Senior Product Designer (UX & UI focus)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (UX & UI focus)

Company: Next League, LLC

Location: Canada (Greater Toronto Area preferred)

Job Type: Contract (6 months, potential for full-time)

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: January 6, 2026

Experience Level: 6-8+ years

Remote Status: 100% Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design initiatives, from problem framing and information architecture to high-fidelity UI and prototyping.

• Translate complex product strategies and business goals into intuitive and visually compelling user experiences.

• Foster strong, collaborative partnerships with Front End developers and Engineering teams to ensure design feasibility and accurate implementation.

• Design and deliver seamless user experiences across multiple platforms, including responsive websites and native mobile applications (iOS, Android).

• Actively contribute to and maintain established design systems, enhancing component libraries and documentation for consistent, efficient delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a contract position with a strong possibility of conversion to full-time, indicating a need for candidates who can quickly integrate and demonstrate value. The emphasis on client-facing responsibilities suggests a need for strong communication and presentation skills beyond typical in-house design roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire design lifecycle for product features, encompassing discovery, user flows, interaction design, wireframing, prototyping, and final UI.

• Collaborate closely with Strategy teams to align design outcomes with product vision and define success metrics.

• Ensure design-to-development handoff is seamless, providing clear specifications, assets, and ongoing support to engineering teams throughout the build and QA phases.

• Develop wireframes, user journey maps, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and facilitate feedback loops with stakeholders and end-users.

• Present design work, including rationale, trade-offs, and recommendations, to clients and internal teams, adeptly incorporating feedback while maintaining design integrity and usability.

• Contribute to the evolution of the company's design system by creating new components, updating patterns, and documenting usage guidelines to ensure design consistency and accelerate development cycles.

• Apply human-centered design principles, including usability best practices and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x), to enhance clarity, prevent errors, and improve the overall user experience.

• Plan and execute lightweight user research and usability testing, synthesizing findings to inform design decisions and mitigate project risks.

• Participate actively in agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and daily stand-ups, ensuring design remains integrated and responsive to development progress and evolving requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "designing and shipping experiences across multiple platforms" indicates a need for a designer proficient in responsive design principles and understanding the nuances of native mobile design for both iOS and Android, as well as hybrid approaches.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX) principles, and Visual Design fundamentals is expected, often gained through formal education or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 6 to 8+ years of progressive experience in product design, with a significant focus on UX and UI design, preferably within a professional services or agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in end-to-end UX and UI design, demonstrably showcased through a robust portfolio of shipped products.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, including mastery of components, variants, prototyping features, and collaborative design system management.

• Experience in contributing to and maintaining established design systems, including extending component libraries and documenting design patterns.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with Front End developers and engineers, providing clear specifications and implementation support.

• Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating design rationale, managing feedback, and navigating stakeholder expectations.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies, including usability testing, user interviews, surveys, and the synthesis of findings into actionable design improvements.

• Working knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x) and inclusive design principles to ensure equitable user experiences.

• Solid understanding of front-end fundamentals (HTML, CSS, basic JavaScript concepts) to facilitate effective communication and collaboration with development teams.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to evolving priorities, and maintain high-quality output in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience designing products or digital experiences within the sports industry.

• Experience designing for responsive, content-driven websites in addition to native mobile applications.

• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite for complementary design tasks.

• Experience leveraging AI-assisted tools to enhance workflow efficiency across various design stages (e.g., synthesis, ideation, documentation, prototyping).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "solid understanding of front-end fundamentals" is crucial for effective collaboration with developers, even though it's not a coding role. This indicates the company values designers who can speak the language of development and understand technical constraints and possibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX and UI design projects, including interaction design, visual design, and evidence of shipped work.

• Demonstrations of your ability to translate product strategy and business goals into tangible design solutions.

• Examples of your contribution to or management of design systems, highlighting component libraries, pattern documentation, and consistency enforcement.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and utilizing user flows, journey maps, and wireframes to define information architecture and user interactions.

• Examples of prototyping, from low-fidelity to high-fidelity, used for concept validation and feedback gathering.

