Product Designer II

HW Management Inc
Full-timeβ€’Toronto, Canada

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer II

Company: HW Management Inc (Zonda)

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada (Remote)

Job Type: Salary Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: May 02, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (Canada-based)

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Drive the end-to-end product design lifecycle for Zonda's diverse digital platforms, encompassing consumer-facing real estate intelligence and enterprise-grade data analytics/mapping software.

  • Champion a user-centric design approach, translating complex business needs and user challenges into intuitive and effective user interfaces and experiences.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering teams to contribute to design strategy, product roadmaps, and the evolution of Zonda's design systems.

  • Leverage creative techniques, including AI tools for ideation, and design thinking methodologies to foster innovation and solve user problems.

  • Deliver high-fidelity, developer-ready design files in Figma, ensuring adherence to accessibility standards, responsive design principles, and established design system components.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Product Designer II," the description emphasizes a broad scope of UX/UI responsibilities, including discovery, framing, and delivery. The "II" designation, combined with the 3+ years of experience requirement, suggests a mid-level individual contributor role with significant ownership and impact. The remote nature within Canada implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead design discovery workshops, concept ideation sessions, and user research initiatives to deeply understand user needs and business objectives across Zonda's product suite.

  • Translate identified user problems and business requirements into actionable design artifacts, including wireframes, user flows, sitemaps, and low-fidelity concept sketches.

  • Own the creation of high-fidelity, pixel-perfect UI designs and interactive prototypes in Figma, ensuring seamless integration with existing design systems and components.

  • Actively participate in agile/lean development sprints, collaborating with engineers to ensure accurate implementation of designs and providing necessary design specifications.

  • Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of Zonda's design system, creating new components and guidelines as needed to ensure consistency and scalability.

  • Facilitate design review sessions with cross-functional stakeholders (Product Managers, Engineers, Business Leaders), effectively articulating design rationale and incorporating feedback.

  • Advocate for accessibility best practices and responsive design principles throughout the design process, ensuring Zonda's products are usable by all.

  • Utilize JIRA and Confluence for task management, progress tracking, and documentation, fostering transparency within the design and development workflows.

  • Partner with Product Managers to establish a strong feedback loop, aligning user value with critical business outcomes and product strategy.

  • Proactively identify opportunities for design iteration and improvement to enhance product usability, visual appeal, and overall user experience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic contribution (design strategy, systems) and tactical execution (Figma delivery, prototyping). The emphasis on "Design Operations" using JIRA and Confluence indicates a need for process mindfulness and documentation within the design workflow.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • A Bachelor's degree (B.A., B.Sc., B.Des) in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in Product Design, focusing on software and web applications.

Required Skills:

  • Portfolio: A strong, compelling portfolio showcasing a range of design execution, user-centric problem-solving, and developer-ready production files.

  • Figma Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma, including advanced use of design system components, auto-layout features, and creating interactive prototypes.

  • UI/UX Design: Deep understanding of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) principles, with a proven ability to design intuitive and engaging digital products.

  • Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to established brand and design systems, ensuring visual and functional consistency.

  • Wireframing & Prototyping: Proficiency in creating detailed wireframes, user flows, sitemaps, and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts.

  • Accessibility & Responsive Design: Solid understanding and practical application of WCAG accessibility standards and responsive design best practices.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale, present to diverse audiences, and collaborate effectively across teams.

  • Problem Framing: Ability to transform business challenges and user needs into well-defined design problems and solutions.

  • Agile/Lean Methodologies: Familiarity and comfort working within iterative development cycles.

  • Tools: Proficiency in Figma, JIRA, and Microsoft 365 (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with data analytics platforms or mapping software.

  • Familiarity with AI tools for rapid ideation.

  • Experience in facilitating design thinking workshops.

  • Understanding of user research methodologies beyond basic feedback collection.

  • Knowledge of Confluence for documentation and knowledge sharing.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating design execution, user-centricity, and developer-ready production files" is critical. Candidates should prepare to showcase not just visually appealing designs but also the process, problem-solving, and technical considerations behind them.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing the entire design process from problem identification through to final UI delivery.

  • Clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design challenges, your design decisions (with rationale), and the final solution.

  • Include examples of wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity mockups, highlighting the evolution of the design.

  • Demonstrate the creation and utilization of design system components and adherence to established guidelines.

  • Provide examples of developer-ready files or documentation that would facilitate smooth handoff to engineering.

Process Documentation:

  • Evidence of working within structured design processes, such as design thinking, agile sprints, or iterative design cycles.

  • Examples of how you have used tools like JIRA and Confluence to manage design tasks, track progress, and communicate with stakeholders.

  • Documentation or examples of how you have contributed to or leveraged design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency.

  • Demonstrations of how you translate user feedback and research into design iterations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. It needs to demonstrate not just design skill but also process, collaboration, and the ability to deliver production-ready assets. Focus on showing the "why" behind design decisions.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • The advertised salary is $100,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

  • Health & Wellness:

    • 100% Zonda-paid Health Benefit package.
    • 100% company-paid Life Insurance coverage.
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental and emotional support.
    • Live meditation sessions and a Virtual Wellness Program to support employee well-being.
  • Time Off & Flexibility:

    • Paid vacation time.
    • Paid general holidays.
    • Paid Volunteer Day to support community involvement.
    • 100% Hybrid work model, offering flexibility.
  • Professional Development & Recognition:

    • Opportunities for career growth and meaningful work.
    • Employee recognition platform to celebrate achievements.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

  • The "100% Hybrid" mention, while typically referring to a mix of remote and in-office work, in this context, is likely reinforcing the company's commitment to flexible work arrangements, supporting the fully remote nature of the role.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated, which is helpful. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on wellness and flexibility, reflecting a modern tech company culture. The "100% Hybrid" statement is a bit of an outlier for a "Canada Remote" role and might be a legacy statement or an indication of flexibility for occasional team meetups if feasible, though the primary arrangement is remote.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Technology / Real Estate Intelligence. Zonda operates at the intersection of data, technology, and the real estate sector, providing crucial intelligence for industry professionals. This includes platforms like NewHomeSource.com.

Company Size: The LinkedIn data is not provided, but the ADP posting implies a company of sufficient size to have a structured Design organization and offer a comprehensive benefits package.

Founded: Company founding date is not provided.

Team Structure:

  • Central Design Organization: The Product Designer II will join a core Design team that collaborates with Product Management and Engineering. This suggests a hub-and-spoke model where design expertise is centralized but embedded within product teams.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong partnerships with Product Managers and Engineers are emphasized, indicating a collaborative workflow where design is integrated early and often.

  • Global Team: The mention of "teammates from around the world" suggests a geographically diverse design team, fostering a broad perspective.

Methodology:

  • User-Centricity: A core tenet, driving design decisions based on user needs and challenges.

  • Data-Driven Insights: Implicit in Zonda's business as a real estate intelligence provider, suggesting design decisions are informed by data where possible.

  • Agile/Lean Development: Work is conducted within sprints, requiring adaptability and iterative design approaches.

  • Design Systems: Emphasis on leveraging and contributing to design systems for consistency and efficiency.

  • AI for Ideation: Actively incorporating AI tools into the early stages of the design process.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=87b761b2-fd2c-46a5-8297-bc335bcb502f&jobId=595498 (Note: This is the ADP job portal link, not a direct company website.)

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Zonda's positioning as a "leading provider of real estate intelligence" and its mission to "redefine the future of housing" suggests a company focused on innovation and leveraging technology to solve industry challenges. The inclusion of NewHomeSource.com indicates a significant consumer-facing digital presence, alongside enterprise solutions.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Product Designer II" role, typically considered a mid-level individual contributor. It implies a need for hands-on design skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to work independently with some guidance. The role is expected to contribute significantly to product development and design strategy.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report into a Design Lead or Head of Design within the central Design organization. Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within specific product teams.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer II will directly influence the user experience of Zonda's digital products, impacting user adoption, engagement, and satisfaction. By creating intuitive interfaces for both consumers and enterprise users, the designer contributes to Zonda's mission of providing smarter solutions and shaping the future of housing. This directly supports business goals by enhancing product value and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, such as complex data visualization, enterprise software design, or consumer-facing platform design.

