the measurable impact of your solutions.
• Include examples of interaction flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and prototypes.
• Ensure the portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear and efficient design process used in past projects.
• Illustrate how you gather requirements, conduct research, iterate on designs, and collaborate with teams.
• Showcase examples of how you have translated complex user needs and business requirements into elegant design solutions.
• Provide evidence of how you measure the success of your designs, linking them to business objectives and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for assessing a candidate's design capabilities and process. It should not only display visual skills but also a strong understanding of user-centered design principles, problem-solving, and the ability to drive measurable outcomes. Providing passwords for protected work is also requested.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $100,000 - $130,000 per year. This range reflects the mid-level experience requirement and the tech industry standards in Vancouver, BC.

Benefits:

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and contribution.
• Opportunity to participate in ownership through an employee stock option plan (ESOP).
• Comprehensive 100% employer-paid health and dental premiums.
• Health and personal spending account (HSA/PSA) for additional wellness support.
• $20 per day commuter benefit for days worked at the Vancouver HQ.
• Engaging social calendar with catered lunches, team events, and retreats.
• Significant opportunities for career growth into leadership and management roles.
• Sponsorship, immigration, and relocation assistance for exceptional candidates.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time position. The startup environment may encourage flexibility, but a commitment to delivering results is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, ownership, and professional development. The inclusion of sponsorship and relocation support is a significant advantage for candidates requiring it.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech/Marketplace. Hiive operates at the intersection of finance and technology, providing a platform for trading private company stock, particularly in the venture-backed pre-IPO space. This industry demands innovation, security, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Company Size: Startup (specific number not provided, but implied to be growing rapidly). This means a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individuals can have a significant impact and wear multiple hats. Founded: Not specified, but described as a rapidly growing business backed by US venture capital investors. The company is recognized as a top startup in Canada, indicating a strong growth trajectory and market validation.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of a "fast-growing, high-impact product team."
• Collaboration is expected with "strong Design, Product, and Engineering partners."
• The team operates with agility, moving "quickly" while valuing "craft."
• The culture encourages "supporting others" and acting as a "key collaborator."

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the emphasis on research, testing, and measurable outcomes.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed given the startup environment and the mention of moving "quickly."
• User-centered design principles are central to the team's approach.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential for aligning design with business and technical requirements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Hiive's culture appears to be a blend of high-energy startup ambition and a commitment to quality and user experience. The fintech sector requires a focus on trust, efficiency, and user confidence, which likely influences the design and operational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for a Product Designer at a mid-level, with 3-5 years of experience. It signifies a contributor role with significant autonomy and responsibility for specific product areas. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will work closely with Design, Product, and Engineering partners, likely reporting into a Head of Product, Design Lead, or similar senior role within the Product team. Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, the impact is directly on user experience, product adoption, and ultimately, the success of Hiive's marketplace platform. Designing intuitive and efficient user flows will drive engagement, facilitate transactions, and contribute to revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in product design, user research, and potentially gain experience in specific fintech product areas.
• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to grow into senior or lead designer roles, potentially managing design projects or mentoring junior designers as the team scales.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working across different business functions, understanding the broader strategic implications of design decisions.
• Startup Experience: Develop a strong understanding of building and scaling a company in a high-growth, competitive market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "significant opportunities for growth into team leadership and management roles" suggests a clear career path within Hiive for high-performing individuals. The startup environment offers accelerated learning and impact compared to more established organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Dedicated desk in Hiive's Vancouver, BC HQ, located in the heart of downtown. Office Location(s): Vancouver, BC HQ. The office is described as having a fridge stocked with snacks/drinks, an onsite gym, and a rooftop amenity, suggesting a modern and well-equipped workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment with direct interaction with Design, Product, and Engineering teams.
• Access to amenities that promote employee well-being and productivity.
• The downtown Vancouver location offers accessibility and proximity to city conveniences.
• The "entrepreneurial culture and a small and dynamic team" points to a hands-on, energetic, and potentially informal work setting.

