Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: KEV Group

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-02-24

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design process for mission-critical financial software used by K12 schools, focusing on creating intuitive and trustworthy user experiences.

• Conduct user research, discovery, and usability testing to deeply understand customer needs, workflows, and pain points within the K12 financial management ecosystem.

• Translate complex requirements and insights into clear problem definitions, exploring multiple design solutions through sketching, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Design user-centered, accessible, and visually compelling interfaces for both web and mobile platforms, ensuring clarity and ease of use for critical financial tasks.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality, well-specified designs that are accurately implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Product Design function but has strong ties to operations through its focus on financial software for educational institutions. Success in this role will require an understanding of operational workflows and the critical nature of financial data management for schools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage directly with K12 school administrators, finance departments, and other end-users to gather qualitative and quantitative insights into their financial management challenges and software needs.

• Lead the design of user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for new features and enhancements to KEV's financial software suite.

• Develop and maintain a robust design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all product touchpoints.

• Facilitate design thinking workshops and collaborative sessions with cross-functional teams to ideate on solutions and align on product strategy.

• Conduct rigorous usability testing sessions, analyze user feedback, and iterate on designs to optimize user experience, efficiency, and trust.

• Champion accessibility best practices, ensuring that all designs meet or exceed relevant accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for diverse users.

• Partner with product management to define product requirements and with engineering to ensure seamless and high-fidelity implementation of designs.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the KEV product team, sharing best practices and fostering a culture of design excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a deep dive into understanding the unique operational and financial workflows of K12 schools, highlighting the need for a designer who can translate these complex operational requirements into user-friendly software.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3–5 years of professional experience in Product Design, with a strong preference for experience working on B2B SaaS products.

• Demonstrated experience in user research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiry.

• Proven ability to conduct and analyze usability testing to inform design decisions.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.

• Strong understanding of interaction design principles, visual design fundamentals, and information architecture.

• Demonstrated ability to create clear, usable, and accessible interfaces with meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent product thinking skills, with the capacity to balance user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with or understanding of financial software, accounting principles, or educational technology.

• Familiarity with design system development and maintenance.

• Knowledge of data analysis and how to leverage user analytics to inform design decisions.

• Experience working within Agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on B2B SaaS and the specific mention of financial software and K12 schools indicate that candidates with experience in enterprise-level products and understanding complex operational domains will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of product design projects, ideally including B2B SaaS applications.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, your specific contributions, and the impact of your solutions.

• Examples demonstrating your ability to conduct user research, define user flows, create wireframes, design high-fidelity mockups, and produce interactive prototypes.

• Visuals that highlight strong interaction design, visual design, and attention to detail, with a focus on clarity and usability.

Process Documentation:

• Within your case studies, clearly outline your approach to understanding user needs through research and discovery.

• Detail your methods for exploring design solutions, including sketching, wireframing, and prototyping stages.

• Showcase how you validate designs through user testing and feedback loops.

• Demonstrate your collaboration process with engineering and product teams for implementation.

• Include examples of how you've contributed to or utilized a design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should not just showcase aesthetic design skills but also a rigorous process for understanding complex operational needs and translating them into effective, user-friendly software solutions. Highlighting experience with financial workflows or similar regulated industries would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package, reflecting the value of your skills and contributions.

• Comprehensive benefits designed to support employee well-being, both professionally and personally.

• Retirement Savings Support: Company-matched RRSP contributions in Canada and 401(k) contributions in the U.S.

• Professional Development: Investment in continuous learning through KEV Academy (onboarding/skill-building) and KEV University (online course platform), plus stretch opportunities and continuing education.

• Hybrid Work Model: A balanced approach with 3 days per week in the Toronto office for collaboration and connection, offering flexibility for the remainder of the week.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO): Approximately 4 weeks of vacation plus company-wide holiday closures to ensure ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered within the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is derived from publicly available data for Product Designer roles in Toronto, considering the mid-level experience requirement (3-5 years) and the specific industry focus (B2B SaaS, financial software). Benefits are listed as provided in the job description, with specific details added for clarity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Software / EdTech (Education Technology)

Company Size: The provided data does not specify the exact company size, but references to "scaling quickly" and "teams across North America" suggest a growing mid-sized company, likely between 50-250 employees.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated but the company is described as investing in "cloud-native, data-driven technology" and "scaling quickly," indicating a mature but growth-oriented organization.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design role will likely sit within a Product Management and Engineering department, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Software Engineers.

• The design team may be a dedicated unit or integrated within product squads, depending on the company's organizational structure.

Methodology:

• KEV emphasizes a data-driven approach to product development, using customer insights, real-world product usage, and analytics to inform design and business decisions.

• The company values engineering craft and building "durable software at scale," suggesting a focus on robust, well-architected solutions.

• A culture of continuous improvement and innovation is implied, encouraging team members to "question, improve, and innovate."

Company Website: https://kevgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: KEV Group operates at the intersection of FinTech and EdTech, providing mission-critical financial software. This context implies a need for reliability, security, and a deep understanding of the operational nuances of K12 school districts. The company's growth trajectory suggests opportunities for impact and career development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Mid-Level Product Designer position. It requires a solid foundation of 3-5 years of experience and the ability to work independently on defined projects, while also collaborating effectively within a team. The expectation is for the designer to contribute to problem definition, solution exploration, and final delivery with a high degree of autonomy.

Reporting Structure:

• The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or a Senior Product Manager.

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in UX research, interaction design, visual design, and design systems within the specialized domain of financial software for education.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into Senior Product Designer roles, lead design initiatives, or explore specialization in areas like user research leadership or design system management.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain a strong understanding of product management, software engineering processes, and the unique operational challenges of the K12 sector.

