Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: sherpa°

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2025-11-03

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-8+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Flexibility to work from home or office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design of a world-class visa application experience for international travelers, impacting millions of users globally.

• Champion customer-centric design principles, translating user needs into intuitive and effective digital and physical touchpoint solutions within the traveler's journey.

• Collaborate intensively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and customer support, to iterate on and enhance the user experience.

• Contribute to the entire design lifecycle, from initial ideation and research through to prototyping, validation, and final implementation, with a strong emphasis on iteration and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, with a specific focus on the traveler's journey and visa application process. The role requires a blend of creative problem-solving and data-driven validation, typical of modern product design roles within high-growth tech environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for critical user flows within the traveler's journey, with a primary focus on simplifying and enhancing the visa application experience.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and A/B testing to gather insights, validate design decisions, and ensure a highly usable and accessible product.

• Develop high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes (both traditional and AI-assisted), and design specifications for new features and improvements, meticulously detailing user interactions and visual elements.

• Collaborate with Product Managers to rapidly conceptualize and prototype ideas, facilitating early validation and alignment before committing to development resources.

• Ensure design consistency and adherence to established design system principles, while also contributing to the evolution and expansion of the design system.

• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs and provide ongoing design support throughout the development lifecycle.

• Partner with customer support to understand user pain points and identify opportunities for design improvements that address real-world traveler challenges.

• Contribute to the company's understanding of localization nuances, ensuring the product is sensitive and effective for a global user base across 193 countries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "visualizing both digital and physical touchpoint solutions" suggests the role may involve thinking beyond the digital interface, potentially including aspects of the overall customer journey that extend to physical touchpoints or partner interactions. The "AI prototyping" mention is a forward-looking element that candidates should be prepared to discuss.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is generally expected for roles with this experience level.

Experience: 5-8+ years of professional experience in product design, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design ownership.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise across multiple design disciplines: user research, information architecture (IA), visual design, interaction design, and prototyping.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a specific emphasis on Figma.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting and interpreting A/B tests to drive product improvements.

• A deep understanding and practical application of usability principles and best practices for creating intuitive user experiences.

• Strong commitment to accessibility standards, ensuring designs are inclusive and usable for all individuals.

• Experience in managing projects from initial discovery and ideation through to shipping and iterative refinement.

• Exceptional attention to detail, coupled with strong analytical, logical, and creative problem-solving skills.

• Ability to thrive in ambiguous environments, investigating complex requirements and developing innovative solutions.

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, capable of articulating design rationale and recommendations clearly and compellingly to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience or a solid understanding of localization strategies and their impact on design for global audiences.

• Familiarity with design system principles and practical experience in contributing to or maintaining them.

• Experience with AI-powered design tools or AI prototyping methods.

• Understanding of the travel industry or experience designing for complex, regulated processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "5-8+ years" suggests a mid-to-senior level designer who can operate with significant autonomy, mentor junior designers, and influence product strategy. The mention of "AI prototyping" implies a willingness to explore and adopt emerging design technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing 2-3 impactful product design case studies that demonstrate ownership of the entire design lifecycle, from problem definition to shipped product.

• Case studies should clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed, key decisions made, and measurable outcomes.

• Visualizations of user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate the user experience and design solutions.

• Evidence of user research, usability testing, and A/B testing methodologies applied to validate design hypotheses and measure impact.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you document design decisions, user flows, and interaction patterns to facilitate collaboration and knowledge transfer with engineering and product teams.

• Illustrate your approach to iterative design, including how you incorporate feedback and data from shipped products to inform future design iterations.

• Highlight your understanding of design system components and how you leverage them for efficiency and consistency, or how you would contribute to building one.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this mid-to-senior level role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and quantifiable impact. Case studies should clearly articulate the "why" behind design choices and how those choices drove business or user outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $100,000 - $150,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary, reviewed annually.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits package.

• Early-stage stock options, offering participation in the company's growth.

• Generous vacation policy: starting at 4 weeks per year, with a clear move towards an unlimited vacation plan.

• Flexibility to work remotely or from the Toronto office, supporting a hybrid work model.

• Dedicated learning and development fund to support professional growth and skill enhancement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Product Designer with 5-8+ years of experience in Toronto. The inclusion of early-stage stock options is a significant component for a high-growth startup, aligning employee success with company growth. The transition to an unlimited vacation plan is a progressive benefit.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (SaaS), Travel Tech, Border Services. Sherpa° operates in a rapidly evolving space, aiming to revolutionize how travelers navigate international border requirements, a critical but often complex aspect of global mobility.

