Staff Product Designer - C2C

eBay
Full_timeToronto, Canada

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Product Designer - C2C Company: eBay Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Date Posted: 2025-08-29 Experience Level: Staff / Senior (8+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role focuses on shaping the customer experience for eBay's C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer) sellers, impacting global onboarding, listing, transaction, and fulfillment processes.
  • It involves leading design thinking, product discovery, and creating innovative, intuitive solutions for a large-scale marketplace.
  • The position requires strong collaboration and mentorship with product and engineering partners, as well as other product designers.
  • The Staff Product Designer will connect buyer and seller experiences to ensure scalable, transparent, and efficient marketplace operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "C2C" designation indicates a focus on peer-to-peer transactions, which often involves unique design challenges related to trust, security, and user-generated content compared to B2C or B2B models. The Staff level implies a leadership and strategic contribution beyond individual design tasks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop end-to-end user-centered designs for key features, including how pricing information is presented across buyer and seller interfaces.
  • Create conceptual diagrams, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes to visualize and test design solutions.
  • Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and content designers to co-create scalable and user-centric experiences.
  • Ensure designs balance user needs with critical business objectives for the C2C marketplace.
  • Leverage and contribute to eBay's established design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design execution.
  • Communicate design concepts, strategies, and rationale effectively to cross-functional teams, design leadership, and executives.
  • Conduct and leverage design research, including competitive analysis and user interviews, to inform design decisions and identify insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "connecting the dots across buyer and seller experiences" suggests a need for a holistic understanding of the marketplace ecosystem, rather than focusing solely on one side. This requires strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex user journeys.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Staff level role. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education. Experience: 8+ years of experience in product design or UX, with a proven track record of designing and shipping complex digital products, preferably within marketplace or e-commerce environments.

Required Skills:

  • Deep understanding and practical application of the user-centered design process.
  • Expertise in design research methodologies, including competitive analysis, qualitative interviews, and leveraging quantitative metrics for decision-making.
  • Specialist proficiency in Figma for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes across mobile, tablet, and desktop platforms.
  • Experience designing for buyer/seller marketplaces, understanding the unique dynamics of these ecosystems.
  • Strong collaboration skills, with a history of partnering effectively with product, engineering, and content design teams.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills for presenting design work and driving strategic direction.
  • Ability to partner effectively with Content Design to integrate copy into compelling user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience mentoring junior designers or leading design initiatives within cross-functional teams.
  • Familiarity with A/B testing and data analysis to iterate on designs and measure impact.
  • Experience contributing to or extending a design system.
  • A portfolio showcasing a range of successful product design projects, particularly those involving complex user flows and marketplace dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of experience at a "Staff" level suggests that candidates should demonstrate not only strong design craft but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to influence product direction and mentor other designers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase end-to-end design process for complex projects, from discovery and research to final implementation.
  • Include case studies demonstrating how user needs were identified and translated into intuitive, scalable solutions.
  • Highlight contributions to design systems or style guides, showing an understanding of consistency and component-based design.
  • Present examples of prototyping and user testing, illustrating how feedback was incorporated to refine designs.
  • Demonstrate the ability to balance user experience with business objectives and technical constraints.

Process Documentation:

  • Case studies should clearly articulate the problem statement, user research findings, design process, and final outcomes with measurable results.
  • Emphasize how user feedback and data were leveraged to drive design decisions and iterations.
  • Showcase the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, detailing communication and partnership strategies.
  • Include examples of how designs were implemented at scale and any post-launch analysis or optimizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff Product Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only demonstrate design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to lead and influence within a product team. Expect to discuss your process in detail and articulate the "why" behind your design choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Staff Product Designer in Toronto, Canada, with 8+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically CAD $130,000 - $180,000+. This range can vary based on specific skills, the depth of experience, and the candidate's negotiation.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Retirement savings plans (e.g., RRSP matching).
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
  • Parental leave policies.
  • Employee stock purchase plans or other equity opportunities.
  • Professional development and learning opportunities.
  • Employee discounts on eBay purchases.
  • Potential for flexible work arrangements or hybrid work models, though this specific role is listed as on-site.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, depending on team needs and manager approval. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior/staff product design roles in major Canadian tech hubs like Toronto, considering eBay's standing as a large, established tech company. Benefits are standard for a company of eBay's size and scope.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce / Online Marketplace. eBay operates in a highly competitive global market, emphasizing innovation, customer focus, and adaptability to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements. Company Size: Large enterprise (eBay is a global company with thousands of employees). This means access to extensive resources, established processes, and a wide range of career opportunities, but also potentially more layers of management and decision-making. Founded: 1995. eBay has a long history, giving it deep market knowledge and a strong brand presence, but it also needs to continually innovate to stay relevant.

