Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Axonify

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada / Waterloo, Ontario, Canada / Remote (Canada)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: January 13, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with remote option for candidates in Canada)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered design initiatives for Axonify's frontline operations platform, translating complex business needs into intuitive and effective user experiences.

• Conduct and synthesize UX research, including user interviews and usability testing, to deeply understand frontline worker challenges and inform product strategy.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering teams throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and wireframing to prototyping and final launch.

• Champion a product and design-first culture across the organization, advocating for user needs and promoting best practices in design thinking and execution.

• Develop and refine design systems, workflows, and processes to enhance team efficiency, improve user experiences, and ensure design excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer within a company focused on "frontline operations." This implies a need for a designer who can not only create beautiful and functional interfaces but also deeply understand and empathize with the unique challenges and workflows of frontline workers. The emphasis on "product and design first culture" suggests a need for a proactive individual who can influence stakeholders and advocate for design principles beyond just their immediate team. The mention of "AI at Axonify" also indicates a requirement for adaptability and an understanding of how to incorporate AI ethically and effectively into user experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Research & Insights:

  • Design and execute comprehensive UX research plans to uncover user needs, behaviors, pain points, and motivations within the frontline operations context.
  • Analyze and synthesize research findings, translating them into actionable insights and product implications for cross-functional teams.
  • Craft user journey maps, workflow diagrams, personas, and other UX artifacts to clearly articulate research findings and align stakeholders.
  • Continuously monitor evolving market trends and user expectations to ensure product solutions remain relevant and competitive.

• Solution Design & Prototyping:

  • Lead the design of intuitive, engaging, and effective user experiences across the Axonify platform, from concept to high-fidelity mockups.
  • Develop wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications to guide development and ensure pixel-perfect implementation.
  • Conduct usability testing and gather customer feedback on existing solutions and prototypes to identify areas for improvement and validate design decisions.
  • Contribute to the overall platform architecture and product offering strategy, ensuring a cohesive and scalable user experience.

• Design Advocacy & Process Improvement:

  • Act as a strong advocate for user-centered design principles and best practices across all departments at Axonify.

  • Champion the adoption and improvement of design tools and processes that enhance decision-making and product impact.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design team and contribute to a culture of learning, efficiency, and design excellence.

  • Foster transparent communication and collaboration with product managers, developers, and other cross-functional partners to build trust and alignment.

  • Explore and integrate emerging design practices, including those related to AI-assisted design, to enhance product innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are framed around understanding the problem space, designing solutions, and fostering a design-first culture. This structure highlights the end-to-end nature of the role, from discovery through to advocacy. The emphasis on "frontline operations" means that understanding the specific workflows, constraints, and needs of non-desk workers will be critical. The mention of AI suggests a forward-thinking approach to design, requiring candidates to be comfortable exploring and integrating AI into their design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Product Designer role. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in product design, UX design, or a similar role, with a proven track record of designing and launching successful digital products.

Required Skills:

• User Experience (UX) Design: Mastery of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• UX Research: Proficiency in conducting user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and synthesizing research findings.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Expertise in creating low-fidelity wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Visual Design: Strong visual design skills with an eye for aesthetics, layout, typography, and color theory.

• Systemic Thinking: Ability to think critically about the entire user journey and platform architecture, simplifying complexity.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to critically examine processes and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Adaptability: Willingness to adopt new practices and a proactive approach to learning, including experience or interest in designing for AI.

• User Empathy: A strong understanding of and empathy for user needs and pain points, particularly those of frontline workers.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Systems: Experience building, maintaining, or contributing to design systems.

• Journey Mapping & Workflow Design: Proficiency in creating detailed user journey maps and workflow diagrams.

• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Experience working within agile development environments.

• Frontline Operations Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with the challenges and workflows of frontline employees in various industries.

• Experience with AI-driven Products: Hands-on experience designing interfaces or features that incorporate AI capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of core UX skills and a more strategic, process-oriented mindset. The "Senior" title suggests a need for someone who can not only execute but also lead, mentor, and influence. The specific mention of "frontline workforce" and "AI" are key differentiators that candidates should highlight. The encouragement for candidates even if they don't check every box suggests a focus on potential and cultural fit alongside experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 comprehensive case studies that demonstrate your ability to take a product from initial concept through to successful launch. Each case study should clearly outline the problem, your process, your role, the solutions you designed, and the impact achieved.