• Documentation illustrating your collaboration with Front End developers, including handoff artifacts, design specifications, and implementation support.

• Case studies that detail how you've applied usability principles and accessibility standards in your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "shipped work" in the portfolio requirements suggests a preference for candidates who can demonstrate a history of bringing products to market and have experience with the full product development lifecycle, not just conceptual design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50 - $70 USD per hour

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan Programs (with company match!)

• Unlimited Vacation & Sick Time

• Excellent Health Benefits Packages

• Flexible Working Opportunities (100% remote business)

Working Hours: This is a 100% remote role, with standard working hours typically aligning with a full-time engagement (approximately 40 hours per week), offering flexibility within that framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided in USD, but the role is restricted to Canada. This implies that the company operates on a USD payroll for this contract, and candidates should be aware of potential currency conversion implications and tax considerations based on their Canadian location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Growth Consulting and Technology Solutions Partner, specializing in the Sports Industry.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description implies a growing, dynamic organization with a focus on innovation and client partnerships.

Founded: Founded by technology veterans with decades of sports industry experience, indicating a strong foundation in expertise and market understanding.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will operate within a cross-functional team structure, collaborating closely with Strategy, Product, Front End, and Engineering departments.

• This role does not have supervisory responsibilities, indicating a focus on individual contribution and expert execution within the design function.

Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and digital innovation within the sports sector.

• A "people-first, culture-driven" approach, fostering inclusive, curious, and collaborative relationships.

• Agile delivery methodologies are likely employed, requiring designers to integrate seamlessly into sprint cycles and adapt to iterative development processes.

Company Website: https://www.nextleague.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on the "sports industry" suggests that candidates with a passion for or experience in this domain may have a distinct advantage, particularly if they can draw parallels between user needs in sports and their design solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant autonomy, expertise, and the ability to lead design efforts.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly defined, as a senior individual contributor, this role likely reports to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or a similar senior management position within the product development or design function.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the user experience and interface of digital products, directly impacting user engagement, client satisfaction, and ultimately, the digital growth and success of their clients in the sports industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for conversion to a full-time position, offering long-term career stability and further growth within Next League.

• Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX/UI design, design systems, and client-facing consulting within the specialized sports technology market.

• Exposure to a variety of projects across different clients and platforms, broadening design experience and problem-solving capabilities.

• Potential to mentor junior designers or contribute to the strategic direction of design within the company, depending on the full-time role's structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract-to-hire nature of this role presents a unique growth opportunity. Candidates can "try before they buy," and the company can assess the candidate's fit and performance over a significant period, making the conversion to full-time a strong indicator of long-term career potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a 100% remote position, eliminating the need for a physical office presence.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company prefers candidates located in Canada, with the Greater Toronto Area being particularly preferred. This may suggest team syncs or potential future in-person events for local hires.

Workspace Context:

• The remote work environment relies heavily on digital collaboration tools (video calls, chat, shared documentation) for seamless team interaction and project management.

• Designers will have access to industry-standard design software, likely including Figma and potentially the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Opportunities for significant interaction with cross-functional teams (Strategy, Product, Engineering) and direct client engagement, fostering a dynamic and communicative remote work culture.

Work Schedule: The role is structured around standard working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) but offers flexibility, typical of remote contract positions, allowing for adaptation around project needs and team collaboration schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "flexible working opportunities" and being a "100% remote business" underscores the company's commitment to a modern, distributed work model, which may appeal to candidates seeking work-life balance and autonomy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the role requirements.

• Design Exercise/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home design challenge or present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate rationale.

• Client/Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, potentially including design leads, product managers, and engineering representatives, to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion focused on your overall fit for the contract role, potential for full-time conversion, and alignment with Next League's client-facing consulting environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase End-to-End Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process undertaken (research, ideation, design, testing), key decisions, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Shipped Work: Prioritize projects that have been successfully launched, demonstrating real-world impact and your ability to navigate development constraints.

• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Include examples that showcase your mastery of Figma's advanced features, such as component libraries, variants, and interactive prototyping.

