Senior Brand + Web Designer - Montreal, Canada
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Brand + Web Designer Company: Human Agency Location: Montreal, Canada Job Type: Independent Contractor Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations Date Posted: December 26, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Senior) Remote Status: Fully Remote (Montreal-based candidates preferred)
🚀 Role Summary
- Lead the strategic development and execution of brand storytelling and visual identity for diverse clients.
- Design end-to-end responsive website experiences, focusing on user experience, accessibility, and performance.
- Create compelling marketing and campaign creative assets across various digital and print mediums.
- Collaborate closely with leadership, product, engineering, and client-facing teams to deliver impactful design solutions.
- Leverage AI tools to enhance design workflows and create innovative, human-centered digital experiences.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is described as an Independent Contractor, which implies a focus on project-based delivery and a high degree of autonomy. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking agency that embraces new technologies in its creative process. The preference for Montreal-based candidates indicates a potential need for timezone alignment and collaborative synergy within the local market, even in a remote setting.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
- Brand & Visual Identity Development:
- Spearhead brand storytelling initiatives, translating client missions into compelling visual identities from concept to deployment.
- Develop and systematize core brand elements, including logos, typography, color palettes, visual language, and comprehensive style guides.
- Ensure brand strategy is effectively translated into cohesive and scalable design systems applicable across web, print, social media, and campaign materials.
- Maintain and evolve existing design systems and documentation to guarantee consistency and brand integrity across all client touchpoints.
- Website Design & Digital Experiences:
- Design end-to-end website experiences, including marketing sites, microsites, and landing pages, with a strong emphasis on user experience (UX), responsive user interface (UI), web performance, and accessibility standards.
- Create detailed wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity interfaces, facilitating effective testing and seamless developer handoff.
- Partner with engineering teams to conduct visual quality assurance (QA) during the implementation phase, ensuring design integrity through to launch.
- Marketing & Campaign Creative:
- Design and deliver a wide range of creative assets for marketing campaigns, including social media content, email newsletters, presentations, print collateral, and other campaign materials.
- Support content creation efforts by contributing to visual elements, storyboards, and blog imagery.
- Design AI-enabled marketing content and experiences, including the editing and elevation of AI-assisted copy to ensure alignment with brand voice and strategic objectives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management:
- Collaborate effectively with leadership, product managers, engineering teams, and client-facing account managers to define project objectives and deliver innovative creative solutions.
- Scope creative projects, providing clear direction and support for execution by both full-time employees and freelance team members.
- Synthesize research findings and user insights into clear, client-facing presentations that offer actionable recommendations and strategic guidance.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic brand work and hands-on execution, common in senior design roles within agencies. The explicit mention of AI-enabled content and AI tools suggests a need for designers comfortable with emerging technologies and capable of integrating them into their workflow. The emphasis on client presentations and stakeholder management points to a role requiring strong communication and strategic thinking.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Web Design, or a related field is highly valued. An equivalent combination of education and professional experience will also be considered.
Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of professional design experience, with a proven track record in brand identity development, website design, and marketing creative across a diverse range of projects. Agency or startup experience is highly preferred.
Required Skills:
- Brand & Visual Identity: Demonstrated expertise in developing and systematizing brand elements, logos, typography, color systems, and comprehensive style guides.
- Web Design & UX/UI: Proficient in designing end-to-end website experiences, including wireframing, user flows, responsive UI design, and an understanding of UX principles, web performance, and accessibility standards.
- Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma (including FigJam and Slides) and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Design Systems Management: Proven ability to create, manage, and evolve robust design systems and brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all platforms.
- Visual Communication: Exceptional visual design sensibility with meticulous attention to typography, color theory, composition, and overall detail.
- Collaboration & Communication: Confident and clear communicator, adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and clients. Ability to present ideas and synthesize feedback effectively.
- Agile & Fast-Paced Environment: Proven ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and deliver high-quality output under tight deadlines.
- AI Tool Familiarity: Curiosity and basic familiarity with Generative AI (GenAI) tools and their application within design workflows.
Preferred Skills:
- Webflow Proficiency: Basic familiarity with Webflow for prototyping or content management.
- Web Technologies: Foundational knowledge of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to facilitate effective collaboration with engineering teams.
- SEO & Web Optimization: Understanding of basic SEO principles, web optimization techniques, and accessibility standards.
- Video Production Support: Experience with supporting video production, including storyboarding, motion graphics, or creating lower thirds.
- Mentorship & Process Development: Experience in mentoring junior designers or establishing and refining team design processes.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for expert-level Figma proficiency is a strong indicator of the agency's primary design tool. The "Bonus" section points towards desirable skills that would make a candidate stand out, particularly AI tool integration and mentorship capabilities, reflecting the agency's growth and evolving service offerings.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A comprehensive online portfolio is mandatory, showcasing excellence in:
- Brand Identity Development: Examples of logo design, visual language creation, and brand guideline documentation.
