Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer Company: Sun Life Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Product Design Date Posted: December 11, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days in-office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and advocacy for User Experience (UX) design principles and practices across digital product development initiatives.
• Drive the creation of exceptional, human-centered digital experiences that align with client needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.
• Champion data-driven design decisions by leading the analysis of user research, analytics, and testing insights to inform and validate UX strategies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional agile teams, including product owners, engineers, and fellow design professionals, to ensure seamless product development and accurate implementation of design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer, indicating a need for significant autonomy, strategic influence, and a proven track record in end-to-end digital product design. The emphasis on "ownership," "influencing project strategy," and "evangelist for UX practices" suggests a leadership component beyond individual contribution, requiring strong stakeholder management and communication skills. The hybrid work model with mandated in-office days signifies a company culture that values in-person collaboration, particularly for complex design discussions and team synergy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take ownership to influence project strategy and serve as an evangelist for UX practices across the organization, fostering a user-centered design culture.
• Lead the production of comprehensive design specifications, user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes to clearly articulate and communicate design solutions.
• Create best-in-class digital experiences by synthesizing client needs, business requirements, and technical constraints into desirable and consistent user journeys across multiple platforms, devices, and channels.
• Lead the analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative user data, including research findings, usability testing results, and market scans, to inform and validate design decisions and iterate on solutions.
• Conduct concept and usability testing to iteratively validate and refine design solutions, ensuring they meet usability standards and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Track key user experience metrics and analytics, reporting on the success of UX improvements and identifying areas for further optimization.
• Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance design processes, improve efficiency, and drive innovation in digital product design.
• Actively collaborate as part of a cross-functional agile team, ensuring designs are feasible, well-implemented, and aligned with project timelines and goals.
• Conduct market scans to identify emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and best practices in digital product design to inform strategic design direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and analytical rigor. The emphasis on "ownership," "evangelist," and "leading the analysis" points to a senior individual who not only executes but also shapes the UX strategy and drives adoption of best practices. The inclusion of AI tools and emerging technologies indicates a forward-thinking approach to design and a requirement for continuous learning and adaptation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• University degree or professional certification in User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, or a related field.
• Equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree or certification.

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in user-centered digital design and user experience (UX) within product development environments.
• Proven track record of delivering impactful customer experiences through the end-to-end design process, from initial concept to final implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working within agile, cross-functional team structures.

Required Skills:

• UX Strategy & Vision: Ability to define and drive UX strategy, influencing project direction and championing human-centered design principles.
• User Research & Analysis: Expertise in various user research methods, including concept testing, usability testing, user interviews, and the ability to synthesize findings into actionable design insights.
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating detailed user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts.
• UI/Visual Design Acumen: Strong visual design skills with the ability to create aesthetically pleasing, intuitive, and consistent user interfaces.
• Design Tools Proficiency: Expertise with industry-standard design and collaboration tools such as Figma, Jira, and related software.
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design: Solid understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., AODA, WCAG) and inclusive design practices to ensure products are usable by all.
• Agile Methodologies: Experience delivering design solutions within agile development frameworks.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Systems: Deep knowledge and practical experience in developing and leveraging design systems for consistent scalability across platforms.
• Emerging Technologies & AI: Demonstrated ability to stay current with emerging design trends, new technologies, and AI-driven design tools, with experience applying these innovations to enhance user experiences.
• Data Analysis & Metrics: Ability to leverage user experience metrics and analytics to report on the success of UX improvements and identify optimization opportunities.
• Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design choices and advocate for user needs to key stakeholders. Excellent presentation skills.
• Adaptability: Ability to work efficiently and adapt quickly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ownership & Advocacy: Strong sense of ownership and a proactive approach to advocating for end-users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and strong analytical skills. The explicit mention of a "UX portfolio demonstrating impactful customer experiences, including experience developing digital products from initial concept through to implementation" is a critical requirement. The preferred skills, particularly regarding AI and design systems, indicate a desire for a candidate who is not only proficient in current UX practices but also forward-looking and capable of driving innovation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive UX portfolio showcasing a range of impactful customer experiences and end-to-end product development lifecycle contributions.
• Demonstrate clear examples of how user research, data analysis, and testing informed design decisions and led to measurable improvements.
• Include case studies that illustrate problem definition, design ideation, prototyping, user testing, and final implemented solutions.
• Highlight experience in designing for multiple platforms (web, mobile, etc.) and across different devices and channels, showcasing consistency and adaptability.
• Showcase proficiency in leveraging design tools (e.g., Figma) for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of design specifications, user flows, and other documentation created to guide development teams.
• Evidence of how market scans and trend analysis were integrated into the design process to ensure innovation and best practices.
• Demonstrate a systematic approach to conducting and reporting on concept and usability testing, including iteration based on findings.
• Showcase experience in tracking and reporting on user experience metrics and analytics to measure the success of UX improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must be prepared to present detailed case studies that not only showcase design outputs but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and quantifiable impact of their work. The focus on end-to-end product development implies that the portfolio should cover discovery, ideation, design, testing, and post-launch analysis.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $140,000 CAD per year