• Problem Definition & Research: Evidence of how you identified and defined user problems, including examples of research methodologies used (e.g., user interviews, surveys, competitive analysis) and how insights informed your design decisions.

• Design Process & Iteration: Detailed explanation of your design process, including wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iterative refinement. Showcase how you incorporated feedback and adapted your designs.

• Systemic Design Thinking: Examples demonstrating your ability to think holistically about the user experience across a platform, including how you considered architecture, user flows, and consistency.

• Impact & Results: Quantifiable metrics or qualitative evidence demonstrating the positive impact of your designs on users and business goals (e.g., increased engagement, improved task completion rates, reduced errors, positive user feedback).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how you've mapped out and optimized user workflows to improve efficiency and reduce friction for users.

• Design System Contribution: If applicable, showcase contributions to design systems, component libraries, or style guides that ensure consistency and scalability.

• Collaboration Artifacts: Include examples of artifacts that demonstrate your collaborative process, such as user journey maps shared with stakeholders, design specifications for developers, or research synthesis documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, a portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing attractive visuals. The emphasis should be on the process, problem-solving, and impact. Including case studies that highlight research, iterative design, and demonstrable outcomes will be crucial. Given Axonify's focus on "frontline operations," case studies that address complex workflows or user groups with specific constraints would be highly relevant. The mention of AI also suggests that any examples of designing with or for AI capabilities would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: A reasonable estimate for a Senior Product Designer in Toronto/Waterloo, Canada with 5-10 years of experience is between $115,000 CAD and $165,000 CAD annually. This range accounts for base salary, with potential for variations based on specific experience, skills, and the overall compensation package.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: Base salary within the estimated range, plus an incentive plan (annual or variable) aligned with role and performance.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Health benefits provided from day one, covering medical, dental, and vision.

• Generous Time Off: 4 weeks of vacation, 7 Life Care Days, and a flexible holiday program.

• Wellness Support: A Wellness Spending Account to support various aspects of personal well-being.

• Home Workspace Set-Up: A Home Office Spending Account to equip a productive remote workspace.

• Family & Future Support: Parental top-up programs, New Parent Days, and matched retirement savings plans.

• Growth & Learning: A Professional Development Budget for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Community Impact: Paid Volunteer Time to support community initiatives.

• In-Office Perks: "Tasty Tuesdays" in the office every other week for team connection.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The role offers flexibility, particularly for remote employees, with an expectation to work within Eastern Time hours. The hybrid model includes "Work from Work Wednesdays" in the office for in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range ($115,000 - $165,000 CAD) is explicitly stated in the job description, making this section straightforward. The benefits are comprehensive and reflect a modern approach to employee well-being and professional development, which are attractive to senior-level candidates. The hybrid work arrangement with specific in-office expectations is also clearly outlined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology - specifically focused on Frontline Operations, Learning, and Employee Engagement software. Axonify operates in the HR Tech and Workforce Management space, aiming to improve the performance and experience of frontline employees.

Company Size: Axonify is a growing scale-up company. While not explicitly stated, the mention of "4 million employees across 160+ countries" suggests a significant customer base and a company of substantial reach, implying a mid-to-large size organization with a dynamic environment.

Founded: Founded in 2011, Axonify has a history of innovation, starting with frontline learning and evolving into a broader operations platform. This indicates a company with established expertise that is now making "bold plays" to differentiate itself further in the market.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team works in close collaboration with Product Management and Development.

• As a Senior Product Designer, you will be a key contributor, expected to take initiative and influence direction.

• The company emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with a strong focus on transparency and building trust between teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Axonify emphasizes using business insights and customer foundations to inform product development.

• User-Centricity: A core tenet is understanding user needs, behaviors, and pain points to deliver quality solutions.

• Iterative Design: The company embraces an iterative approach to design and product development, focusing on learning and constant refinement.

• AI Integration: Axonify is actively exploring and integrating AI into its platform and processes, encouraging employees to adopt new practices in this area.

