Sr. UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX/UI Designer Company: CIBC Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Job Type: Full-Time Category: Digital Product Design / UX/UI Design Date Posted: October 10, 2025 Experience Level: 8+ Years (Senior Level) Remote Status: Hybrid (1-2 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end UX/UI design process for CIBC's Frontline digital properties, ensuring a seamless and compelling client experience.
• Lead the development of innovative digital design concepts, from initial ideation through to final implementation, while upholding brand and design standards.
• Champion inclusive design principles and WCAG accessibility standards to create user-centered, accessible digital solutions.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product, development, and content, within an agile framework to deliver high-quality design deliverables.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to maturing the overall design practice within the Digital Platforms and Client Engagement group.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX/UI Designer within CIBC's Frontline Experience team, focusing on digital properties. The emphasis is on leading design initiatives, ensuring brand consistency, and fostering collaboration in an agile environment. The hybrid work model indicates a need for adaptability and effective remote collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of creative digital design solutions for CIBC's Frontline digital properties, including storyboards, sketches, wireframes, prototypes, mockups, and visual assets.
• Drive and facilitate Design Thinking workshops at a large scale with multidisciplinary teams to foster innovation and gather diverse perspectives.
• Plan and actively participate in usability testing and stakeholder interviews, integrating feedback to refine concepts and applications.
• Define, create, and maintain CIBC Frontline design and standards documentation to ensure brand coherence, accessibility compliance (WCAG), and cross-site consistency.
• Deliver the design component for assigned projects, including wireframes, user workflows, and interaction rules, by collaborating effectively with editorial content, visual design, business analysis/product, development, and quality assurance teams in an agile/iterative process.
• Build and manage complex stakeholder relationships, ensuring key partners are engaged for design-related deliverables and that design objectives are clearly communicated and met.
• Act as a mentor and coach to new team members, sharing expertise and helping to mature the design practice, while collaborating with other Senior Designers.
• Drive innovation during delivery cycles and collaborate closely with UX Strategy on ideation and early project stages to ensure a smooth transition into UX Delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level contribution, emphasizing leadership in design strategy, process ownership, and team mentorship. The mention of "agile/iterative design & development environment" and "timely delivery of design deliverables" underscores the need for efficient workflow management and strong project execution skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Digital Design, UX Design, Visual Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, OR equivalent practical experience coordinating and leading large-scale Design Thinking Workshops with multidisciplinary teams.

Experience: 8+ years of demonstrable experience in Digital Design, UX Design, Visual Design, or Human-Computer Interaction.

Required Skills:

• Advanced expertise in digital design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Invision.
• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Proficiency in UX research methods and ability to translate insights into actionable design solutions.
• Strong knowledge of mobile and responsive design best practices.
• Expertise in inclusive design principles and WCAG accessibility standards.
• Proven ability to coordinate and lead Design Thinking Workshops with multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills, with experience working effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Experience working within an agile/iterative design and development environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for financial services or complex enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with CIBC's existing digital platforms or design systems.
• Experience in mentoring or coaching junior designers.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects with demonstrable impact.
• Knowledge of digital analytics and how to leverage data for design optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is clearly stated as 8+ years, positioning this as a senior role. The emphasis on specific tools (Figma, Sketch, Invision) and principles (user-centered design, inclusive design, WCAG) is critical for candidates to highlight. The preference for financial services experience suggests a need for domain understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 8 years of UX/UI design experience, with a focus on digital properties and client-facing applications.
• Include detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end design process, from user research and ideation to final design and implementation.
• Highlight projects that involved leading design workshops or significant stakeholder engagement.
• Present examples of mobile and responsive design solutions, with clear explanations of the design choices made.
• Feature projects that explicitly address inclusive design principles and adherence to WCAG accessibility standards.
• Demonstrate proficiency with design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Invision through project examples.
• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio case study, clearly articulate the design problem, the methodologies used (e.g., Design Thinking, user research), the design solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Document the collaborative process, detailing interactions with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Explain how user feedback and usability testing informed design iterations and final deliverables.
• Illustrate the application of brand and design standards, as well as accessibility guidelines, within the presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is crucial for this role, serving as tangible evidence of the candidate's design capabilities, process, and impact. The emphasis on "end-to-end design process," "stakeholder engagement," and "measurable outcomes" is key for candidates to structure their portfolio presentations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Sr. UX/UI Designer in Toronto with 8+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $110,000 - $150,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major Canadian financial hubs, considering the company's size and reputation. Factors such as specific skills, interview performance, and exact years of relevant experience can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: A comprehensive package designed to recognize your contributions.
• Banking Benefit: Specific financial advantages and perks related to CIBC's banking services.
• Wellbeing Support: Resources and programs dedicated to supporting employee physical and mental health.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their dependents.
• MomentMakers Program: A social, points-based recognition program to acknowledge achievements and contributions.
• Hybrid Work Arrangement: Flexibility to balance on-site and remote work, with 1-2 days per week typically spent in the office.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, skill enhancement, and career growth within the organization.