• This range reflects the Senior UX Designer position in Toronto, Ontario, considering the experience level (5-10 years) and the specialized nature of UX design in a large financial institution. The upper end of the range accounts for candidates with extensive experience, specialized skills (e.g., design systems, AI integration), and a strong portfolio demonstrating significant impact.

Benefits:

• Wellness Programs: Comprehensive programs supporting mental, physical, and financial well-being, recognized by Canada Order of Excellence for Mental Health at Work®.
• Career Development Opportunities: Access to diverse career paths, potential for advancement, and significant networking opportunities within Sun Life.
• Flexible Work Environment: Hybrid work model offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, managed collaboratively with leaders based on business and client needs.
• Incentive Plans: Potential participation in various incentive plans, subject to individual and company performance (discretionary).
• Health & Financial Well-being Support: Programs designed to support employees' holistic health.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours (typically 40 hours per week), with flexibility managed within the hybrid work model and discussed during the selection process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on current market data for Senior UX Designers in Toronto, Canada, for a large, established financial services company. This range is competitive for the specified experience level and responsibilities. The benefits highlight a strong focus on employee well-being and professional growth, aligning with Sun Life's employer branding.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Insurance, Investments, Banking) Company Size: Large Enterprise (Sun Life is a global financial services leader) Founded: 1865 (Sun Life has a long history, indicating stability and established processes)

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Designer will be part of the Experience Design (XD) team, which likely comprises other UX designers, UI designers, UX researchers, and potentially content strategists.
• This role operates within a cross-functional agile team structure, collaborating closely with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, Engineers, Business Analysts, and other domain experts.
• The XD team likely reports into a broader digital, product, or customer experience division, with a clear reporting line to a Design Lead or Director.

Methodology:

• Sun Life emphasizes human-centered design, data-driven decision-making, and agile methodologies to deliver meaningful digital solutions.
• The company culture supports continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration, encouraging employees to leverage emerging technologies like AI.
• There's a strong focus on client-centricity, with a commitment to enhancing client experiences through digital products and services.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Sun Life's established presence and long history in the financial services industry suggest a corporate environment that values robust processes, compliance, and long-term strategic thinking. However, the emphasis on digital transformation, agile methodologies, and emerging technologies like AI indicates a commitment to modernization and innovation. The UX team's role is crucial in bridging the gap between complex financial services and user-friendly digital experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Design Lead

