Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: illumin Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design Date Posted: November 14, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied 5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from conceptualization through to final execution, ensuring a cohesive and impactful user experience.
• Champion user-centric design principles and data-driven methodologies to inform product strategy and feature development.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing, to align design initiatives with overarching business objectives and product roadmaps.
• Drive continuous improvement by staying abreast of emerging design trends, tools, and technologies, fostering an environment of innovation and skill enhancement within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The input data indicates a "Senior Product Designer" role, which typically implies a need for significant experience (5-10+ years) in product design and UX/UI. The role also emphasizes end-to-end ownership and cross-functional leadership, positioning it as a pivotal individual contributor role with influence over product direction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete product design process, encompassing user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, high-fidelity UI design, and usability testing.
• Develop and maintain robust design systems and component libraries to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all product interfaces.
• Conduct user research and usability testing to gather insights, validate design decisions, and identify opportunities for iterative improvement.
• Collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers to translate business requirements and user needs into intuitive and engaging user experiences.
• Advocate for UX/UI best practices, accessibility standards, and a user-first approach throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Present and articulate design concepts, rationale, and solutions to stakeholders at various levels, effectively gathering feedback and driving consensus.
• Continuously explore and integrate new design trends, tools, and technologies to enhance the product offering and team capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are inferred from the detailed description of "How you will make an impact" and "What you bring," focusing on the core deliverables and actions expected of a Senior Product Designer in a product-led organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for senior roles. Equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio will be considered.

Experience: Proven experience in product design, UX/UI design, or a similar role, with a demonstrated track record of successfully delivering end-to-end design solutions. Experience in fast-paced environments such as AdTech, FinTech, SaaS, or similar industries is highly valued. A minimum of 5-10 years of relevant professional experience is typically expected for a Senior Product Designer.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in end-to-end product design processes, from discovery and research to detailed UI design and iteration.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, including Figma, Sketch, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong understanding and practical application of design thinking, interaction design, and visual design principles.
• Experience in developing, maintaining, and scaling design systems and component libraries.
• Proficiency in user research methodologies and usability testing to gather actionable insights.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale effectively.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of product design projects, demonstrating problem-solving skills and user-centric design approaches.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to foster better collaboration with engineering teams.
• Experience in AdTech, FinTech, SaaS, or other relevant fast-paced industries.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools and methodologies for data-informed design decisions.
• Experience working in a product-led growth environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are derived from the explicit mention of "The portfolio," "The technical skills," "The collaborative skills," and "The interpersonal skills" sections of the input. Preferred skills are inferred from context and common industry expectations for senior design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly articulates your design process, from problem definition to final solution, highlighting your role and contributions.
• Demonstration of your ability to conduct user research, extract key insights, and translate them into effective design solutions.
• Examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs that showcase your visual design skills and interaction design capabilities.
• Case studies detailing how you have applied design thinking to solve complex user problems and achieve business objectives.
• Evidence of experience with design systems, component libraries, and maintaining design consistency across products.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to iterative design, including how you incorporate feedback from usability testing and stakeholder reviews.
• Illustrate your experience in collaborating with product managers and engineers to ensure seamless implementation of designs.
• Provide examples of how you have used data and user feedback to inform design iterations and improvements.
• Demonstrate your understanding of accessibility standards and how you integrate them into your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is extrapolated based on the strong emphasis in the input description on "The portfolio" and the general expectations for senior design roles requiring a demonstrable process and ability to articulate design decisions and outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Product Designer in Toronto, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is CAD $100,000 - $140,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Toronto, the competitive tech market, and the seniority of the role.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Environment
• Meal Credit for in-office days
• Free in-house massage with an RMT every eight weeks
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Prescription Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Mental Health Services
  • Professional Health Services
• Access to a Workplace Advisor
• Vitality Wellness App
• $300 Annual Healthcare Spending Account

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with a flexible work environment that accommodates various needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a Senior Product Designer in Toronto, Canada, based on common compensation data for similar roles and locations. The benefits are directly extracted from the provided text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising Technology (AdTech) / Marketing Technology (MarTech) - illumin operates within the dynamic and data-intensive advertising landscape, providing a platform for journey planning, execution, and reporting. Company Size: Over 100 skilled professionals, indicating a growing mid-sized company with established processes but still retaining an entrepreneurial spirit and a capacity for rapid transformation. Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company is described as being at a "pivotal moment" with "new leadership guiding our path forward," suggesting a period of significant evolution and growth.