Company Website: www.axonify.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Axonify positions itself as an evolving company, moving from a learning platform to a broader "frontline ops excellence solution." This suggests a dynamic, growth-oriented environment. The company culture appears to value innovation, collaboration, and a user-centric approach, with a specific emphasis on understanding and serving the frontline workforce. The integration of AI is presented as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them, which is an important distinction for potential employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to influence product strategy and design direction. Senior designers are expected to lead projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the overall design vision.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report within the Product Design team, working closely with Product Managers and Development teams. While a direct manager isn't specified, the role implies a reporting line to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or similar senior leadership position.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the usability, effectiveness, and overall user experience of Axonify's frontline operations platform. By creating intuitive and valuable solutions, the designer contributes to customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and ultimately, the business's success in the frontline operations market. The focus on "frontline operations" means the impact is on improving the daily work lives and productivity of millions of frontline employees.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership & Mentorship: As a senior member, opportunities exist to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially grow into a Design Lead or Manager role.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX design, such as advanced research methodologies, design systems, or AI-driven design.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to product strategy and roadmap discussions, influencing the future direction of Axonify's platform.

• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of the frontline operations technology space and its evolving needs.

• Professional Development: Utilize the provided Professional Development Budget to attend conferences, take courses, or pursue certifications relevant to product design and AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Product Designer role offers significant opportunities for impact and growth. It's not just about executing designs but about shaping products and influencing culture. The company's evolution into a broader ops platform and its embrace of AI present exciting challenges and learning opportunities for career advancement within the product design field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Axonify offers a hybrid work environment. While there are offices in Toronto and Waterloo, remote candidates within Canada are also welcomed. The company promotes "Work from Work Wednesdays" to encourage in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Collaboration: The environment supports both remote and in-office work, with a focus on facilitating meaningful connections and collaboration, especially on Wednesdays.

• Tools & Technology: Employees are provided with the necessary tools and resources to succeed, whether working remotely or in the office. This likely includes access to design software, collaboration platforms, and potentially a home office setup budget.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design, product, and development teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, likely around 40 hours per week. Remote employees are expected to align with Eastern Time hours. The hybrid model emphasizes in-person collaboration on Wednesdays, suggesting a structured yet flexible approach to work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a specific "Work from Work Wednesday" is a key differentiator. It indicates a company that values in-person interaction for collaboration but also embraces flexibility for its employees. The provision of a Home Office Spending Account further supports remote and hybrid workers.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion to delve deeper into your experience, design philosophy, and how you approach problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from your portfolio, focusing on your process, rationale, and solutions. This could involve problem-solving specific to frontline operations.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and/or Development Leads to assess your collaboration skills and ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this role, especially those involving complex workflows or user groups.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the rationale behind your decisions, and the measurable impact of your work.

• Highlight Process, Not Just Pixels: Emphasize your thinking, research methods, iteration cycles, and how you overcame challenges. Showcase your ability to simplify complexity.

• Focus on Frontline Operations: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of or experience with frontline workers, operational efficiency, or complex task management.

• Discuss AI Integration: Be prepared to discuss any experience with or thoughts on designing for AI, as this is a key area for Axonify.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs you made, and how you'd approach new challenges at Axonify.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Axonify's product, target audience (frontline workers), and industry.

• Focus on Process: For any design challenge, emphasize your thought process, research approach, and how you'd define success, rather than just delivering a polished final design.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your ideas concisely and persuasively.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If the challenge involves group work or feedback, showcase your collaborative skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be thorough, covering technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio is critical, and candidates should prepare to articulate their process and impact clearly. The emphasis on AI and frontline operations suggests that candidates should tailor their portfolio and interview responses to these aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma (highly likely, given its prevalence), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), Axure RP, or similar.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.

• Prototyping Tools: In addition to design software, familiarity with dedicated prototyping tools like InVision, Maze, or Principle may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or Pendo to understand user behavior within the product.