• This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer, indicating a high level of individual contribution and expertise. It involves not only executing design tasks but also influencing strategy, mentoring junior designers, and acting as a subject matter expert. The role is critical in shaping the user experience of key digital products.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a UX Design Manager, Director of Experience Design, or Head of Digital Product.
• They will collaborate extensively with Product Owners, Engineering Leads, and other stakeholders within their assigned agile product teams, requiring strong cross-functional communication and influence.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct impact on the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of Sun Life's digital products, which are crucial touchpoints for clients.
• By driving excellent UX, the Senior UX Designer contributes to increased client satisfaction, engagement, retention, and potentially acquisition, thereby influencing business outcomes and revenue.
• The role's influence extends to shaping the company's digital strategy and fostering a design-led culture.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like design systems, UX research, accessibility, or AI-driven design.
• Leadership: Progress into a Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Director role, managing teams and strategic initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Movement: Transition into Product Management, Program Management, or other digital strategy roles.
• Skill Development: Access to training, conferences, and certifications to stay current with the latest UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a career path that could lead to leadership or deep specialization within UX. The emphasis on influencing strategy and acting as an evangelist suggests that growth opportunities might also involve broader organizational impact beyond specific product teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with a significant presence at One York Street, Toronto. This implies a modern, professional office environment designed to support collaboration. Office Location(s): One York Street, Toronto (Downtown), Ontario, Canada. This is a prime downtown business location, easily accessible via public transit.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office is expected to feature collaborative zones, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated studios for design work, fostering interaction with team members.
• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design software, collaboration platforms, and standard office technology necessary for UX design and agile workflows.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design critiques, team stand-ups, and knowledge sharing with fellow designers and cross-functional colleagues.

Work Schedule:

• While full-time, the hybrid model offers flexibility. The specific in-office days (2-3 per week) will be determined in collaboration with the hiring manager and team, balancing project needs with individual preferences. This allows for focused work at home and collaborative sessions in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model at a prominent downtown Toronto address suggests a company that invests in its workspace and values in-person collaboration for key activities, while also offering the flexibility modern professionals expect.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess qualifications and experience alignment.
• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A key stage where candidates present their portfolio, detailing 2-3 significant projects. This will be followed by a discussion covering UX strategy, problem-solving, collaboration, and design philosophy.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: This might involve a design challenge (e.g., a take-home assignment or an in-person whiteboard exercise) focused on problem-solving, user flow creation, or wireframing, assessing practical skills and methodology.
• Cross-Functional Team Interview: Meeting with potential peers (engineers, product owners) to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit within an agile team.
• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Director of UX) to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit for Sun Life's culture and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and measurable results.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process you followed (research, ideation, testing, iteration), the solutions you developed, and the impact/outcomes (quantifiable if possible).
• Highlight Strategy: Emphasize how you translated business goals and user needs into strategic design decisions. Showcase your ability to influence project direction.
• Showcase Tools & Techniques: Briefly mention the tools used (e.g., Figma, user research platforms) and the methodologies applied (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, A/B testing).
• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss challenges encountered and how you overcame them, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Tailor to Sun Life: If possible, subtly align your project examples with the financial services industry or with challenges related to complex digital products.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, carefully read and understand the brief. If it's an in-person exercise, listen attentively to the prompt.
• Focus on Process: For design challenges, the process and rationale are often more important than a polished final output. Clearly articulate your thought process, assumptions, and how you'd approach solving the problem.
• Prioritize & Scope: In time-constrained scenarios, demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks and scope your solution effectively.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice explaining your design decisions concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess a candidate's strategic thinking, practical design skills, collaborative abilities, and cultural fit. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to articulate their process and impact effectively. Preparing for a design challenge that likely involves problem-solving and ideation within constraints is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Prototyping Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is expected.
• Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator): May be used for specific graphic design tasks or certain prototyping needs.
• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Marvel, or similar tools for creating interactive prototypes.

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

• Jira: Crucial for working within agile teams, tracking tasks, user stories, and managing development workflows.
• Confluence: Likely used for documentation, design specifications, and knowledge sharing.
• Microsoft Teams / Slack: For day-to-day team communication and collaboration.