Team Structure:

• The design team is led by a Director of Product Design and Research.
• Senior Product Designers are integrated into dedicated "product pods," working cross-functionally with Product Managers and Engineers.
• Collaboration is a key aspect, with a structure that encourages input from various disciplines to shape product direction.

Methodology:

• Product-Led Growth: The company is evolving into a product-led organization, emphasizing design as a key driver of market growth.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Heavy investment in data, AI capabilities, and customer insights to inform product development and strategic choices.
• Agile Development: Collaboration within "product pods" suggests an Agile or hybrid Agile development environment.
• User-Centric Design: Prioritization of discovery, customer testing, prototyping, and gathering insights to build features customers genuinely want and can use effortlessly.

Company Website: https://illumin.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is synthesized from the "Who we are" and "What else should you know about us?" sections, focusing on the company's industry, size, transformation phase, and core operational methodologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior Individual Contributor level within the Product Design function. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to lead design initiatives independently, while also mentoring junior designers implicitly through collaboration and setting standards.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer reports directly to the Director of Product Design and Research, indicating a clear leadership path and access to strategic direction.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the product's success by shaping user experiences, driving user adoption, and contributing to market growth. By advocating for user needs and aligning them with business goals, the designer influences product strategy and the overall value proposition of illumin's platform. The emphasis on a "product-led company" means design decisions are critical to business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in cutting-edge design tools, AI integration in design, and advanced user research methodologies.
• Leadership Potential: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Managerial role as the team expands, by taking on more strategic responsibilities and mentoring opportunities.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep experience in the AdTech/MarTech industry, which is rapidly evolving with AI and data analytics.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Developing strong collaboration skills and a holistic understanding of product development from concept to launch.
• External Learning: Access to training from providers like Meta Lab and opportunities to learn from industry leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on the "Senior Product Designer" title, reporting structure, and the company's emphasis on growth, innovation, and professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a requirement to be on-site in the downtown Toronto office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This suggests a blend of focused individual work (remote) and collaborative, in-person team engagement (office).

