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: February 15, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design process for mission-critical financial software used by K12 schools across North America.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Management and Engineering, to translate complex requirements into intuitive and accessible user experiences.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to deeply understand customer needs and inform design decisions.

• Develop high-fidelity designs, prototypes, and detailed specifications for both web and mobile platforms, ensuring a consistent and trustworthy user interface.

• Contribute to the evolution of the company's design system and advocate for best practices in design craft, usability, and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of "Product Designer" at KEV Group is positioned as a critical contributor to their financial software solutions for the K12 education sector. This implies a need for a designer who can handle complex workflows, prioritize trust and security in their designs, and translate sophisticated financial processes into user-friendly interfaces. The emphasis on "mission-critical" and "real impact" suggests a role where design decisions have significant consequences and require a high degree of rigor and user empathy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough user research, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to identify pain points and opportunities within K12 school financial management workflows.

• Translate research findings and stakeholder requirements into clear problem definitions, user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Design intuitive and accessible user interfaces and experiences for both web and mobile applications, focusing on clarity, ease of use, and trustworthiness.

• Plan and execute usability testing sessions, analyze feedback, and iterate on designs to validate assumptions and optimize user journeys.

• Develop and maintain detailed design specifications, style guides, and contribute to the growth of the company's design system to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to define product strategy and roadmap, and partner with Engineers throughout the development lifecycle to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs.

• Leverage product usage data and analytics to inform design decisions and identify areas for continuous improvement.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles and best practices within the organization, helping to raise the overall standard of design craft.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product thinking and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "understanding the problem," "defining and exploring solutions," and "validating with users" points to a designer who is deeply involved in the discovery phase, not just the execution phase. The expectation to "communicate and deliver with quality" and "learn, iterate, and raise the bar" indicates a need for a proactive and collaborative individual who can influence product direction and continuously improve design standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Strong design fundamentals across interaction design, visual design, and usability, with a keen eye for clarity, accessibility, and detail on both desktop and mobile platforms.

• Proficiency in applying UX methodologies, including conducting user research, building prototypes, and performing usability testing to inform design decisions.

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

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

• Clear and effective communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to articulate design decisions and collaborate constructively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the financial software or EdTech (K12) sectors.

• Familiarity with contributing to or maintaining a design system.

• Understanding of data analysis and how to integrate insights into the design process.

• Experience designing for complex data-driven applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements suggest a mid-level designer who can operate with a degree of autonomy but also collaborate effectively within a team. The emphasis on "B2B SaaS" and "financial software" indicates a need for experience with complex enterprise-level products where user workflows and data integrity are paramount. The required tool proficiency is standard, but the emphasis on "advanced proficiency" and the breadth of skills expected (research, prototyping, visual design, communication) point to a well-rounded designer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of product design projects, with a clear emphasis on B2B SaaS applications, ideally in finance or education technology.

• Case studies that detail your design process, from problem definition and user research through to solution exploration, iteration, and final implementation.

• Demonstrations of how you have translated complex user needs and business requirements into clear, usable, and accessible interfaces.

• Examples of your work on both web and mobile platforms, highlighting your ability to design cohesive experiences across different devices.

Process Documentation:

• Projects should clearly illustrate your understanding and application of UX methodologies, including user research, persona development, user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Showcase how you have used data and user feedback to iterate on designs and achieve measurable improvements in user experience or business outcomes.

• Include examples of your contribution to or utilization of design systems, demonstrating an understanding of consistency, scalability, and component-based design.

• Highlight your ability to produce detailed design specifications that facilitate smooth handoffs to engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, particularly in a B2B SaaS context, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing polished visuals. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process in detail, demonstrating how they approach problem-solving, user research, and iteration. The emphasis on "mission-critical" and "finance" suggests that case studies demonstrating the ability to handle complexity, ensure data accuracy, and build trust through design will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Comprehensive benefits designed to support employee well-being.

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

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, stretch assignments, continuing education, KEV Academy for onboarding, and KEV University online courses.

• Hybrid Work Model: 3 days in the office for collaboration and connection, with flexibility for remote work.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO): Approximately 4 weeks of vacation, plus company-wide holiday closures.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, estimated at 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in how and where work is performed, aligned with the 3-day in-office requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for Product Designers in Toronto can vary significantly. For a role requiring B2B SaaS and potentially specialized domain knowledge (finance/EdTech), the higher end of the typical range is more appropriate. The provided benefits list is comprehensive and valuable, particularly the retirement savings support which is location-specific and the robust professional development programs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Software / EdTech (K12 Education)

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 201-500 employees. This suggests KEV Group is a growing mid-sized company, large enough to have established processes but small enough to offer significant impact and visibility for individual contributors.