- Website Design: End-to-end website projects, including case studies detailing the design process, UI/UX considerations, and responsive implementations.
- Marketing & Campaign Creative: A range of assets such as social media campaigns, email designs, presentation decks, and other collateral.
- The portfolio should demonstrate a clear understanding of how design choices impact client objectives, brand perception, and user engagement.
- Evidence of creating, managing, and evolving design systems should be clearly presented.
Process Documentation:
- Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:
- Discovery & Strategy: How they approach understanding client needs, conducting research, and translating objectives into design strategies.
- Design & Iteration: Their methods for ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and iterating based on feedback.
- System Implementation: How they ensure consistency and scalability through design systems and style guides.
- Collaboration & Handoff: Their process for working with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders, including asset organization and developer handoff.
- AI Integration: Examples of how they have or would incorporate AI tools into their design workflow for efficiency or enhanced creativity.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior design role, the portfolio is paramount. It must not only showcase aesthetic quality but also strategic thinking, process rigor, and the ability to deliver measurable results. The emphasis on design systems and AI integration suggests these are key evaluation criteria.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: As an Independent Contractor, compensation will be negotiated based on experience, skill set, and project scope. For a Senior Brand + Web Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Montreal, Canada, typical contract rates can range from CAD $50 - $80+ per hour, translating to an annual equivalent of approximately CAD $100,000 - $160,000+.
Benefits: As an Independent Contractor, standard employee benefits are not typically provided. However, the role offers:
- Competitive Pay: Reflecting senior-level expertise and market demand.
- Performance-Based Bonuses: Potential for additional compensation tied to project success and client satisfaction.
- Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully remote position, offering significant autonomy and work-life balance.
- Diverse Project Exposure: Opportunity to work on a variety of client projects across different industries, fostering continuous learning and skill development.
- Autonomy and Ownership: The freedom to lead projects and make significant design decisions.
Working Hours: This is typically a full-time engagement, estimated at 40 hours per week. While the role is remote, adherence to project timelines and client availability (potentially within Montreal's timezone, EDT/EST) will be expected. Flexibility in daily scheduling is likely, provided project deliverables are met on time and collaborative meetings can be attended.
📝 Enhancement Note: Research for Montreal, Canada (as of late 2025) indicates a strong demand for senior creative talent. The estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for contract designers in major Canadian tech and creative hubs, considering the "Senior" title and the required skill set. The "Independent Contractor" status means benefits are generally not included, but compensation is often higher hourly to offset this.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: The company operates within the Consulting industry, with a strong focus on Technology, AI Strategy, Creative & Media, and Art & Design. Human Agency partners with organizations to explore, design, and implement AI strategies, blending technical expertise with creative problem-solving.
Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description mentions "scaling rapidly" and a "growing pipeline of opportunities," suggesting a dynamic, growing company that likely ranges from 50-200 employees. This size offers a balance between structured processes and the agility of a startup environment.
Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's emphasis on "next chapter of growth" and its focus on AI suggest it is a relatively modern or has undergone significant strategic evolution to embrace current technological trends.
Team Structure:
- Operations: The operations team likely supports the core service delivery, focusing on project management, client onboarding, and internal process optimization.
- Creative & Design: This team is central to the agency's offerings, comprising specialists in brand, web design, UX/UI, and potentially motion graphics or content creation. The Senior Brand + Web Designer will be a key contributor here.
- Strategy & Engineering: These teams likely focus on AI strategy development, technical implementation, and ensuring the scalability and security of client solutions.
- Client-Facing Teams: Account managers and project leads who interface directly with clients, ensuring alignment and successful project outcomes.
Methodology:
- Human-Centered AI: A core philosophy that prioritizes amplifying human potential through AI, ensuring solutions are ethical, scalable, and aligned with client missions and values.
- Doer Culture: Emphasis on execution, hands-on contribution, and a flat hierarchy where the best ideas win, regardless of title.
- Agile & Iterative: Fast-paced environment with quick learning cycles and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging data to inform strategy, design decisions, and measure impact.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Integrated teams working together to deliver comprehensive solutions.
Company Website: Human Agency (Presumed based on domain_derived) - humanagency.com
📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as being composed of "doers" who "roll up their sleeves" and value "the best ideas." This suggests a highly collaborative, execution-focused environment where individual initiative is rewarded. The explicit mention of AI strategy as a core offering positions Human Agency as a forward-thinking consultancy.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Senior, indicating a significant level of experience and autonomy. Senior designers are expected to lead projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute to strategic decision-making within their discipline. They are seen as subject matter experts capable of handling complex challenges and driving creative excellence.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand + Web Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Head of Design, or a Senior Project Manager. They will also work closely with leadership on strategic initiatives and client-facing teams for project execution. While an Independent Contractor, they will be integrated into project teams and expected to collaborate as a core member.