Team Structure:

  • The role is within eBay's core design team, specifically the C2C design team.
  • You will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead Designer who oversees the C2C product area.
  • Collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Engineering teams (Frontend, Backend), User Researchers, Content Designers, and potentially Data Analysts and Marketing teams.
  • The team likely operates in an agile environment, with cross-functional squads focused on specific product initiatives.

Methodology:

  • User research and data analysis are central to informing design decisions.
  • Rapid iteration and A/B testing are common practices to optimize user experiences.
  • Design thinking principles are likely applied throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • The use of a Design System promotes consistency and efficiency in creating scalable solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established e-commerce platform, eBay likely fosters a culture that balances innovation with operational efficiency. The C2C segment specifically requires a deep understanding of community dynamics and trust-building mechanisms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Product Designer. This is a senior individual contributor role, often considered a leadership position within the design function. It implies a significant level of autonomy, expertise, and influence on product strategy and team direction. Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Lead or Manager within the C2C product domain. Will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads for specific product initiatives. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on eBay's core marketplace functionality by improving the experience for millions of C2C sellers. Successful designs can lead to increased seller engagement, transaction volume, and overall platform health, directly contributing to eBay's revenue and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership: Transition into a Design Lead or Managerial role, overseeing a team of designers.
  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of the C2C marketplace, such as seller onboarding, payments, or fulfillment.
  • Cross-functional Mobility: Move into related roles like Product Management or UX Research, leveraging design expertise.
  • Platform Influence: Contribute to the evolution of eBay's global design system and design standards.
  • Mentorship: Guide and mentor more junior designers, fostering talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title signifies a high level of contribution. Growth from this position typically involves moving into more strategic, leadership, or highly specialized individual contributor roles, requiring demonstrated impact and influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based in eBay's Toronto office. Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific office details would be provided by HR or upon offer.

Workspace Context:

  • Expect a collaborative office environment with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas designed for team interaction.
  • Access to standard office technology, including design software, high-speed internet, and presentation tools.
  • Opportunities for informal and formal collaboration with colleagues within the design team and across other departments.
  • The office environment will likely reflect eBay's company culture, potentially incorporating elements of innovation, community, and customer focus.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours in the Toronto timezone (America/Toronto). While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team needs and manager approval. Occasional participation in global meetings might require adjusting schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for design-thinking workshops, brainstorming sessions, and fostering strong team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
  • Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Presentation of your portfolio, followed by a design exercise or case study discussion. This typically involves a deep dive into your past projects, design process, and problem-solving approach. You may be asked to critique existing designs or propose solutions to hypothetical problems.
  • Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and other Designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and how you integrate into a team.
  • Executive/Leadership Interview: Discussion with senior design or product leaders to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Wisely: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (marketplace experience, complex user flows, end-to-end process).
  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact (quantifiable if possible).
  • Show Your Process: Detail your research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing methodologies. Explain the why behind your decisions.
  • Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional partners and incorporated their feedback.
  • Prepare Talking Points: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy and how it aligns with eBay's customer-centric approach.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the C2C Context: Research eBay's C2C marketplace, common user pain points, and competitive landscape.
  • Practice Design Exercises: Familiarize yourself with common UX challenges, such as redesigning a feature, creating a new user flow, or solving a specific usability problem.
  • Focus on Process: Even if you don't have a lot of time, demonstrating a structured problem-solving process is key.
  • Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your work clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff role, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your strategic thinking, your ability to mentor, and your capacity to influence product roadmaps. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and how you manage ambiguity.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.
  • Prototyping Tools: In addition to Figma's capabilities, experience with tools like InVision or Principle might be beneficial for more advanced interactions.
  • Design Systems: Familiarity with using and contributing to design systems (e.g., component libraries, style guides) is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Analysis Tools: While not a primary design tool, understanding how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker) is crucial for data-informed design.
  • User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for surveys, usability testing, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback.io).