Founded: 1977. With a long history, KEV Group has established itself as a reliable provider of financial software, demonstrating stability and expertise in its niche.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design role likely sits within a Product or Engineering department, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers or researchers.

• Given the company size, the design team might be a smaller, focused group or integrated within product squads, emphasizing cross-functional collaboration.

Methodology:

• KEV Group emphasizes building "durable software at scale" and is investing in "cloud-native, data-driven technology." This suggests a modern, agile development approach focused on reliability, performance, and continuous improvement.

• The company values solving "hard problems" and "raising the bar on engineering craft," indicating a culture of technical excellence and a commitment to quality.

• The focus on "earning long-term trust" from customers highlights a user-centric and quality-driven approach to product development.

Company Website: https://kevgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history (founded 1977) combined with its modern tech investments ("cloud-native, data-driven") indicates a company that balances stability with innovation. This is a key point for a Product Designer, as it implies working on established systems that require careful evolution, not just greenfield development. The emphasis on "mission-critical" and "public education" reinforces the need for a designer who understands the gravity and impact of their work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (3-5 years of experience). It requires a strong foundation in design principles and methodologies, the ability to work autonomously on defined projects, and contribute to team-level design efforts. The role is expected to handle significant design responsibilities and collaborate with senior stakeholders.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Product, or a senior Product Manager. They will work closely with Product Managers and Software Engineers, forming part of cross-functional product teams.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is directly tied to the usability, trust, and effectiveness of KEV Group's financial software. By creating intuitive and reliable user experiences, they will directly contribute to:

• Increased adoption and satisfaction among K12 schools.

• Improved efficiency for users managing complex financial data.

• Reduced support costs through clearer interfaces.

• Enhanced trust and security in financial management for educational institutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for complex financial workflows or the K12 EdTech sector.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior Product Designer, Lead Product Designer, or Design Manager roles, taking on more strategic responsibilities and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain deeper understanding of product management, engineering challenges, and business strategy through close collaboration.

• Skill Expansion: Further develop skills in areas like design systems, user research leadership, or UX strategy.

• KEV University: Utilize the company's online learning platform for continuous skill enhancement and exploration of new areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are typical for a mid-level design role but are framed within the context of KEV Group's specific domain. The emphasis on "KEV University" and "KEV Academy" suggests a structured approach to employee development. The impact of the role is substantial given the "mission-critical" nature of the software.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates on a hybrid model, requiring 3 days in the office per week. This suggests an office environment designed for collaboration, with meeting spaces, workstations, and common areas to foster team interaction.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This implies a professional office setting within a major Canadian business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on in-office days point to a culture that values face-to-face collaboration, spontaneous idea-sharing, and team cohesion.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to standard design software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite), collaboration platforms (Slack, Teams), and project management tools. The company's investment in "cloud-native, data-driven technology" suggests modern infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with Product Managers, Engineers, fellow designers, and potentially engage with customer feedback directly within the office setting.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is implied. The hybrid model provides flexibility, allowing for focused work at home and collaborative work in the office, potentially aligning with project sprints and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment. The requirement of 3 days in the office suggests a deliberate effort to balance flexibility with in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for design roles that thrive on feedback and ideation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their process, design decisions, and impact on previous projects. A practical design challenge may be assigned, focusing on a problem relevant to KEV Group's domain.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Design Lead or Head of Product) and potentially other team members (Product Manager, Engineer) to evaluate design thinking, technical skills, collaboration style, and problem-solving abilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design journey for each project – your research methods, problem definition, ideation, iteration, and how you measured success.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).

• Tailor to KEV: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with B2B SaaS, financial services, or complex workflows. Emphasize how your design approach aligns with KEV's values of trust, clarity, and impact.

• Focus on Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you partnered with engineers and product managers, and how you resolved design disagreements.

• Design System Contributions: If applicable, showcase any experience with design systems, component libraries, and ensuring design consistency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with KEV Group's products, the K12 education sector, and the challenges of financial management in schools.

• Think Holistically: For any design challenge, consider the user, the business goals, and technical constraints.