• Leadership Potential: Contribute to raising the design bar at KEV, mentor junior designers, and influence product strategy through design insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Product Designer at KEV involves not only mastering design craft but also developing a deep understanding of the operational domain they serve. This dual focus creates opportunities for specialized expertise and strategic influence within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, indicating a physical office space in Toronto designed for collaboration and in-person interaction, complemented by remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model (3 days in-office) is designed to foster collaboration, team building, and spontaneous idea exchange, which are crucial for design work.

• The office environment likely provides the necessary tools and technology for design work, supporting collaboration with engineering and product teams.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard working hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for remote work for a portion of the week, which can aid in focused design work or personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model at KEV Group aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, creating a dynamic and modern work environment conducive to creative problem-solving and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation to delve deeper into your experience, design philosophy, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. Expect questions about your approach to user research, problem-solving, and collaboration.

• Design Challenge / Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key projects that demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and impact. This might also include a take-home design exercise or an in-person/virtual whiteboard session to assess your design thinking and problem-solving abilities on a specific challenge.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work effectively within a product development team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CTO) to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and overall alignment with KEV Group's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your research methodology, design decisions, iterations, and the outcomes.

• Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your individual contributions, especially in team projects.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, positive user feedback).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with B2B SaaS, complex workflows, or financial/regulated industries if applicable.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to talk through your design choices, trade-offs, and lessons learned for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with KEV Group's mission and the types of financial software they provide for K12 schools.

• Practice articulating your design process concisely and effectively.

• Be prepared to think aloud and explain your reasoning during a design exercise.

• Consider how you would approach designing for users who may have varying levels of tech-savviness or specific operational constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate not only design skill but also the candidate's ability to understand complex operational needs, collaborate effectively, and contribute to a mission-driven product. A strong, process-oriented portfolio is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), InVision, or similar advanced design tools.

• User Research & Testing: Tools for user interviews, surveys, and usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly used by the designer, but understanding the context of CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools in a B2B SaaS environment can provide broader product context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools, particularly Figma or Sketch, is a core requirement. Familiarity with user research platforms and collaborative tools is also crucial for effective workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on building software that has a real, positive impact on public education and the communities served by K12 schools.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to engineering excellence, building "durable software" with a high bar for design and implementation quality.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages questioning the status quo, iterating on designs, and raising the standard for design at KEV.

• Trust & Reliability: Given the financial nature of the software, trust and reliability are paramount, influencing design decisions towards clarity and security.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of customers through ongoing research and feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with designers working closely with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Open communication and a willingness to give and receive constructive feedback are encouraged.

• Cross-functional partnerships are key to ensuring that designs meet user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: KEV Group fosters a culture that values both the technical craft of software development and the human impact of their work. For a designer, this means being both detail-oriented and mission-focused, collaborating effectively to build trusted, user-friendly solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Translating intricate financial workflows and regulatory requirements into simple, intuitive user experiences for a diverse user base.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively mediating between user needs, business objectives of KEV, and technical constraints imposed by the engineering team.

• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive and high-quality user experience across a growing product suite, potentially with evolving design systems.

• Adapting to a Growing Company: Navigating the dynamics of a fast-scaling organization, which can involve evolving processes and new team structures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Develop deep knowledge in the K12 financial software sector, understanding the unique operational challenges and user needs.

• Design System Mastery: Contribute to and evolve a comprehensive design system, gaining experience in scalable UI/UX architecture.

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Refine skills in user research, A/B testing, and data analysis to drive design decisions.

• Cross-Functional Impact: Gain a holistic understanding of the product development lifecycle and contribute strategically to product direction.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced product managers and engineers, and potentially mentor junior designers as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role stem from the critical nature of the software and the complexity of the domain. The growth opportunities are significant for designers who can master these challenges, becoming experts in both design and the operational realities of K12 financial management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex, regulated industry. What were the key challenges and how did you address them?" (Focus on your process for understanding constraints and user needs.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical limitations in your design process?" (Highlight your product thinking and negotiation skills.)

• "Walk me through a project where user feedback or data significantly changed your initial design direction." (Demonstrate your iterative process and data-informed approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about KEV Group's mission to serve K12 schools?" (Align your response with the company's impact-driven values.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with Product Managers and Engineers?" (Emphasize your communication and partnership skills.)

• "What does 'raising the bar on engineering craft' mean to you in the context of product design?" (Connect design quality to overall product excellence.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), your design solutions, and the measurable impact.

• Be Specific About Your Contributions: Clearly delineate what you designed, what decisions you made, and why.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively to demonstrate your design thinking and final output.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, the trade-offs you made, and what you would do differently.

• Connect to KEV: If possible, draw parallels between your past projects and the challenges KEV Group is solving for K12 schools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong design process, excellent collaboration skills, a user-centric mindset, and an understanding of KEV's mission. A well-prepared portfolio presentation that highlights impact and process is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Visit the KEV Group careers page or the provided application link to submit your resume and portfolio.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating B2B SaaS experience, complex problem-solving, and user-centered design processes. Focus on case studies that showcase your research, ideation, prototyping, and testing methodologies, emphasizing your role and the impact of your designs.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3-5 years of product design experience, proficiency in key design tools, and any relevant experience in financial software or the education sector. Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Designer," "UX Design," "B2B SaaS," "Figma," and "user research."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review your portfolio projects and prepare to walk through 1-2 key case studies in detail. Practice answering common product design interview questions, focusing on your process, problem-solving approach, and collaborative skills. Research KEV Group's mission and products to tailor your responses.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KEV Group's mission, the financial software they provide for K12 schools, and their company culture. Understand the importance of reliability, security, and user trust in this sector.

⚠️ 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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