Company Size: sherpa° is a high-growth tech startup. While specific numbers aren't provided, this implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individuals can have a significant impact and where processes are likely evolving.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but its "high-growth startup" status suggests it is likely a relatively young company that has achieved significant traction and is in a scaling phase.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is part of a larger cross-functional structure, working closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Customer Support.

• Designers are expected to collaborate directly with Product Managers to validate concepts and with engineers for implementation, indicating a flat and integrated team dynamic.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core component, highlighted by the requirement for A/B testing experience.

• Customer-centricity is paramount, with a focus on deeply understanding traveler needs and pain points.

• Agile and iterative design processes are implied, given the startup environment and the need to rapidly validate concepts and iterate on shipped products.

• Emphasis on comprehensive user journeys, considering both digital and potentially physical touchpoints.

Company Website: https://joinsherpa.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a high-growth startup in the travel tech sector, sherpa° likely fosters a culture of innovation, rapid iteration, and strong ownership. Candidates should be comfortable with ambiguity and eager to contribute to a mission-driven organization focused on a complex global problem.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level within the Product Design discipline. It requires a significant amount of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive projects from inception to completion with minimal oversight. Designers at this level are expected to mentor others, contribute to design strategy, and influence product roadmaps.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report into a design lead or Head of Product, working within a cross-functional product team. Direct collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering leads is a key aspect of the role.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the core user experience of millions of travelers worldwide. By simplifying complex processes like visa applications, the designer contributes significantly to sherpa°'s mission of enabling free and easy global travel. This role has a direct line of sight to customer satisfaction, user adoption, and ultimately, the company's success in the competitive travel tech market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Track: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer or Design Lead role, managing a small team or leading design initiatives for specific product areas.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like complex workflow design, internationalization/localization, or AI-driven design solutions.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deep experience working with product management and engineering, understanding the full product development lifecycle from a strategic perspective.

• Impactful Projects: Contribute to a product used by millions of travelers, offering a unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your design work on a global scale.

• Learning & Development: Utilize the dedicated learning and development fund for courses, conferences, or certifications relevant to product design and the travel tech industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Product Designer at a startup like sherpa° is often tied to the company's scaling. This role offers the chance to build out design processes, contribute to a growing design system, and potentially take on more strategic responsibilities as the company matures.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. Employees have the flexibility to work from home or utilize the company's Toronto office. This suggests a modern approach to workplace flexibility, balancing remote autonomy with in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific office address details are not provided but are implied to be accessible for those choosing to work on-site.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely collaborative, with opportunities for designers to engage with product managers and engineers in person or virtually.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology (e.g., Figma, prototyping software) is expected.

• The culture encourages direct interaction with customer support to gain real-time user insights, fostering a feedback-rich environment.

• As a startup, the workspace may be dynamic and adaptable, fostering a sense of shared ownership and innovation.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with an emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance. This allows designers to manage their schedules effectively, particularly when working on complex design tasks that may require focused, uninterrupted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote autonomy and in-office collaboration, and be prepared to articulate how they thrive in such a setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of resumes and portfolios against stated requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where candidates present 1-2 key case studies from their portfolio, discussing their process, contributions, and impact. This is a critical stage.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Deeper dive into experience, problem-solving skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit with the product and design teams.

• Design Challenge (Potential): Candidates may be given a small design exercise or a take-home assignment to assess their approach to a specific problem or their proficiency with design tools.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with stakeholders from Product Management and/or Engineering to assess collaboration and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CEO) to discuss vision, strategic alignment, and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable impact.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction scores). If exact metrics aren't available, articulate the qualitative impact and potential business value.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. Include wireframes, user flows, mockups, and prototypes to illustrate your design thinking and execution.

• Highlight Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions. Discuss trade-offs, research findings, and how you iterated based on feedback or data.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with complex workflows, user-centric design for a global audience, and collaboration within a cross-functional team. Mention your experience with Figma and A/B testing prominently.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, ensure you thoroughly understand the brief.

• Allocate your time wisely, focusing on problem definition, ideation, and a clear presentation of your solution.

• Be prepared to articulate your assumptions, design rationale, and potential next steps.

• Practice presenting your work concisely and engagingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely the most crucial step. Candidates should prepare thoroughly to articulate their design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of their work with specific examples. The emphasis on "customer-centric design thinking" and "visualizing both digital and physical touchpoint solutions" should be evident in the chosen case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design and prototyping tool for crafting user interfaces, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes. Proficiency is a must.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, familiarity with other tools for advanced prototyping (including AI-assisted methods) may be beneficial.