  • Design Systems Growth: Potential to become a key contributor or even owner of Zonda's design system, influencing its evolution and adoption.

  • Leadership Track: With demonstrated success and growth, potential to move into Senior Product Designer roles, leading larger initiatives or mentoring junior designers.

  • Cross-functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead design initiatives and influence product strategy by building strong relationships with Product and Engineering.

  • Industry Exposure: Gaining deep knowledge of the real estate technology sector and its unique design challenges.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "II" designation and the 3+ years of experience suggest this role is a stepping stone for designers looking to take on more complex projects and gain ownership. The emphasis on contributing to design strategy and systems points towards opportunities for broader impact beyond individual feature design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as "Canada Remote" and also mentions "100% Hybrid – and always will be!". This suggests a commitment to remote work as the primary mode of operation, with "hybrid" potentially referring to the company's overall philosophy or flexibility for optional in-person collaboration if local teams exist, though the primary expectation is remote work within Canada.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote within Canada, the company is headquartered in Toronto, ON, CA. This may indicate a focus for potential team gatherings or a primary talent pool.

Workspace Context:

  • Remote Collaboration: Expect to work primarily through digital collaboration tools, relying heavily on video conferencing, Slack/Teams, and shared design platforms.

  • Design Tools: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, JIRA, and Confluence is essential for seamless workflow and team integration.

  • Cross-functional Interaction: Regular engagement with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other stakeholders across different time zones will be a key aspect of the daily work.

Work Schedule:

  • Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected.

  • The remote nature and "100% Hybrid" philosophy indicate a degree of flexibility in how and when work is done, provided deadlines and collaboration needs are met. Adherence to core team hours for synchronous communication will be necessary.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "100% Hybrid" statement for a remote role is slightly contradictory but likely emphasizes a flexible, remote-first approach. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding any potential in-person meetups, although the core function is remote.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on resumes and portfolios.

  • Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Expect a deep dive into your portfolio. This will likely involve presenting 1-2 case studies, discussing your design process, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Questions will assess your proficiency in Figma, design systems, accessibility, and collaboration.

  • Cross-functional Interviews: You may meet with Product Managers and Engineers to assess your collaboration style, understanding of technical constraints, and ability to align design with business objectives.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your solutions, and the outcomes.

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visuals – wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, prototypes. Explain why you made certain design choices.

  • Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction). If direct metrics aren't available, articulate the intended business value.

  • Developer-Ready Assets: Highlight your ability to deliver production-ready files. Show examples of organized layers, clear annotations, and how you prepare for handoff.

  • Design System Contribution: If you have experience building or contributing to design systems, showcase this. Explain how you ensured consistency and scalability.

  • Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a given timeframe (often 30-45 minutes for a presentation). Select your strongest, most relevant projects.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Exercise: You might be given a small design challenge to complete within a set timeframe (e.g., a few hours or a day) or be asked to critique an existing product and propose improvements.

  • Focus on Process: For any challenge, emphasize your thought process, how you approach problem-solving, and how you iterate based on constraints or feedback.

  • Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should select projects that best demonstrate their ability to handle both consumer and enterprise/data-driven products, as Zonda has both. Highlighting collaboration with engineers and product managers is key.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: This is the core design tool. Proficiency is non-negotiable. Expect to utilize its full capabilities, including auto-layout, components, variants, prototyping, and collaboration features.

  • JIRA: Essential for agile project management, tracking design tasks, user stories, and sprint progress.

  • Confluence: Used for documentation, knowledge sharing, design system guidelines, and project specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant to the Product Designer role, but understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus for understanding business context.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis is strongly on Figma for design execution and JIRA/Confluence for workflow management. Candidates should be adept at using these tools efficiently.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A fundamental value, driving all design decisions to best serve the user.

  • Data-Driven Innovation: Leveraging real estate intelligence and data to inform design and product strategy.

  • Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with Engineering, Product Management, and other stakeholders.

  • Creativity & Ideation: Encouraging innovative thinking, including the use of AI tools for rapid concept generation.