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to manage work activities within a hybrid arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on commonly available compensation data for senior UX/UI designers in Toronto. The provided benefits list is directly from the input data, highlighting CIBC's commitment to employee well-being and recognition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking). CIBC operates within a highly regulated and competitive industry, emphasizing client trust, security, and innovation to meet evolving customer needs. This context means design solutions must be robust, secure, and user-friendly, balancing innovation with compliance. Company Size: Large enterprise (CIBC is a major Canadian bank with a significant global presence and a large employee base). This implies structured processes, opportunities for impact across large-scale projects, and a need for navigating complex organizational dynamics. Founded: 1864. CIBC has a long-standing history, suggesting a blend of established traditions and a forward-looking approach to digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• The Sr. UX/UI Designer is part of the Digital Platforms and Client Engagement group, specifically within the Frontline Experience team.
• Reports to the Sr. Manager, User Experience.
• Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams including editorial content, visual design, business analysis/product, development, and quality assurance.
• Interacts with UX Strategy for ideation and early project stages.

Methodology:

• Agile/Iterative Design & Development: Projects are delivered within an agile framework, requiring adaptability, quick iteration, and continuous feedback loops.
• User-Centered Design: A core philosophy, emphasizing understanding user needs and behaviors to inform design decisions.
• Design Thinking Workshops: Utilized for ideation, problem-solving, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated as a primary methodology, the mention of digital analytics suggests an expectation to leverage data to inform and validate design choices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The description paints CIBC as a large, established financial institution focused on client relationships and modernizing its digital offerings. The team structure indicates a collaborative, cross-functional environment where design plays a key role in client engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior level within the UX/UI Design discipline. It involves leading design initiatives, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to the strategic direction of design practices. It signifies a move beyond individual contribution to a role with leadership and influence.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX/UI Designer reports to the Sr. Manager, User Experience. This indicates a clear hierarchy with opportunities for guidance and mentorship from experienced leadership. The role also implies significant collaboration with peers and stakeholders across various departments.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer has a direct impact on the client experience across CIBC's digital properties, particularly for frontline staff. By creating intuitive, efficient, and engaging interfaces, this role contributes to improved client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and potentially revenue generation through enhanced digital engagement and adoption. The focus on "Frontline Experience" suggests a direct link to how CIBC employees interact with clients and internal systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to take on more complex projects, lead design sprints, and potentially move into a Lead UX/UI Designer or UX Manager role.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like inclusive design, accessibility, user research methodologies, or specific design tools.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader business acumen by working closely with product, development, and business analysis teams, understanding the full product lifecycle.
• Mentorship: Develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the growth of the design practice.
• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of UX/UI design trends, technologies, and best practices within the financial services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers clear pathways for career advancement within design leadership, specialization, and broader organizational impact. The emphasis on mentorship and contributing to design practice maturity suggests a supportive environment for professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This means the role involves a blend of on-site collaboration and remote work, offering flexibility. The specific office is located at 81 Bay Street, Toronto, 18th Floor, a prominent business location.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Toronto-81 Bay, 18th Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada. This is a central business district location, likely with good access to public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant collaboration with cross-functional teams, suggesting an office environment that supports team interaction, brainstorming, and workshops.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma, Sketch, Invision) and potentially CIBC's internal design systems and collaboration platforms is expected.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with other designers, product managers, and development teams on-site, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely and collaborative sessions in the office.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (37.5 per week), with flexibility managed through the hybrid arrangement. This allows for balancing project deadlines and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. The office location in a major business hub suggests a professional and accessible work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely review your application and resume, assessing for basic qualifications and alignment with the role.
2. Hiring Manager/Team Interview: An interview with the Sr. Manager, User Experience and potentially other senior designers or product team members. This stage focuses on assessing your experience, design philosophy, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit.
3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key case studies, detailing your process, contributions, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical part of the evaluation.
4. Technical/Skills Assessment (Potential): You might be given a design challenge, a case study to analyze, or asked to elaborate on specific design principles or tools.
5. Final Round: This could involve interviews with higher-level management or key stakeholders to assess strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 diverse projects that best showcase your senior-level UX/UI skills, end-to-end process, and impact, especially those relevant to financial services or complex digital platforms.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, the solutions you designed, the rationale behind your decisions, and the measurable results or impact.
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you partnered with cross-functional teams (product, development, stakeholders) and managed relationships.
• Showcase Expertise: Demonstrate your mastery of user-centered design, inclusive design, WCAG standards, and your proficiency with tools like Figma.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction).
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your approach to mentorship, and your understanding of CIBC's client base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is given, ensure you fully grasp the problem statement, target audience, and constraints.
• Focus on Process: Even if you don't complete a full design, demonstrate your thought process, how you would approach the problem, and what questions you would ask.
• Prioritize: For time-bound challenges, focus on the most critical aspects of the design and user journey.
• Communicate Clearly: Articulate your approach, assumptions, and proposed solutions concisely and logically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's design expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges requires candidates to be well-prepared to demonstrate their practical application of UX/UI principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be a primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design, likely used for collaborative design workflows.
