Junior Product Designer - (6 month Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer - (6 month Contract)

Company: Questrade Financial Group

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Contract

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the enhancement of the Questrade public website (.com) through visual and logical design.

• Collaborate with senior designers and cross-functional teams, including trading-platform product designers, to ensure design alignment with business and marketing objectives.

• Actively learn and integrate modern design trends and AI tools to optimize design workflows and accelerate iteration.

• Support user research initiatives to validate design assumptions and gather feedback for iterative improvements.

• Develop user-centered designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, ensuring a cohesive experience across the site.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on enhancing the public-facing website, requiring a blend of visual design aesthetics and logical flow for user interaction. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking design team that values efficiency and innovative workflow optimization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in creating clean, engaging, and brand-aligned visual designs for the Questrade public website.

• Develop intuitive and functional user interfaces by defining logical design flows and user journeys.

• Participate in user research activities, including usability testing and feedback sessions, to inform design decisions.

• Collaborate effectively with senior designers, product managers, and engineering teams to translate requirements into design solutions.

• Leverage UI-focused AI tools for tasks such as automated prototyping, asset generation, and exploring design variations.

• Ensure designs adhere to established brand guidelines and maintain a consistent user experience across all digital touchpoints.

• Support the creation of design documentation, including wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Continuously research and propose new design trends, tools, and technologies to enhance the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on collaboration and learning, typical for a junior role. The inclusion of AI tools points to a progressive approach to design operations, where efficiency and innovation are key drivers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific formal education is not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio demonstrating foundational design principles and practical application is paramount.

Experience: 1-3 years of UX/UI design experience, including internships, is required.

Required Skills:

• Solid foundation in UI and web design, encompassing both visual aesthetics and logical interaction design.

• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

• Experience designing for responsive web environments.

• Ability to conduct and interpret user research to validate design assumptions and gather feedback.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale clearly.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team environment.

• Eagerness to learn and apply AI tools to enhance design workflows and explore creative possibilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion design tools like Cinema 4D or After Effects for UI animations.

• A track record of contributing to live websites or shipping digital products.

• Familiarity with design systems and best practices for reusable components.

• Experience in the financial technology (Fintech) space or designing complex, data-heavy platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of required and preferred skills suggests that while core design competencies are essential, candidates with a proactive approach to modern tools (like AI) and specialized domain experience (Fintech) will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing strong design craft, demonstrating a deep understanding of UI principles and problem-solving capabilities through visual design.

• Examples of responsive web design projects that highlight adaptability across different screen sizes and devices.

• Case studies illustrating the design process from initial concept through to final implementation, detailing user research, design iterations, and problem-solving strategies.

• Projects that demonstrate logical design thinking, outlining user flows, wireframes, and interaction design for intuitive user experiences.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of iterative design processes, including how feedback informs design refinements.

• Showcase an ability to work within a structured design workflow, from concept generation to final asset delivery.

• Examples of how you have leveraged design tools to create efficient workflows, especially in relation to AI tool integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio is critical. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating the candidate's thought process, problem-solving skills, and potential for growth, rather than solely on the number of projects or years of experience. Highlighting AI tool usage in case studies will be a significant differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract position, the salary will likely be offered on an hourly or daily rate basis. Based on industry standards for a Junior Product Designer in Toronto, with 1-3 years of experience, an estimated hourly rate would range from CAD $30 to $50. This estimate considers the contract duration, the company's industry (financial services), and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Health & wellbeing resources and programs.

• Paid vacation, personal, and sick days for work-life balance.

• Competitive compensation package (contract rate).

• Potential for career growth and development opportunities within Questrade Financial Group.

• Exposure to innovative AI tools and modern design practices.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected within a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contract roles, benefits beyond statutory requirements are often limited. The primary "benefit" is the opportunity for skill development and potential future opportunities within the company. The salary estimate is based on research for similar contract roles in the Toronto market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Fintech. Questrade Financial Group is a diversified financial services organization that leverages technology to provide a range of services including investment, wealth management, mortgages, and real estate.

Company Size: Large (likely over 1000 employees, based on typical financial institutions). This size implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: Questrade was founded in 1999. This history suggests stability and a mature understanding of the financial market, combined with a drive for technological innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Product Designer will likely be part of a broader Design or Product team, reporting to a Senior Product Designer or Design Lead.

• Close collaboration is expected with other Product Designers, UX Researchers, Product Managers, and potentially Marketing and Trading Platform teams.

Methodology:

• Human-centric collaboration combined with AI-driven innovation.

• Emphasis on a user-centered design approach, validated through user research.

• Integration of AI tools to enhance design workflows and accelerate iteration.

• Focus on delivering unparalleled customer experiences through cutting-edge technology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, diversity, and the integration of AI. For a designer, this means an environment that encourages experimentation with new tools and methodologies, within the structured framework of a large financial institution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior Product Designer role, focused on gaining foundational experience and developing core design skills under mentorship. The role is designed for individuals with nascent design talent looking to grow within a professional setting.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will report to a Senior Product Designer or Design Manager, receiving guidance and feedback on design tasks and career development.

Operations Impact: While not directly in "revenue operations" or "sales operations," this role impacts the company's public-facing image and user acquisition through the .com experience. Effective design contributes to user engagement, trust, and conversion rates, indirectly supporting revenue goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop advanced proficiency in core design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and gain practical experience with AI-driven design tools.

• Domain Expertise: Acquire specialized knowledge in Fintech design, understanding the nuances of complex financial platforms and data presentation.

• Mentorship: Receive direct guidance from experienced senior designers, learning best practices in UX/UI, user research, and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Development: Build a strong portfolio with real-world project contributions that can lead to future full-time or more senior contract roles.