Work Schedule: While likely a standard 40-hour work week, the startup environment may offer some flexibility. The commuter benefit suggests a strong emphasis on in-office presence and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site work arrangement and the provided perks suggest a company that values in-person collaboration and a positive office culture as key drivers of innovation and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and portfolio via the provided link.
• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will heavily focus on the quality and content of the submitted portfolio.
• Initial Screening Call: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss experience, interest in Hiive, and role fit.
• Design Exercise/Challenge: Typically, a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise focused on a specific problem relevant to Hiive's platform. This assesses problem-solving, design thinking, and execution.
• Interviews with Design/Product/Engineering Peers: In-depth discussions about design process, collaboration, technical understanding, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CEO) to assess strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your process, your role, your decisions, and the outcomes.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (mockups, prototypes, user flows) effectively to illustrate your design thinking.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rate improvements, user satisfaction scores).
• Highlight Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions and how you navigated challenges or constraints.
• Tailor to Hiive: If possible, demonstrate an understanding of Hiive's product and target audience in your portfolio or cover letter.
• Ensure Accessibility: Provide clear instructions for accessing your portfolio, including any necessary passwords.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Hiive, its mission, its target market (buyers/sellers of pre-IPO stock), and its competitors.
• Focus on User Needs: Approach any design challenge by first identifying the user problem and business goals.
• Think Through Constraints: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle technical limitations, business requirements, and tight deadlines.
• Structure Your Presentation: Practice presenting your design process and solutions clearly and concisely, anticipating questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate not only design skills but also the candidate's ability to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and contribute to a fast-paced startup environment. A strong portfolio and clear communication are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Mastery is a key requirement.
• Prototyping Tools: Likely includes Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially tools like Principle, ProtoPie, or InVision for more advanced interactions.
• Design & Collaboration: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) may be used for asset creation or specific visual tasks. Tools like Miro or FigJam are likely used for brainstorming and user flow mapping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility for a Product Designer, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and track product performance would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core Product Designer role, but understanding how design integrates with CRM systems or marketing automation platforms could be a plus in a fintech context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. Designers should be comfortable with modern design workflows and the tools that support them, including those that facilitate collaboration and iteration within cross-functional teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• High-Impact & Fast-Paced: Employees are expected to contribute significantly and adapt quickly to a rapidly evolving environment.
• Collaboration & Support: A culture of teamwork, mutual support, and inclusive collaboration is emphasized.
• Craft & Quality: While moving fast, there's a commitment to high-quality design and product execution.
• Growth Mindset: Openness to learning, adapting to change, and continuous self-improvement is highly valued.
• Positive Outlook: Maintaining a positive attitude and championing company values is encouraged.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Managers and Engineers, requiring strong communication and alignment.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to synthesize input from various stakeholders and present human-centered solutions.
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback within the design team and across other departments.
• Shared Ownership: A sense of collective responsibility for the product's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values proactivity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. Designers are expected to be team players who can thrive in a dynamic startup setting while maintaining a focus on delivering impactful, high-quality design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to frequent changes in priorities, team structure, and product direction.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: Maintaining design excellence while meeting aggressive development timelines.
• Complex Domain: Understanding and designing for the intricacies of financial markets and stock trading.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder input and technical constraints to achieve cohesive design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fintech Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in the unique challenges and opportunities within the fintech and private markets sector.
• Product Strategy Involvement: Contributing to product strategy discussions and influencing the product roadmap.
• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced product and design leaders within the company.
• Career Progression: Clear path for advancement into senior design roles or leadership positions as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a high-growth fintech environment. The ability to learn quickly, adapt, and contribute meaningfully will be key to success and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for our marketplace, considering our user base of investors and company founders?" (Focus on user research, problem definition, and ideation process.)
• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder feedback or technical constraints. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.)
• "How do you ensure your designs are both visually appealing and highly functional, driving user engagement and business goals?" (Discuss the integration of aesthetics with usability and impact.)
• "What is your process for staying updated on design trends and best practices, particularly within the fintech space?" (Showcase a commitment to continuous learning.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Hiive and the fintech industry specifically?" (Research Hiive's mission and the company's position in the market.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment?" (Prepare examples of collaborative behaviors and supportive actions.)
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a startup setting." (Align your expectations with Hiive's described culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the Problem: Clearly articulate the user problem and business objectives for each case study.
• Walk Through Your Process: Detail your steps, from research and ideation to iteration and testing. Explain why you made specific choices.
• Highlight Key Deliverables: Showcase your wireframes, user flows, mockups, and prototypes, explaining their purpose.
• Quantify Outcomes: If possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the impact of your designs on user behavior or business metrics.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect to be asked detailed questions about specific design decisions or challenges encountered.
• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you worked with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your design process thoroughly, connect your work to business impact, and demonstrate how you embody Hiive's values of collaboration and a growth mindset. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer hypothetical design challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online or PDF portfolio through the provided application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Tailor any introductory statements to highlight your interest in Hiive and the fintech space.
• Resume Optimization: Highlight experience relevant to product design, user research, Figma mastery, and any fintech or marketplace experience. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, preparing case study presentations, and researching Hiive's business and product. Be ready to discuss your approach to user-centered design and cross-functional collaboration.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hiive's platform, mission, and recent news. Understand their market position and target audience to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.