• Sketch: Another industry-standard tool, candidates should be proficient in its use for UI design and prototyping.
• Invision: Commonly used for prototyping, collaboration, and design handoffs, bridging design and development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Digital Analytics Platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics): While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for the designer, understanding how to interpret and leverage data from these platforms to inform design decisions is crucial.
• User Feedback Tools: Platforms for collecting and analyzing user feedback, surveys, and usability testing results.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX/UI role, as the focus is on the client-facing digital experience and internal frontline tools, rather than CRM administration. However, understanding how design impacts CRM usage or client engagement metrics could be beneficial.
• Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Likely to use tools such as Jira, Confluence, or similar platforms for agile project management, task tracking, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and Invision is explicitly stated as required. While direct CRM/automation experience isn't highlighted for this role, an understanding of how design impacts broader business metrics and user journeys, including those related to client engagement, is implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust: Fundamental to CIBC's operations, requiring reliability, integrity, and transparency in all design work and interactions.
• Teamwork: Emphasized through cross-functional collaboration, design workshops, and mentorship, fostering a collective approach to problem-solving and delivery.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of design deliverables, processes, and mentorship responsibilities, ensuring high standards and timely execution.
• Client Focus: A core value, driving the design team to prioritize client needs and deliver solutions that enhance their experience and provide value.
• Innovation: Encouraged through ideation sessions and staying abreast of design trends, aiming to create modern and effective digital experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with product management, development, content, and QA teams, requiring strong communication and a shared understanding of project goals.
• Participatory Design: Active involvement in design workshops and stakeholder interviews to gather input and build consensus.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Senior designers are expected to mentor junior team members and contribute to the collective growth of the design practice.
• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative development, feedback loops, and adaptability in project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: CIBC's stated values (Trust, Teamwork, Accountability) directly influence the expected behavior and work style of team members, including UX/UI designers. The emphasis on collaboration and client focus is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Designing cutting-edge digital experiences within the highly regulated financial services industry requires navigating compliance and security constraints.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (product, development, business, legal) are aligned on design decisions and priorities can be complex in a large organization.
• Maintaining Brand & Accessibility Standards: Consistently applying CIBC's brand guidelines and WCAG accessibility standards across multiple digital properties requires diligence and attention to detail.
• Adapting to Evolving Client Needs: The rapid pace of technological change and evolving client expectations necessitates continuous learning and adaptation of design strategies.
• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion while working in a hybrid model requires proactive communication and strong organizational skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas such as user research, interaction design, information architecture, or accessibility.
• Financial Services Domain Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of banking products, client needs, and regulatory requirements within the financial sector.
• Leadership and Mentorship Training: Developing skills in leading teams, mentoring junior designers, and influencing design strategy.
• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Access to professional development opportunities to stay current with design trends and best practices.
• Exposure to Enterprise-Scale Projects: Working on large-scale initiatives that impact a significant client base and organizational systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a large, regulated industry and a hybrid environment, offering significant opportunities for skill development and professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for leading a design thinking workshop with a multidisciplinary team. What are the key stages and how do you ensure buy-in?"
• "Walk us through a complex UX/UI project from your portfolio. What was the initial problem, your role, the design decisions you made, and the outcome?"
• "How do you ensure that your designs meet both user needs and business objectives, especially in a regulated industry like finance?"
• "Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a user-centered design choice that faced resistance from stakeholders. How did you handle it?"
• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Can you give an example of how you've helped someone grow their skills?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CIBC's digital strategy or its position in the financial services market?"
• "How do you see your role contributing to CIBC's 'relationship-oriented bank for the modern world' vision?"
• "Our values are Trust, Teamwork, and Accountability. How do you embody these values in your daily work as a designer?"
• "How do you approach collaboration in a hybrid work environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, typically starting with the problem, moving through your process (research, ideation, design, testing), and concluding with the results and your key learnings.
• Focus on "Your" Contribution: For team projects, clearly articulate your specific role, responsibilities, and contributions. Avoid vague statements.
• Visuals Matter: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Show the evolution of the design.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data to support the success of your projects. If direct metrics aren't available, articulate the intended business value or user benefit.
• Be Concise: Respect the allotted time. Practice your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly and covers the most critical points without rushing.
• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about specific design choices, user flows, or technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating senior-level design thinking, leadership potential, and a strong understanding of CIBC's context. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring careful preparation and strategic storytelling.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the CIBC careers portal via the provided link.
• Tailor your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly related to senior UX/UI design, Design Thinking, specific tools (Figma, Sketch), accessibility (WCAG), and cross-functional collaboration, aligning with the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that showcase end-to-end UX/UI process, leadership in design, and impact. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your skills in Figma, user-centered design, and inclusive design.
• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on storytelling, clarity of process, your specific contributions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design decisions.
• Research CIBC: Understand CIBC's mission, values, recent digital initiatives, and its position in the financial services industry to articulate your fit and interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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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