• Communicate Your Thoughts: Clearly articulate your assumptions, design decisions, and rationale, even if you don't reach a "perfect" solution.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, not just the final visual output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Product Designer typically involves a strong emphasis on portfolio review and a practical design exercise. Candidates should be prepared to "walk through" their projects, explaining their thought process in detail. Given the "mission-critical" nature of the software, demonstrating a methodical and user-centric approach to problem-solving is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, given industry trends and the mention of advanced proficiency), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence (common in SaaS environments).

• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or internal methods for conducting remote and in-person research and usability tests.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for product analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding CRM systems (like Salesforce) can be beneficial for context in B2B SaaS.

• Familiarity with project management and workflow tools used by engineering and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is currently the industry standard for collaborative design in many SaaS companies, so strong proficiency here is almost a given. The other tools listed are common for design and product development teams, supporting collaboration, research, and data analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impactful Work: A strong focus on building software that makes a real difference in public education and simplifies lives.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to high standards in engineering and design, focusing on building "durable software."

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of questioning, improving, and innovating, driven by the question: "How does this help our schools?"

• Trust & Reliability: Essential for financial software, this value underpins all product development, ensuring systems are secure and dependable.

• Collaboration: Working together as a team to solve complex problems and support each other's growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Managers and Engineers, forming cohesive product teams.

• Open Communication: Expect regular feedback loops, design reviews, and open discussions about product direction and user experience.

• Data-Informed: Decisions are influenced by user research, product analytics, and customer feedback, encouraging a data-driven approach.

• Mentorship & Learning: A culture that supports continuous learning and skill development, as evidenced by KEV Academy and KEV University.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values like "making a real difference," "raising the bar on engineering craft," and "solving hard problems" are attractive to professionals seeking meaningful work. For a designer, this is particularly relevant as it suggests their work will be valued for its contribution to the company's mission and its quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Complexity and Simplicity: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex financial processes in a regulated K12 environment.

• User Diversity: Catering to a wide range of users within school districts, from administrators to finance officers, who may have varying technical proficiencies.

• Legacy System Evolution: Working on established software that requires careful updates and improvements without disrupting critical operations.

• Rapid Growth: Keeping pace with company expansion and evolving product demands while maintaining high design standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge of K12 financial management and EdTech trends.

• Design System Maturity: Contribute to the growth and refinement of KEV Group's design system.

• Strategic Product Input: Influence product strategy through user research and design thinking.

• Professional Growth: Utilize KEV University and other company-sponsored learning initiatives for skill advancement and career development.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers, product managers, and engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a B2B SaaS company that serves a specific industry with critical needs. The growth opportunities are well-defined, with a clear emphasis on continuous learning and domain specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you designed a complex feature for a B2B SaaS product. What was the problem, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on detailing your process, user research, and measurable impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical constraints? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your product thinking and ability to compromise effectively.)

• "Describe your experience with user research and usability testing. How have you used these insights to inform your design decisions?" (Highlight your research methodologies and ability to translate findings into action.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about KEV Group's mission in K12 education and financial software?" (Connect your passion for design to the company's impact.)

• "How would you contribute to our design culture and help raise the bar for design at KEV?" (Show your proactive mindset and commitment to quality.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, start with the problem, clearly define your role, detail your process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), present your solution, and conclude with the impact and key learnings.

• Highlight Your Process: Don't just show final screens; explain why you made certain decisions. Use visuals to illustrate your journey (e.g., sketches, wireframes, user flow diagrams).

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your designs. If exact numbers aren't available, discuss the intended impact and how you would measure it.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and alternative solutions considered.

• Showcase Collaboration: Briefly mention how you worked with other team members and incorporated their feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, user-centric problem-solving, and effective collaboration. For this role, highlighting experience with complex B2B products and a methodical approach to design is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: https://kevgroup.com/open-positions/?gh_jid=5053376007

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest B2B SaaS design projects that best showcase your process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Tailor your case studies to highlight experience relevant to financial software or complex workflows.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3-5 years of relevant experience, highlights proficiency in design tools (Figma, Sketch, etc.), and uses keywords from the job description (UX Design, Product Design, B2B SaaS, Usability Testing, etc.).

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on your design process, decision-making rationale, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your collaborative approach.

• Research KEV Group: Familiarize yourself with KEV Group's mission, products, and company culture. Understand the importance of their financial software in the K12 sector and how your design skills can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.