UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer Company: Sagen Location: Oakville, Ontario, Canada Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Date Posted: November 13, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing the user experience of Sagen's software applications through innovative and user-centric design.
• The UX Designer will collaborate with IT Operations and the User Experience team to translate complex user needs into intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.
• Key responsibilities include directing the visual appearance and functionality of new features, conducting usability testing, and advocating for the user throughout the development lifecycle.
• This position requires a blend of analytical thinking, creative design skills, and a strong understanding of user research methodologies to drive product excellence and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "UX Designer" and the description of responsibilities, particularly "visual appearance and functionality of all new features and enhancements on our software applications" and "designing elegant solutions to complex workflows," clearly place this role within the Product Design or User Experience (UX) discipline, rather than traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations. The focus is on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles for internal or external software products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide highly analytical and creative ideas to direct the visual appearance and functionality of all new features and enhancements on Sagen's software applications.
• Collaborate with the Manager, User Experience to initiate and spearhead major UI re-factorings for a more intuitive and seamless user experience.
• Support the Manager, User Experience in designing elegant and effective solutions for complex user workflows, aiming for designs that are memorable and impactful.
• Act as the primary user advocate during the development process, subjecting early-stage designs to rigorous usability testing or expert review.
• Offer implementation suggestions from a user-centered perspective to ensure the final product meets user needs and expectations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert ("go-to" person) with in-depth knowledge of user interface best practices and established design standards.
• Utilize research-related services, theories, and methods to support design recommendations and validate user-centered approaches.
• Develop comprehensive wireframes, interactive prototypes, detailed behavioral specifications, and user personas to guide development.
• Design with accessibility as a core principle, ensuring all products are inclusive and usable by individuals of all abilities, adhering to WCAG standards where applicable.
• Support the organization through significant UX changes, facilitating smooth transitions and user adoption.
• Conduct research on interaction design and emerging technology trends to ensure optimal user and customer experiences across Sagen's core platforms.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the UX team and broader IT Operations initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are standard for a UX Designer role. They emphasize user advocacy, design execution (wireframing, prototyping), and collaboration with product management and development teams. The mention of "software applications" and "complex workflows" suggests a focus on business applications, potentially internal tools or customer-facing platforms, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary education in Design, Engineering, Business, or Information Technology, with a strong emphasis on user experience.
• Preference for postgraduate degrees in relevant fields, indicating a need for advanced theoretical understanding and practical application in UX.

Experience:

• Mid-level experience, typically 2-5 years, in UX design, product design, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in designing data-rich interfaces, dashboards, or systems that incorporate automation or intelligent suggestions.
• Understanding of common software project management methodologies and software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices.

Required Skills:

• Strong conceptualization ability and excellent visual communication skills, including sketching and sketchbook techniques.
• Exceptional design skills with a high production value and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in core design techniques such as wireframing, task analysis, sketching, and prototyping.
• Working knowledge of leading UX design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma and Adobe XD.
• Experience with industry-standard design software including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Expertise in various user research techniques, including personas, qualitative methods (usability testing, in-depth interviews), and quantitative methods (A/B testing, statistical analysis).
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated aptitude for analytical thinking, effective problem-solving, and robust planning and organization.
• Commitment to designing with accessibility in mind, ensuring inclusivity and usability for all users.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing complex workflows and intuitive user interfaces for business applications.
• Familiarity with data visualization best practices for dashboard design.
• Knowledge of interaction design principles and current technology trends relevant to user experience.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating adaptability and effective remote collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly outline a UX Designer role. The emphasis on specific tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, along with research methodologies (usability testing, A/B testing), and core design skills (wireframing, prototyping, sketching) are standard for this profession. The mention of "data-rich interfaces, dashboards, or systems that incorporate automation or intelligent suggestions" suggests a potential for designing operational or analytical tools, which could have some overlap with operations-focused roles, but the primary function remains UX design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving capabilities.
• Projects should highlight the candidate's ability to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.
• Demonstration of the full design process, from initial research and ideation through wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final visual design.
• Examples of designing complex workflows and data-rich interfaces, showcasing the ability to manage intricate information architecture and user journeys.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating wireframes, prototypes, behavioral specifications, and user personas as core deliverables.
• Documentation of usability testing sessions, including research methodologies, participant feedback, and iterative design improvements based on findings.
• Clear articulation of the design rationale behind key decisions, supported by research data and user insights.
• Demonstration of designing for accessibility, with examples of how inclusive design principles were integrated into projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role, a portfolio is paramount. The requirements focus on showcasing the design process, user research integration, and the ability to create functional and accessible interfaces. Unlike operations roles that might require process documentation for workflows or system implementations, a UX portfolio centers on design artifacts, user research findings, and the impact of those designs on user experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Oakville, Ontario area, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $70,000 - $95,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Greater Toronto Area and the demand for skilled UX professionals.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical and dental benefits package.
• Company-funded pension plan, providing long-term financial security.
• Matching RRSP, TFSA, and/or Non-registered Savings Plans to support diverse savings goals.
• "Work from anywhere" days, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Annual performance bonus, recognizing individual and company success.
• An inclusive work environment that fosters a sense of belonging.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid work model: Employees are expected to work from the Oakville office for a portion of the week (estimated 2-3 days), with flexibility for remote work from a home office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for a UX Designer in a major Canadian metropolitan area. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are typical for mid-career professionals in Canada.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Mortgage Insurance Company Size: Approximately 250-500 employees (estimated based on typical organizations offering comprehensive benefits and pension plans, and the need for specialized roles like UX Design).