  • Quality & Craftsmanship: Delivering high-fidelity, developer-ready designs that are intuitive, accessible, and visually consistent.

  • Continuous Improvement: A commitment to iterating on designs and processes to enhance usability and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

  • Partnership-Focused: Designers work closely with Product Managers to align user needs with business goals and with Engineers for seamless implementation.

  • Transparent Communication: Utilizing tools like JIRA and Confluence for clear task management and documentation, and engaging in regular design reviews.

  • Global Team Integration: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.

  • Feedback-Rich Environment: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to drive design excellence.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Zonda's culture appears to be a blend of innovation (AI, redefining housing), data-driven decision-making, and strong cross-functional teamwork within a remote-first environment.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Consumer & Enterprise Needs: Designing for diverse user groups (home buyers vs. real estate professionals/analysts) with potentially different needs, technical proficiencies, and use cases.

  • Complex Data Visualization: Designing effective interfaces for data analytics and mapping software can be complex, requiring clear information hierarchy and intuitive interactions.

  • Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining strong communication, alignment, and team cohesion in a fully remote setting across different time zones.

  • Evolving Design System: Contributing to and managing a design system that serves multiple product lines requires careful planning and adherence to standards.

  • Rapid Ideation with AI: Effectively integrating AI tools into the design workflow while maintaining creative control and ensuring quality output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced UX/UI Skills: Deepen expertise in areas like complex data visualization, information architecture for large datasets, and user research methodologies.

  • Design System Mastery: Become a key contributor or lead in evolving Zonda's design system, gaining valuable experience in design governance.

  • Industry Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of the real estate technology landscape and its unique challenges and opportunities.

  • Cross-functional Influence: Enhance skills in stakeholder management and product strategy through close collaboration with Product and Engineering leadership.

  • Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and potentially mentor junior team members as the role progresses.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to Zonda's business model (data, real estate) and the nature of remote work. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with a mid-level designer looking to advance their career and impact.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to balance competing stakeholder requirements in a design project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and design rationale.)

  • "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Walk us through your process." (Highlight your understanding of WCAG and practical application.)

  • "Explain your approach to problem-framing when faced with a vague or complex user need." (Demonstrate your ability to define problems before jumping to solutions.)

  • "How do you collaborate with engineers during the design and development process? Give an example." (Showcase your understanding of handoff, iteration, and partnership.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Zonda and the real estate technology industry?" (Research Zonda's mission, products like NewHomeSource.com, and industry trends.)

  • "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture, especially in a remote environment?" (Discuss your communication style, proactive engagement, and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Select Relevant Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver high-fidelity, developer-ready work.

Prioritize projects that reflect complex problem-solving, data visualization, or consumer-facing applications if possible.

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate:

    • The Problem: What was the user/business challenge?
    • Your Role: What were your specific responsibilities?
    • The Process: How did you approach the problem (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing)?
    • The Solution: Present your final designs with clear rationale for key decisions.
    • The Outcome/Impact: What were the results? (Quantify if possible, or discuss intended impact.)
  • Highlight Figma Expertise: Demonstrate your proficiency with Figma, including design systems, auto-layout, and prototyping features.

  • Emphasize Collaboration: Talk about how you worked with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders.

  • Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process will be heavily portfolio-driven. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design decisions with a strong emphasis on user-centricity, business impact, and technical feasibility. Practicing presentation of case studies is crucial.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer II position:

  • Navigate to the application link provided on the ADP recruitment portal.

  • Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Figma, design systems, agile methodologies, and product design across software and web applications. Emphasize your 3+ years of experience and any relevant educational background.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver production-ready files. Ensure it’s easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or dedicated portfolio platform).

  • Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, design rationale, and quantifiable impact where possible. Be ready to discuss your process and Figma proficiency.

  • Research Zonda: Familiarize yourself with Zonda's mission, its role in real estate intelligence, and its key platforms like NewHomeSource.com. Understand the company's focus on data, innovation, and technology.

  • Submit Application: Complete the online application form, ensuring all required fields are filled accurately and attach your resume and a link to your portfolio.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least 3 years of product design experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating user-centric execution. Proficiency in Figma and a solid understanding of accessibility and responsive design standards are required.