Operations Impact: The design output directly impacts client acquisition, brand perception, user engagement, and product adoption. By creating compelling visual identities and user-friendly digital experiences, this role contributes significantly to client success, revenue generation, and the overall reputation of Human Agency. The integration of AI in design also positions the agency at the forefront of innovation, attracting high-value clients.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven design, advanced UX/UI for complex platforms, or brand strategy for emerging technologies.
- Leadership Development: Transition into lead design roles, mentorship positions, or even creative direction, contributing to team growth and process refinement.
- Client Strategy: Develop a stronger understanding of client business objectives and contribute more significantly to strategic planning and client presentations.
- Industry Exposure: Gain experience with a diverse range of clients and industries, expanding professional network and portfolio breadth.
- Innovation & AI Integration: Become a go-to expert for integrating cutting-edge AI tools and methodologies into design workflows.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior contractor role, growth often comes through project variety, increased responsibility, and opportunities to influence strategy rather than traditional promotions. The emphasis on AI and forward-thinking design suggests ample avenues for professional development in emerging fields.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is Fully Remote, with a preference for candidates based in Montreal, Canada. This indicates a commitment to flexible work arrangements while potentially valuing timezone alignment for collaborative purposes.
Office Location(s): While the specific office locations are not detailed, the company is based in Montreal, Canada. The remote nature of this role means the physical office is less relevant for the incumbent, but it signifies the company's operational hub.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Digital Environment: Expect robust use of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Figma, Slack, project management software) to facilitate seamless teamwork across distances.
- Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially specialized AI design tools.
- Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, design critiques, and brainstorming sessions to foster connection and maintain a cohesive team dynamic. The "doer" culture implies active participation and contribution in these interactions.
Work Schedule: While the role is typically 40 hours per week, the remote and contract nature of the position suggests flexibility in daily scheduling. However, designers will need to be available for key meetings, client calls, and collaborative sessions, likely aligning with Montreal's business hours (EST/EDT). The focus will be on delivering high-quality work within agreed-upon timelines.
📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first approach, combined with a preference for local candidates, suggests a model that balances global talent acquisition with the benefits of localized team cohesion and timezone efficiency. A strong digital infrastructure and communication protocols are essential for this work environment.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A review of your resume and online portfolio to assess experience, skill alignment, and quality of work.
- Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, highlighting key projects, your design process, and how you've tackled challenges. Expect in-depth questions about your approach, decision-making, and understanding of brand strategy, UX, and AI integration.
- Skills & Collaboration Assessment: This may involve a practical design exercise or a case study discussion to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, design execution, and how you collaborate with others.
- Culture Fit & Final Discussion: A conversation to assess alignment with Human Agency's "doer" culture, values, and approach to work. This is also an opportunity for you to ask detailed questions about the role, team, and company.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your expertise in brand identity, web design, and marketing creative, aligning with the job description's requirements. Ensure a strong emphasis on client impact and problem-solving.
- Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, your design process, the specific solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes or results.
- Highlight Systems & AI: Explicitly demonstrate your experience with design systems and any use of AI tools in your workflow. Explain the benefits and challenges encountered.
- Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work across different mediums and industries, showcasing your adaptability.
- Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Be prepared to present key case studies verbally.
Challenge Preparation:
- Design Exercise: If a design exercise is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly, outlining your approach, prioritizing tasks, and delivering a concise, well-reasoned solution within the given timeframe.
- Case Study Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss your portfolio case studies in detail, explaining your rationale behind design choices, trade-offs made, and how you'd iterate or improve upon past work.
- AI Integration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach using AI tools for specific tasks (e.g., generating initial concepts, optimizing copy, creating variations) and how you would maintain quality control and brand integrity.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio demonstration and practical application of design skills, especially those related to brand strategy and digital experience. The inclusion of AI in the discussion points suggests interviewers will probe candidates' innovative thinking.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Expert proficiency required.
- Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic design, image manipulation, and layout.
- FigJam: For brainstorming, ideation, and collaborative whiteboarding sessions.
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not a primary design tool, understanding how to interpret analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) to inform design decisions and measure website performance is beneficial.
- Familiarity with data visualization tools may be a plus for understanding client reporting.
CRM & Automation:
- No direct CRM or automation tool proficiency is explicitly required for this design role, but understanding how websites and digital assets integrate with marketing automation platforms and CRMs can be advantageous for campaign design.
Web Technologies:
- Webflow: Basic familiarity is preferred for website implementation and prototyping.