• Exposure to AI: Gain hands-on experience with AI's application in design, a valuable and increasingly sought-after skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, growth is primarily focused on skill acquisition and portfolio building. The company's emphasis on AI presents a unique opportunity for a junior designer to gain exposure to cutting-edge technology that can significantly boost their future career prospects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. The role requires at least 3 days per week in the office.

Office Location(s): Toronto, ON. Specific office details are not provided but can be assumed to be a modern, professional workspace conducive to collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for spontaneous discussions, team meetings, and cross-functional interactions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and potentially AI-powered design tools. A professional IT infrastructure supporting these tools is expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with senior designers, product managers, and other stakeholders in person, facilitating knowledge transfer and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: A standard work schedule is expected, likely aligning with typical business hours in Toronto (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM EST), totaling approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in managing personal time alongside work commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect, balancing the benefits of remote work with the advantages of in-office collaboration for a design role. Candidates should be prepared for structured office days and understand the importance of in-person teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief review of the resume and portfolio for basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A more in-depth review of the portfolio, potentially followed by a design challenge (e.g., a short task to assess design thinking, UI skills, and problem-solving abilities). This may be conducted live or as a take-home assignment.

• Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Interviews with senior designers, design leads, and possibly product managers to assess technical skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit. Discussion will focus on portfolio projects and approaches to design problems.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or department head to discuss the contract details and finalize the selection.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills for this specific role.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (including research and iterations), the solutions you proposed, and the outcomes (if measurable).

• Highlight UI & Logic: Ensure your portfolio showcases both your visual design abilities and your understanding of user flows and interaction logic.

• Showcase AI Integration: If possible, include examples of how you've used or experimented with AI tools in your design process. This is a key differentiator for this role.

• Demonstrate Responsiveness: Include examples of designs that adapt to different screen sizes.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Make it easy for reviewers to understand your contributions and design thinking.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, pay close attention to the brief and the specific problem being asked.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thought process, not just the final visual output. Explain your decisions and reasoning.

• Time Management: Be mindful of any time constraints for the challenge.

• AI Tool Awareness: Think about how AI tools could potentially assist in solving the challenge problem or in your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should meticulously prepare it to highlight relevant skills, especially their experience with modern design tools and any exposure to AI. The interview process will likely be a deep dive into these portfolio pieces.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (proficiency in at least one is required).

• AI-Driven Design Tools: Candidates are expected to be curious and willing to learn/integrate tools like AI for automated prototyping, asset generation, and workflow acceleration. Specific AI tool names are not provided, indicating a need for adaptability.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the designer's core tasks, but understanding how designs integrate into web platforms and potentially CRM systems (for lead generation on .com) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on industry-standard design software. The explicit mention of AI tools suggests that familiarity or a proactive attitude towards learning AI-assisted design processes will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore and integrate new technologies, particularly AI, to enhance design processes and outcomes.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional communication, and shared problem-solving.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving user needs through thoughtful and effective design.

• Continuous Learning: An expectation that team members stay current with design trends, tools, and best practices.

• Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid Teamwork: Balancing in-person collaboration with remote communication tools.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with various departments (Product, Marketing, Trading Platform Design) to ensure cohesive product development.

• Feedback-Oriented: An open culture for constructive feedback to drive design improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, tools, and techniques within the design team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values innovation, particularly through AI, and emphasizes collaborative, user-focused design. A junior designer who is eager to learn, contribute to a team, and embrace new technologies will fit well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing AI Integration with Design Craft: Learning to effectively leverage AI tools without compromising creative integrity or the core principles of good design.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring designs meet the diverse needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including those from different product areas (e.g., trading platforms).

• Fast-Paced Contract Environment: Adapting quickly to project requirements and delivering high-quality work within a defined contract period.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding internal processes and communication channels within a larger financial institution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Tool Proficiency: Gaining practical experience and potentially becoming proficient in using AI tools to augment the design process.

• Fintech Design Acumen: Developing a deeper understanding of the unique design challenges and opportunities within the financial technology sector.

• Mentorship and Skill Refinement: Working closely with senior designers to hone visual design, UI/UX principles, and prototyping skills.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Contributing to tangible projects that will significantly bolster a junior designer's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, particularly in the areas of AI integration and specialized domain knowledge, which are significant assets for a junior designer's career trajectory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a design project from your portfolio where you had to balance visual appeal with functional requirements. What was your process?" (Focus on your thought process, user-centricity, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach user research, and how has user feedback influenced your designs in the past?" (Highlight your understanding of user validation and iterative design.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Questrade Financial Group and our approach to integrating AI in design?" (Research QFG's mission, values, and recent tech initiatives.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with team members, especially senior designers or those from different departments?" (Emphasize your teamwork, communication, and openness to feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process, the solutions, and any outcomes.

• Highlight AI Usage: If you've used AI tools, explain how and why, showcasing the benefits to your workflow or the design itself.

• Showcase Both Visual and Logical Design: Ensure you can articulate both the aesthetic choices and the functional reasoning behind your designs.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

• Enthusiasm and Curiosity: Convey your excitement for design and your eagerness to learn and contribute.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also a proactive attitude towards learning, collaboration, and the integration of new technologies like AI. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your UX/UI design experience, relevant projects (especially web design and responsive design), and any exposure to AI tools or financial technology.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Designer," "UI Design," "Web Design," "Figma," "Responsive Web Design," and "AI tools" to ensure your application is well-received by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human reviewers.

• Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Prepare to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio during an interview, clearly explaining your process, contributions, and design rationale, with a specific focus on how you might integrate AI.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Questrade Financial Group's services, brand, and their stated commitment to AI-driven innovation to demonstrate genuine interest and 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.