• Articulate Client Communication: Be prepared to discuss how you've presented work to clients, managed feedback, and navigated design trade-offs effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or data that illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Consulting Context: Be prepared for challenges that might focus on rapid problem-solving, client communication under pressure, and adapting designs to specific business requirements.

• Focus on Rationale: Clearly explain why you made specific design decisions, linking them back to user needs, business goals, and design principles.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your work concisely and persuasively, as this is a critical aspect of client-facing roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the client-facing nature of this role, expect interview questions to probe your ability to manage stakeholder expectations, present design concepts persuasively, and defend your design decisions with strong rationale and data.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is a core requirement for UI design, prototyping, component creation, and design system management.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's native prototyping capabilities are essential; additional familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potentially Relevant Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Preferred but not required, for graphic design, image editing, or illustration tasks.

• AI-assisted Tools: Experience with AI tools for synthesis, ideation, documentation, or design-to-dev collaboration is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for advanced Figma proficiency underscores its central role in the company's design workflow. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in Figma's ecosystem, including design systems and collaborative features.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A commitment to helping clients "know what's next" in the sports industry through cutting-edge digital solutions.

• Client-Centricity: A focus on building strong, collaborative relationships with clients to deliver exceptional digital experiences and growth.

• Inclusivity & Collaboration: A "people-first" culture that values diverse perspectives, curiosity, and teamwork.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A high bar for quality in design and a dedication to delivering impactful, well-executed solutions.

• Purpose & Social Impact: A commitment to leveraging technology and digital innovation for lasting social good.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork across Strategy, Product, Front End, and Engineering.

• Client-facing interactions are integral, requiring clear, persuasive communication and partnership.

• The remote environment necessitates proactive communication, transparency, and effective use of digital collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "people-first, culture-driven" and "inclusive, curious and collaborative relationships" suggest that cultural fit will be a significant factor in the hiring process, especially for a client-facing role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Client Management: Effectively managing client expectations, feedback, and potential scope creep in a consulting environment.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting quickly to client feedback and evolving project requirements within agile development cycles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Seamlessly integrating design work with strategy, product management, and engineering, often in a remote setting.

• Design System Maintenance: Balancing the creation of new design elements with the ongoing maintenance and evolution of a robust design system.

• Sports Industry Nuances: Understanding the unique user behaviors and market dynamics within the sports industry to create relevant and engaging experiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Industry Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of the sports technology landscape and user needs within this niche.

• Advanced Design System Skills: Honing expertise in building, managing, and scaling design systems for diverse client projects.

• Client Consulting Skills: Developing strong client communication, presentation, and strategic advisory capabilities.

• Exposure to AI in Design: Gaining practical experience with AI-assisted tools to enhance design workflows and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of consulting and the need for adaptability. Candidates who thrive in fast-paced, client-focused environments and possess strong problem-solving skills will be well-suited to this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product strategy you've translated into a successful design. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, rationale, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach balancing client requests with best practices in UX/UI design?" (Demonstrate your ability to navigate trade-offs and advocate for user needs.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Next League's focus on the sports industry and digital growth consulting?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you contribute to an inclusive and collaborative team environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Align your response with their stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process, key decisions made, and the final measurable outcomes.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals, mockups, and prototypes to illustrate your design solutions. Explain the why behind your design choices.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your most relevant projects within a given timeframe. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

• Figma Mastery Demonstration: If possible, be ready to briefly showcase your Figma file structure, component usage, or prototyping capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For the portfolio presentation, be ready to discuss not just the final designs but also the process and decisions that led to them. The company values a strategic approach to problem-solving and a clear understanding of how design impacts business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features end-to-end UX/UI projects, highlighting your Figma proficiency, design system contributions, and shipped work. Prioritize case studies that demonstrate client collaboration and measurable impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 6-8+ years of experience, specific UX/UI skills, client-facing experience, and familiarity with agile methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting 1-2 key portfolio projects concisely, focusing on your process, rationale, and outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to client communication and developer collaboration.

• Research Next League: Understand their mission, their focus on the sports industry, and their culture. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company.

⚠️ 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.

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