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

• Design Systems Management: Tools or processes for managing and contributing to design systems (e.g., Zeplin, Storybook, or internal Figma libraries).

Analytics & Reporting:

• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with platforms for setting up, running, and analyzing A/B tests (e.g., Optimizely, VWO, Google Optimize).

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web analytics tools to understand user behavior and track key metrics (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how CRM data or user feedback loops (often managed via CRM or support ticketing systems) inform design decisions is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is explicitly stated and is non-negotiable. Experience with A/B testing tools is also a key requirement, indicating a data-informed design approach. Familiarity with user research and analytics platforms will be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving traveler problems, ensuring every design decision prioritizes user needs and enhances their journey.

• Ownership & Drive: Taking initiative, driving projects forward independently, and demonstrating accountability for delivering high-quality, impactful user experiences.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in cross-functional teams, fostering open communication, and valuing diverse perspectives to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation & Growth: Embracing new ideas, exploring novel solutions (including AI), and committing to continuous learning and personal development.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in design execution, ensuring usability, accessibility, and a polished end-product.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with Product Managers to define requirements and validate concepts, and with Engineers to ensure feasibility and accurate implementation.

• Open to feedback and iterative design processes, valuing constructive critique from team members and stakeholders.

• Emphasis on clear, compelling communication to articulate design rationale and influence decision-making across different disciplines.

• Likely embraces agile methodologies, fostering quick feedback loops and rapid iteration cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of startup energy (ownership, innovation, growth) and a strong focus on user experience and data-driven validation. Candidates who can demonstrate these values in their work and communication style will be a strong fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Simplifying the often-intricate and regulated process of visa applications for a global audience, requiring deep empathy and meticulous design.

• Balancing Ambiguity with Structure: Working in a startup environment means dealing with evolving requirements and ambiguous problems, requiring strong problem-solving skills to create clarity and actionable design solutions.

• Global Scale & Localization: Designing for millions of users across 193 countries presents unique challenges related to cultural nuances, language, and varying technical capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and alignment on design vision and execution across product, engineering, and business stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Travel Tech: Gain specialized knowledge in a niche but critical sector of the technology industry.

• Advanced Design Methodologies: Opportunity to refine skills in user research, A/B testing, and potentially explore AI-assisted design.

• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute to shaping the product roadmap and design strategy of a rapidly growing company.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by experienced product leaders or to mentor junior designers as the team grows.

• Industry Exposure: Attend relevant industry events or pursue certifications funded by the learning and development budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but are directly tied to the growth opportunities. A candidate who thrives on solving complex, real-world problems at scale will find this role particularly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex, regulated process. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving, research, and user-centric approach.)

• "Walk us through a case study from your portfolio that best showcases end-to-end product design ownership. What was the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the impact?" (Be prepared to deep-dive into your decision-making and results.)

• "How do you approach balancing user needs with business goals and technical constraints, especially in a fast-paced startup environment?" (Highlight your ability to make trade-offs and find pragmatic solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in sherpa° and our mission to simplify travel?" (Research the company, understand their market, and articulate your alignment with their goals.)

• "How do you integrate feedback from engineers, product managers, and customer support into your design process?" (Demonstrate your collaborative and iterative approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Have a clear beginning, middle, and end for each case study.

• Visuals: Ensure your visuals are clean, relevant, and effectively communicate your design thinking. Use annotated mockups or flow diagrams where appropriate.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs. If exact numbers aren't available, discuss the qualitative impact and potential business value.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and alternative solutions considered.

• Highlight Collaboration: Briefly mention how you worked with others, but keep the primary focus on your design contributions and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design work but also articulate their thought process, problem-solving strategies, and their ability to collaborate effectively within a product team. The emphasis on "customer-centric design thinking" and "visualizing both digital and physical touchpoint solutions" should be a recurring theme in their responses and portfolio examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly highlights 2-3 impactful case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end product design experience, focusing on user-centricity, problem-solving, and measurable outcomes. Tailor your presentation to showcase relevant skills like Figma proficiency, A/B testing, and complex workflow design.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords from the job description, such as "Product Design," "User Experience," "Figma," "A/B Testing," "User Research," and "Prototyping." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with complex challenges and your approach to collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research sherpa°, its mission, its product, and its place in the travel tech industry. Understand their focus on simplifying travel and border crossings.

⚠️ 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.