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript: Foundational knowledge is beneficial for effective collaboration with developers and understanding web constraints.
AI & Emerging Tools:
- Generative AI Tools: Curiosity and experience with tools like Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, ChatGPT (for copy assistance), or similar AI-powered design assistants are highly desirable and becoming increasingly important.
📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite as core tools, alongside a growing interest in AI tools, indicates the agency's commitment to modern design workflows and innovation. Familiarity with Webflow and basic web technologies is a practical requirement for effective collaboration in a digital design context.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Purpose-Driven Work: A commitment to doing meaningful work that creates positive impact for clients and society.
- Human-Centered Approach: Prioritizing human potential and well-being in all design and AI solutions.
- Excellence & Craft: A dedication to high-quality output, meticulous attention to detail, and continuous improvement of design craft.
- Collaboration & Transparency: A "doer" culture that values open communication, constructive feedback, and shared responsibility.
- Adventure & Love: Embracing challenges with enthusiasm and fostering a positive, supportive team environment.
- Innovation & Adaptability: Proactively exploring new technologies (like AI) and adapting to evolving industry trends.
Collaboration Style:
- Flat Hierarchy & Direct Communication: Teams work collaboratively, with ideas valued regardless of seniority. Direct and constructive feedback is encouraged.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with strategists, engineers, and project managers, fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving.
- Shared Ownership: A collective responsibility for project success, encouraging proactive contribution and problem-solving from all team members.
- Learning & Growth Mindset: A culture that supports continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and experimenting with new approaches.
📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of professional rigor ("excellence," "craft," "data-driven") with a strong humanistic and adventurous spirit. This suggests an environment that is both demanding and rewarding, fostering personal and professional growth.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Speed & Quality: Delivering high-quality design work under tight agency timelines requires exceptional time management and prioritization skills.
- Client Management & Expectations: Effectively translating diverse client needs and feedback into cohesive design solutions, managing expectations, and advocating for design best practices.
- Integrating AI Responsibly: Navigating the ethical considerations and practical implementation of AI tools in design to enhance, not detract from, human creativity and brand integrity.
- Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in design tools, AI, and web technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
- Diverse Project Scopes: Adapting design approaches and style to a wide array of client industries and project requirements.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- AI in Design Specialization: Opportunities to become a leader in integrating AI tools and methodologies into design workflows, potentially leading to specialized training or workshops.
- Advanced UX/UI & Brand Strategy: Deepen expertise in complex user experience design, intricate brand system development, and strategic brand positioning.
- Client Strategy Contribution: Develop stronger strategic thinking skills by participating more actively in client strategy sessions and proposal development.
- Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers, enhancing leadership and communication skills.
- Industry Exposure: Working with a broad client base provides continuous learning about different markets and business challenges.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a senior agency role, emphasizing the need for strong problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The growth opportunities are geared towards specialization in emerging areas like AI and advanced design strategy, aligning with the company's forward-looking positioning.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you led the development of a brand identity from concept to launch. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.)
- "How do you approach designing responsive websites for optimal user experience and accessibility? Walk us through a relevant project." (Highlight UX/UI principles, technical considerations, and user-centric design.)
- "How would you integrate AI tools into a project to design marketing campaign assets more efficiently, while maintaining brand integrity?" (Demonstrate understanding of AI capabilities and responsible application.)
- "Describe your experience with creating and managing design systems. What are the critical components, and how do you ensure adoption?" (Showcase systematic thinking and attention to detail.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What aspects of Human Agency's mission and 'doer' culture appeal to you most?" (Research the company's website and values thoroughly.)
- "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially in a fast-paced environment?" (Emphasize adaptability, learning, and collaboration.)
- "How do you ensure your work aligns with a client's business objectives and not just aesthetic preferences?" (Showcase strategic alignment and client-focus.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the results. Use concise language and compelling visuals.
- Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user engagement, successful brand adoption).
- Showcase Your Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions, demonstrating your strategic thinking and understanding of design principles.
- Highlight AI Integration: Be ready to discuss any use of AI tools, explaining the benefits and how you ensured quality and brand consistency.
- Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma, Adobe Suite, and your understanding of web technologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and an understanding of how design drives business outcomes. Specific preparation for discussing AI integration is crucial.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Brand + Web Designer position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
- Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in brand identity, web design, marketing creative, and any relevant AI tool usage. Use keywords from the job description.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work relevant to the role, and includes detailed case studies detailing your process and impact. Be ready to present specific projects.
- Research Human Agency: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, client work, and overall approach to AI and design. Understand their "doer" culture.
- Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and showcasing your strategic thinking.
⚠️ 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 should have professional design experience with a strong portfolio showcasing brand identity and web design. Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, along with an understanding of UX principles and web technologies, is essential.