Office Location(s): Downtown Toronto office, conveniently located near St. Andrew and Union subway stations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration on specific days, fostering team cohesion and brainstorming.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially advanced technologies like AI-powered interview tools (BrightHire).
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with Product Managers, Engineers, and leadership during in-office days and virtual meetings.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. The "flexible work environment" likely refers to some flexibility in start/end times on remote days, while in-office days have fixed requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Details about the office type, location, and workspace context are directly extracted from the job description, focusing on how these elements impact the daily work experience for a designer.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Virtual Interview with Talent Advisor: Initial screening to assess background, interests, and cultural fit. This is an opportunity for the candidate to learn about the role and company. The interview will be recorded using BrightHire.
2. Virtual Interview with Director of Product Design and Research: Deeper dive into experience, portfolio review, and understanding of the design team's culture and expectations.
3. Take-Home Design Exercise: A short design challenge reflecting the company's work to assess design thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
4. In-Person Collaboration Session: A final session in the Toronto office with the Director of Product Design and Research, a Product Manager, and an Engineer to review the design exercise, discuss rationale, and assess team alignment. This is a mutual evaluation session.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, highlighting your role and the problem you solved.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify outcomes and business impact where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, user engagement metrics).
• Demonstrate User-Centricity: Emphasize how user research and feedback informed your design decisions.
• Visual Storytelling: Ensure your portfolio tells a compelling story about each project, using visuals effectively.
• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used, especially Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Design System Examples: If applicable, showcase your experience with design systems or component libraries.
• Tailor to the Role: Understand illumin's product and industry (AdTech/MarTech) and try to align your portfolio examples where relevant.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research illumin's platform, target audience, and recent product updates.
• Focus on Process: For the design exercise, clearly outline your steps, assumptions, and rationale.
• Prioritize User Needs: Demonstrate how you would approach solving the user problem presented in the challenge.
• Consider Business Goals: Think about how your design solution aligns with potential business objectives.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your design choices, trade-offs, and potential next steps during the collaboration session.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is detailed in the "What you can expect from our interview process" section. Portfolio and challenge preparation advice is tailored for a Senior Product Designer role, emphasizing process, impact, and alignment with the company's context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration.
• Sketch: A widely used alternative or complementary tool for UI design.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Likely used for asset creation, image editing, and other graphic design tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, a Senior Product Designer is expected to be comfortable interpreting data from analytics platforms to inform design decisions. This could include tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design role, but understanding how CRM and marketing automation platforms function may be beneficial in the AdTech context.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Jira/Confluence: Common in Agile environments for tracking tasks and documentation.
• BrightHire: An AI-powered video interview tool mentioned for the initial interview stage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary design tools are explicitly mentioned. Other tools are inferred based on industry standards for product design roles in tech companies, especially those using Agile methodologies and focusing on data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Bias for Speed & Delivery: A culture that values quick execution and getting things done, prioritizing delivery over perfection.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Encouraging initiative, innovation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Investment in People & Technology: Commitment to providing team members with the necessary tools, knowledge, and training to excel.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on data, AI, and customer insights to guide product development and strategic choices.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functionalism: Working effectively across departments to achieve common goals.
• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs through thoughtful design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Pods: Working closely with Product Managers and Engineers in dedicated teams.
• Agile Environment: Embracing iterative development, feedback loops, and agile ceremonies.
• Open Communication: Encouraging dialogue, sharing feedback, and articulating design rationale clearly.
• Mutual Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment where all contributions are considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are synthesized from various parts of the job description, particularly the "Who we are," "What's in it for you," and "What else should you know about us?" sections, focusing on the cultural attributes illumin is seeking in its employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Transformation: Contributing to a company undergoing significant transformation under new leadership, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to shaping new processes and directions.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: Upholding high design standards while meeting the demands of a fast-paced, delivery-oriented environment.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating and aligning design vision with diverse stakeholders (product, engineering, marketing, leadership) who may have different priorities.
• Evolving AdTech Landscape: Staying current with rapid advancements in advertising technology, AI, and data analytics to ensure product designs remain competitive and innovative.
• Remote vs. In-Office Dynamics: Maximizing collaboration and team cohesion within a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AdTech/MarTech: Gaining specialized knowledge in a complex and evolving industry.
• AI Integration in Design: Opportunities to work with and design for AI-driven features.
• Design System Evolution: Contributing to and potentially leading the growth of a mature design system.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers and grow into leadership roles within the design function.
• External Training: Access to resources like Meta Lab and industry conferences for continuous skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are identified by considering the company's current state (transformation, new leadership), the industry (AdTech), the role's seniority, and the explicit mentions of professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new feature from concept to launch. Can you walk us through a specific example from your portfolio that demonstrates this process?" (Focus on user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration).
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design work?" (Prepare case studies where you navigated these trade-offs).
• "Imagine we're looking to improve user onboarding for our platform. What would be your initial steps, and what kind of research would you conduct?" (Demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving approach).
• "How do you contribute to and maintain a design system? What are the benefits and challenges you've encountered?" (Highlight your understanding of design consistency and scalability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about illumin and our mission to transform the advertising landscape?" (Research illumin's product and market position).
• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our values of speed, delivery, and an entrepreneurial mindset?" (Reflect on your work style and how it fits).
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers or product managers who had differing opinions on a design decision. How did you resolve it?" (Showcase your collaboration and communication skills).
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate new technologies or methodologies into your work?" (Highlight your growth mindset and continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact/Outcomes.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Annotate key design decisions and user flows.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, reduced errors, improved conversion).
• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made specific design choices, referencing user research, heuristics, or business goals.
• Time Management: Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted time, leaving room for questions.
• Tools: Mention the primary tools used for each project (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is tailored to the Senior Product Designer role, focusing on common questions related to process, collaboration, design systems, and company fit, with specific advice on portfolio presentation and handling design challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 of your strongest product design case studies. Focus on showcasing your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Tailor your presentation to highlight experience relevant to SaaS, AdTech, or FinTech if possible.
• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience in product design, UX/UI, design systems, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description such as "Figma," "Sketch," "prototyping," "user research," and "Agile." Quantify achievements where possible to demonstrate impact.
• Prepare for the Interview Process: Familiarize yourself with illumin's product and company mission. Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, process, and how you handle collaboration and challenges. Practice walking through your portfolio case studies with a focus on the why behind your design decisions.
• Research illumin: Understand their platform, target audience, and recent company news or product announcements. This will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate genuine interest during your interviews, especially the in-person session.

⚠️ 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.