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to the core design role, but understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) might inform user segmentation or how automation impacts user journeys could be helpful context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is explicitly stated as a requirement. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their mastery of its features, including advanced prototyping and collaboration functionalities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Customer Obsession: A core value at eBay, emphasizing a deep understanding and focus on user needs and satisfaction.
  • Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
  • Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve problems and improve the platform.
  • Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all dealings.
  • Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and welcoming environment where all voices are heard.

Collaboration Style:

  • Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers and engineers from concept to launch.
  • Regular design critiques and feedback sessions are likely part of the process to ensure high-quality design output.
  • Open communication and a willingness to share work-in-progress are encouraged to facilitate rapid iteration and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "connecting the dots across buyer and seller experiences" suggests a culture that values holistic thinking and cross-functional alignment, moving beyond siloed optimizations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Scaling Design: Ensuring designs are scalable and performant across a massive global marketplace with diverse user segments.
  • Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the needs of various stakeholders, including buyers, sellers, internal business units, and legal/compliance teams.
  • Evolving Marketplace Dynamics: Staying ahead of trends in e-commerce and C2C marketplaces to keep eBay competitive.
  • Design System Evolution: Contributing to and maintaining a robust design system that supports rapid development while ensuring brand consistency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Access to internal training programs, workshops, and online learning resources for skill enhancement.
  • Opportunities to attend industry conferences and events (e.g., UX conferences, e-commerce summits).
  • Mentorship from senior design leaders within eBay.
  • Potential for involvement in internal design communities of practice to share knowledge and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large tech companies, requiring strong problem-solving skills and resilience. Growth opportunities are geared towards leadership and deepening expertise within the design function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to influence a product roadmap or strategy using design insights. What was the outcome?" (Focus on data, user research, and persuasive communication).
  • "How do you approach designing for a marketplace where the needs of buyers and sellers can sometimes conflict?" (Highlight your ability to find balanced solutions and consider the ecosystem).
  • "Walk us through a complex design project from your portfolio. What were the key decisions you made and why?" (Be ready to dive deep into your process, rationale, and problem-solving).
  • "How do you stay current with design trends and best practices, especially in the e-commerce or marketplace space?" (Showcase continuous learning and industry awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you admire about eBay's platform or its approach to customer experience?" (Research eBay, its mission, and its C2C offerings).
  • "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs, particularly from engineers or product managers?" (Demonstrate openness to collaboration and iteration).
  • "Describe a situation where you had to advocate for the user when business priorities were pushing in a different direction." (Showcase your user advocacy and negotiation skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Start with a high-level overview of eBay and the C2C team's goals. Then, present 2-3 detailed case studies. For each case study: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.
  • Visuals: Ensure your visuals are clean, professional, and clearly illustrate your design thinking. Use mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams effectively.
  • Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives, highlighting the challenges and how you overcame them. Focus on the impact of your work.
  • Quantify: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced error rates, improved user satisfaction).
  • Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you would approach future challenges at eBay.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Staff Designer, expect questions that assess your strategic thinking, leadership potential, and ability to mentor. Be prepared to discuss your long-term vision for user experience within the C2C domain at eBay.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided eBay Careers link.
  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating marketplace experience, complex user flows, and a strong end-to-end design process. Tailor your case study selection to highlight relevance to eBay's C2C business.
  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 8+ years of experience, focusing on achievements and impact in product design and UX. Use keywords from the job description, such as "user-centered design," "Figma," "design research," and "marketplaces."
  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling and articulating your design process. Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and how you'd contribute to eBay's design system and C2C strategy.
  • Company Research: Thoroughly research eBay's current platform, its competitors, and the specific challenges and opportunities within the C2C e-commerce space. Understand eBay's mission and values to articulate your cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

The role requires 8+ years of experience in product design or UX, with a strong understanding of the user-centered design process. Experience in design research and proficiency in prototyping with Figma for multiple devices is essential.