User Research & Analytics Tools:

• User Testing Platforms: Tools for conducting remote usability testing and gathering qualitative feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).
• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools to track user behavior and measure UX performance.
• Survey Tools: For gathering user feedback (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

AI & Emerging Technologies:

• AI-Powered Design Assistants: Familiarity with tools that leverage AI for design ideation, content generation, or workflow automation is a plus.
• Emerging Tech Exploration: An openness and ability to explore how new technologies can be integrated into design processes or user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Jira is almost certainly a baseline requirement given their prevalence in modern design and agile development. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a forward-looking approach, and candidates who can demonstrate experience or a keen interest in this area will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (Implied for UX within Sun Life):

• Client-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Sun Life's clients, ensuring their experience is positive and seamless.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams, valuing diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: An openness to new ideas, technologies (like AI), and methodologies, with a drive to constantly refine and enhance user experiences.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, well-crafted designs that meet rigorous standards for usability, accessibility, and visual appeal.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research, analytics, and testing to inform and validate design choices, moving beyond subjective opinions.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for design outcomes and proactively advocating for user needs and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless integration within agile teams, working closely with product owners, developers, and business stakeholders.
• Open Communication: Fostering an environment of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent sharing of ideas and progress.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the UX team and with broader product development groups.
• Iterative Design Process: Embracing a cyclical approach to design, involving continuous feedback loops and iterative refinements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values around well-being and excellence, combined with the nature of UX work, suggest a culture that values both individual contribution and strong teamwork. The emphasis on client-centricity and data-driven approaches is crucial for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively navigating and synthesizing input from various stakeholders (business, technical, user) to arrive at optimal design solutions.
• Designing for Complexity: Creating intuitive user experiences for complex financial products and services, which often involve intricate processes and regulations.
• Driving Adoption of UX Best Practices: Championing human-centered design and influencing stakeholders who may have different priorities or levels of design understanding.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI) to maintain relevance and drive innovation.
• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion within a hybrid work environment, ensuring consistent communication and design quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend leading UX/design conferences and specialized workshops to gain insights into the latest trends and techniques.
• Internal Training & Certifications: Access to Sun Life's learning resources, potentially including courses on financial services, project management, or advanced design skills.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior design leaders or opportunities to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership growth.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of digital products and initiatives across Sun Life's business units, broadening experience and skill sets.
• AI & Emerging Tech Exploration: Dedicated time or resources to explore and experiment with AI tools and other emerging technologies relevant to UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior roles in large, complex organizations, requiring strong problem-solving and influencing skills. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for a company investing in digital transformation and employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt a UX-driven approach. What was the situation, your strategy, and the outcome?" (Focus on your ability to advocate, use data, and build consensus.)
• "How do you approach designing for complex financial products or services? Walk us through your process." (Highlight your methodology for breaking down complexity, user research, and iterative design.)
• "How do you prioritize features or design decisions when faced with competing demands from business, technical, and user needs?" (Demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to find balanced solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sun Life and our role in the financial services industry?" (Research Sun Life's mission, values, recent news, and its digital transformation efforts.)
• "How do you see AI impacting the future of UX design, and how might we leverage it at Sun Life?" (Showcase your forward-thinking perspective and understanding of emerging technologies.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive collaborative culture, especially in a hybrid setting." (Align your response with Sun Life's emphasis on collaboration and well-being.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Each Case Study:
  1. The Challenge: Clearly define the business problem and user need.
  2. Your Role & Team: Specify your responsibilities and the team structure.
  3. The Process: Detail your UX journey (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, iteration).
  4. The Solution: Showcase key design artifacts (flows, mockups, prototypes).
  5. The Impact: Quantify results (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction) or describe qualitative improvements.
• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Explain the why behind your design decisions, linking them to user insights and business goals.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and stays within the allotted time. Use visuals effectively.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, rationale, and the specific tools/techniques you used.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss challenges encountered and how you navigated them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a robust UX process, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of how UX contributes to business objectives, particularly within the financial services sector. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate 2-3 of your strongest UX case studies that demonstrate end-to-end product development experience, strategic thinking, and measurable impact. Ensure they are well-organized and ready for presentation.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Strategy," "User-Centered Design," "Prototyping," "Usability Testing," "Figma," "Jira," "Agile," and "Accessibility Standards." Quantify your achievements where possible.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, practice answering strategy and behavioral questions, and research Sun Life's digital presence and company values.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sun Life's services, target audience, recent digital initiatives, and their commitment to client experience and innovation. Understand their hybrid work model and company culture.

⚠️ 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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