Founded: Sagen has been a leader in private mortgage insurance for over 30 years.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of the UX team, which operates within the broader IT Operations department, reporting to the VP, IT Operations.
• This structure suggests a collaborative environment where design functions are integrated with technology and operational strategy.
• The role will involve close collaboration with the Manager, User Experience and likely cross-functional teams including product managers, developers, and potentially business stakeholders in areas like underwriting or sales.

Methodology:

• Sagen emphasizes a collaborative culture that encourages authenticity and curiosity, driving excellence.
• The IT Operations department, including UX, is focused on driving business success through contemporary user-centric designs and meaningful experiences.
• Design processes will likely follow industry best practices, incorporating user research, iterative design, and usability testing to inform product development.
• There's an emphasis on leveraging "superior customer service, thought leadership, and industry knowledge" as core company values, which should translate into user experience design.

Company Website: https://sagen.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights Sagen's focus on making homeownership accessible and their role as a trusted partner in the Canadian mortgage market. The culture is described as collaborative and focused on excellence, authenticity, and curiosity. The IT Operations context for the UX Designer role implies that design efforts are tied to business objectives and operational efficiency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a mid-level UX Designer position, requiring 2-5 years of experience. The role involves significant individual contribution and collaboration, with opportunities to influence design direction under the guidance of the Manager, User Experience. The scope includes directing visual appearance and functionality, acting as a user advocate, and implementing best practices.

Reporting Structure:

• The UX Designer reports directly to the VP, IT Operations. This reporting line indicates a strategic importance placed on UX within the IT function and potentially direct visibility to senior leadership. The role also works closely with the Manager, User Experience, suggesting a dual reporting or strong peer relationship dynamic for day-to-day guidance.

UX Impact:

• The UX Designer's impact is measured by the enhancement of user experience across software applications, leading to increased user satisfaction, improved operational efficiency for internal users, and potentially better customer engagement for external-facing platforms. By designing intuitive and accessible interfaces, this role directly contributes to Sagen's mission of making homeownership more accessible and maintaining its reputation as a trusted partner.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized UX areas such as interaction design, user research methodologies, accessibility standards, or data visualization through project work and potential training.
• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior UX Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more significantly to UX strategy.
• Managerial Path: With further experience and demonstrated leadership, potential to move into a UX Management role, overseeing a team and shaping the overall UX vision for Sagen.
• Cross-Functional Development: Opportunities to collaborate with product management, engineering, and business units, broadening understanding of the mortgage insurance industry and technology development lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a UX Designer typically involves progressing from Junior to Mid-level, then to Senior Designer, and potentially into Lead or Managerial roles. The reporting structure to the VP, IT Operations suggests that UX is seen as a critical component of the company's technology strategy and business operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model Office Location(s): Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• The role is based in Oakville, offering a hybrid work arrangement that combines in-office collaboration with remote flexibility ("work from anywhere days"). This suggests a modern workplace that balances the benefits of in-person interaction for brainstorming and team building with the autonomy of remote work.
• The office environment likely supports collaboration, with shared workspaces and meeting rooms conducive to design reviews and team discussions.
• Access to standard office technology and software infrastructure will be provided, supporting the design and development processes.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. The "work from anywhere days" indicate a trust-based approach to managing work time and location, enabling employees to optimize their productivity and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, indicating a company that embraces modern work practices. The "work from anywhere days" suggest a high degree of autonomy and trust for employees, which is attractive to many professionals. The Oakville location places it within the Greater Toronto Area, a hub for various industries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess qualifications and design capabilities against job requirements.
• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and specific project contributions. This may include a deep dive into case studies.
• Design Challenge/Exercise: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home design exercise or participate in an on-site/virtual design challenge to assess their practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to a given scenario.
• Behavioral & Team Fit Interview: Interviews with the hiring manager (VP, IT Operations), Manager, User Experience, and potentially other team members to evaluate communication skills, collaboration style, cultural fit, and alignment with Sagen's values.
• Final Interview: Potentially with more senior leadership to confirm suitability and discuss overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 strong projects that best represent your skills and experience, aligning with the job description (e.g., complex workflows, data-rich interfaces, accessibility focus).
• 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 of your design (quantify where possible).
• Showcase Your Process: Detail your research methods, ideation techniques, wireframing, prototyping, and testing strategies. Explain why you made certain design decisions.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly demonstrate your proficiency in tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and your understanding of accessibility and user research.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand the requirements of any design challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, design, and presentation.
• Focus on Process: Even if you can't complete a full design, demonstrate your thought process and how you would approach problem-solving.
• Presentation Skills: Be ready to clearly articulate your solution, design rationale, and any assumptions made during the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a UX Designer typically involves a strong emphasis on portfolio review and practical design assessments. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their work in detail and demonstrate their design thinking and problem-solving abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe XD (essential).
• Graphic Design: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign.
• Wireframing & Sketching: Tools like Balsamiq, Sketch, or even pen and paper for initial ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how to interpret user analytics and performance data from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude would be beneficial for informing design decisions.
• Familiarity with A/B testing platforms is also advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools might be helpful for context, especially if designing internal tools that interact with these systems.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Tools such as Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for project tracking and team collaboration.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX/UI design tools like Figma and Adobe XD is critical. The mention of "data-rich interfaces" and "A/B testing" suggests that understanding data analytics and performance metrics is also valuable for this role, even if primary responsibility lies with designers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs, ensuring that all designs are intuitive, accessible, and provide value.
• Excellence & Curiosity: A drive to pursue high-quality design outcomes, coupled with a willingness to explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to problem-solving.
• Collaboration & Authenticity: Open communication and teamwork are highly valued, encouraging team members to be genuine and contribute diverse perspectives.
• Data-Driven Design: Using research, analytics, and testing results to inform design decisions and measure their impact, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A dedication to creating products that are usable and welcoming to everyone, regardless of ability or background.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires strong collaboration with the Manager, User Experience, IT Operations, and cross-functional teams (product, development).
• Expect an environment that encourages open communication, feedback exchange, and iterative design processes.
• Team members are expected to be independent and self-directed while also being adept at team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sagen's stated values of authenticity, curiosity, and excellence, combined with a collaborative culture, suggest a supportive yet high-performing work environment. The emphasis on user advocacy and inclusivity is key for a UX role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating diverse user requirements and business objectives into cohesive and effective designs.
• Designing for Complex Workflows: Simplifying intricate processes into intuitive user interfaces, especially within the financial services industry.
• Driving UX Adoption: Championing user-centered design principles and ensuring their implementation across development cycles, potentially navigating resistance to change.
• Staying Current with Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to new UX methodologies, tools, and technology trends in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Optimizing collaboration and communication effectiveness within a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or courses in areas like advanced interaction design, user research, accessibility, or specific design software.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend UX and design conferences to gain insights into emerging trends and network with peers.
• Mentorship: Guidance from the Manager, User Experience, and senior team members to foster professional growth and skill development.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about different facets of the mortgage insurance business, providing context for design decisions and potential career diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing and preparing for potential challenges like balancing competing priorities and driving adoption of UX best practices is crucial. The growth opportunities highlight a commitment to employee development within the UX field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex workflow you designed and how you simplified it for users. What was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, process, and impact.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints in your designs?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and negotiation skills.)
• "Walk me through a challenging UX project from your portfolio. What was your role, what approach did you take, and what did you learn?" (Showcase your design process and self-awareness.)
• "How do you incorporate accessibility principles into your design process?" (Highlight your commitment to inclusive design.)
• "How do you collaborate with developers and product managers? Describe a time you had a disagreement and how you resolved it." (Assess teamwork and communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sagen and our mission to make homeownership more accessible?" (Show research and alignment with company values.)
• "How do you see yourself contributing to our collaborative and curious culture?" (Address cultural fit.)
• "What are your thoughts on our current digital presence or product offerings from a UX perspective?" (Demonstrate critical thinking and initiative.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (problem/goal), Your Role, Process (research, ideation, design, testing), Solution (key screens/features), and Impact/Outcome (metrics, lessons learned).
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your work. Ensure prototypes are interactive if possible.
• Narrative: Tell a compelling story around each project. Explain why you made certain decisions, not just what you did.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects.
• Engagement: Be prepared for questions and engage in a dialogue about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your design process, showcasing your problem-solving skills with specific examples from your portfolio, and demonstrating how you align with Sagen's culture and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating complex workflow design, data-rich interfaces, and accessibility considerations, aligning with Sagen's business context.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency with key UX tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Adobe Creative Suite) and research methodologies (usability testing, A/B testing). Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a clear narrative, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to collaboration and design challenges.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sagen’s mission, values, and its role in the Canadian mortgage market. Understand their focus on customer accessibility and partnership, and consider how UX design contributes to these goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding compensation, specific benefits, and interview processes, should be verified directly with Sagen through their official application channels.