• Research Tools: Experience with survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform) and usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how design integrates with CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and automation platforms that may drive frontline workflows could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list specific tools, the standard toolkit for a Senior Product Designer in a tech company like Axonify would include leading design and prototyping software, collaboration tools, and potentially analytics platforms. Figma is a strong contender for the primary design tool. The company's focus on "frontline operations" might mean designers need to be aware of how their work integrates with broader operational systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: Deeply understanding and advocating for the needs of frontline workers is paramount.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on delivering real-world value and driving tangible improvements for customers and their employees.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, knowledge sharing, and building trust across teams are highly valued.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to examining processes critically and always seeking ways to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new ideas, learning quickly, and adapting to evolving market trends, including the integration of AI.

• Grit & Determination: A tenacious spirit to solve complex problems, especially those faced by the frontline workforce.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The design team works hand-in-hand with Product Management and Development, fostering a tightly integrated workflow.

• Open Feedback Loops: Encouraging candid feedback and constructive dialogue to refine designs and processes.

• Shared Ownership: A culture where teams feel a collective responsibility for the success of the product.

• Proactive Communication: Actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure alignment and address potential issues early on.

📝 Enhancement Note: Axonify's culture appears to be one of a dynamic, growth-oriented tech company that values innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of its user base. The emphasis on "grit and determination" for solving frontline challenges, combined with a forward-looking approach to AI, suggests a culture that is both challenging and rewarding.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Diverse Frontline Users: Understanding and catering to the varied needs, technical proficiencies, and work environments of frontline employees across different industries.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating user insights into product features that also support Axonify's strategic objectives and market differentiation.

• Integrating AI Thoughtfully: Navigating the complexities of designing with AI ethically and effectively, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from the user experience and human judgment.

• Driving Design Adoption: Championing design best practices and influencing a "product and design first culture" across a company that may have diverse levels of design maturity.

• Adapting to Scale-Up Growth: Thriving in a fast-paced, evolving scale-up environment where processes and priorities can shift.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the frontline operations technology landscape and the unique challenges of this sector.

• AI in Design: Developing skills and experience in designing for AI-powered products and features.

• Strategic Product Influence: Opportunities to contribute to product strategy and roadmap development.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers and grow into leadership roles within the design team.

• Professional Development Budget: Access to resources for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and industry engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the company's mission and the evolving nature of technology. Designing for frontline workers and integrating AI are complex but rewarding areas. The growth opportunities align well with a senior-level role, offering pathways for specialization, leadership, and strategic impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex user workflow. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, user empathy, and impact.)

• "How do you approach user research for a user group you have limited direct experience with, such as frontline workers?" (Highlight research methodologies, empathy building, and iterative learning.)

• "Axonify is integrating AI into its platform. How would you approach designing an AI-powered feature to ensure it is valuable, trustworthy, and enhances human judgment?" (Demonstrate understanding of AI ethics, user trust, and complementary design.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Axonify's mission to improve frontline operations?" (Research Axonify's product and target market.)

• "How do you contribute to fostering a design-first culture within a team or organization?" (Provide examples of advocacy, collaboration, and process improvement.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers. How do you ensure alignment and effective handoffs?" (Focus on communication, transparency, and shared goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), your design decisions with rationale, and the final outcome/impact.

• Storytelling: Weave a narrative that highlights your problem-solving journey, challenges overcome, and the value delivered.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (mockups, wireframes, user flows) to support your explanations.

• Metrics: Quantify impact whenever possible. If quantitative data isn't available, use qualitative feedback and user testimonials.

• AI & Frontline Focus: If applicable, highlight any projects that demonstrate experience with frontline users or AI integration. Be ready to discuss your approach to these specific areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of user-centered design principles, a robust process, and the ability to articulate impact. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with frontline users and AI, as these are key differentiators for Axonify.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Axonify careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best showcase your experience in end-to-end product design, user research, and problem-solving, particularly if they relate to complex workflows or operational efficiency.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key skills (UX Research, Prototyping, Systemic Thinking), and accomplishments, using keywords like "frontline operations," "user-centered design," and "AI design" where relevant.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to collaborate, simplify complexity, and advocate for user needs. Be ready to discuss your approach to designing for AI.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Axonify's product offerings, target market (frontline operations), company culture, and recent news. Understand their mission and commitment to AI.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Axonify before making application decisions.