Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Rakuten Rewards

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design strategy and execution for Rakuten's Vertical Squad, focusing on innovative Cash Back earning opportunities beyond traditional e-commerce.

• Define and champion a compelling design vision for new product surfaces including gift card redemption, dining, and in-store shopping experiences.

• Translate complex operational requirements and third-party integrations into intuitive, rewarding user experiences for millions of members.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, researchers, UX writers, and engineers to de-risk solutions through research and experimentation.

• Actively contribute to and elevate the broader design team's culture through critiques, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designated as a "Lead" Product Designer, indicating significant responsibility for design direction, problem framing, and influencing squad strategy. The focus on "Vertical Squad" and specific product areas (gift cards, dining, in-store) suggests a need for a designer adept at expanding core offerings into new contexts and integrating with external systems, requiring strong systems thinking and the ability to manage complexity. The emphasis on AI tools suggests a forward-thinking design team looking for early adopters and innovators.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete design lifecycle for the Vertical Squad's product portfolio, from initial problem definition and user research through to shipped product and iteration.

• Develop and articulate a clear, inspiring design vision for the squad's focus areas, aligning stakeholders on the strategic direction and user impact.

• Proactively identify and frame design challenges, ensuring that user needs and business objectives are clearly understood before UI design begins.

• Apply strong systems thinking to ensure new experiences seamlessly integrate with Rakuten's core shopping platform and established design patterns for a cohesive member journey.

• Partner with the embedded UX researcher or conduct user research independently to validate design concepts, identify user friction points, and de-risk development efforts.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Product Management and Engineering partners, contributing to product strategy and ensuring design integrity throughout the development process.

• Actively participate in design critiques, share insights and learnings across the design team, and contribute to raising the overall quality and craft of design work.

• Experiment with and integrate AI tools into the design process for tasks such as research synthesis, rapid prototyping, ideation, and enhancing creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "problem framing," "squad vision," and "systems thinking" points to a need for a designer who can think holistically and influence product direction, not just execute visual designs. The requirement to partner with research and drive research independently suggests a need for strong user-centric methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, Computer Science, or a related field, OR equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 6+ years of professional product design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to working with complex systems and integrating diverse user experiences.

• Demonstrated experience in owning end-to-end design processes for digital products. Required Skills:

• Product Design Expertise: Proven ability to design end-to-end product experiences, from conceptualization to launch and iteration.

• Systems Thinking: Aptitude for understanding and designing within complex, interconnected product ecosystems.

• User Research & Validation: Experience partnering with researchers or conducting user research to inform design decisions and validate solutions.

• Prototyping & Design Tools: High proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma.

• Visual & Interaction Design: Strong aesthetic sensibility and a deep understanding of interaction design principles to create engaging and intuitive interfaces.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in e-commerce, online marketplaces, or other large-scale consumer-facing digital products.

• Active and innovative use of AI tools within a design workflow, including potential experience with AI coding tools for rapid prototyping.

• A track record of positively influencing design quality and fostering design culture beyond your immediate team, through mentorship, critiques, or team initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "6+ years" requirement, coupled with the "Lead" title, suggests a mid-to-senior level role. The emphasis on "complex systems" and "end-to-end design ownership" are critical for operations-minded candidates who can manage intricate workflows and multiple touchpoints. Proficiency in Figma is a baseline, with AI tool usage being a differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects that clearly demonstrate your design process, rationale behind key decisions, and measurable outcomes achieved.

• Case studies that illustrate your approach to problem framing, user research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration for complex systems.

• Examples of how you've translated operational complexity or integrated with third-party systems into simple, rewarding user experiences.

• Evidence of your ability to define and communicate a design vision for product areas.

• Demonstrations of how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams (PM, Engineering, Research) to bring products to life. Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you document and communicate your design process, including research findings, user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Include examples of how you've used data, experimentation, or user feedback to iterate and improve designs post-launch.

• Highlight your experience with system design, ensuring consistency and integration across different product surfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to walk through 2-3 in-depth case studies that highlight strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, and tangible results. Demonstrating the ability to manage multiple, distinct product surfaces (gift cards, dining, in-store) within a portfolio is crucial. Highlighting experience with integrations and operational complexity is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on market research for Lead Product Designer roles in Toronto, Canada, with 6+ years of experience in tech/e-commerce, the estimated base salary range is CAD $120,000 - $170,000 annually. This range can be influenced by the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the final scope of responsibilities. A discretionary bonus is also expected. Benefits:

• Eligibility for stock options, providing potential for equity growth.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Vision insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• RRSP matching program to support retirement savings.

• Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to support community engagement.

• Other employee benefits as the company implements. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available, but the role is on-site, requiring consistent presence in the Toronto office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on prevailing market rates for similar roles in Toronto, considering the experience level and industry. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes equity, which is a significant draw for senior roles. The "on-site" designation is critical for candidates to note.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Digital Marketing, Technology Services, Retail Loyalty Programs. Rakuten is a global leader in online retail and financial services, known for its expansive ecosystem and focus on member rewards.

Company Size: Rakuten Group has over 4,000 employees worldwide, with Rakuten International being a significant division. This indicates a large, established organization with ample resources and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Rakuten Group was founded in 1997, with Rakuten Rewards (formerly Ebates) established in 1999. This long history suggests a stable company with a proven business model and deep market understanding.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Product Designer reports to the Director of Product Design.

• You will be embedded within the "Vertical Squad," a dedicated cross-functional team comprising a Product Manager, UX Researcher, UX Writer, and Software Engineers.

• This structure fosters close collaboration and rapid iteration within a focused product area. Methodology:

• Rakuten's design team emphasizes a data-driven approach, relying on research to de-risk solutions and experimentation to measure impact.

• There is a strong encouragement to leverage AI tools freely within the design process to enhance creativity and efficiency.

• The company operates on the "Rakuten Cycle" (Hypothesize - Practice - Validate) for innovation and problem-solving.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's culture is defined by its "Five Principles for Success" (Kaizen, Passionately Professional, Shikumika, Maximize Customer Satisfaction, Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!). For a designer, this translates to a drive for continuous improvement, high standards, agile execution, customer-centricity, and a fast-paced work environment. The global presence and diverse business units offer unique opportunities for learning and impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Lead Product Designer position, indicating a senior individual contributor role with significant influence over product strategy and design direction for a specific product area. It is a step beyond a standard Product Designer role, requiring leadership in vision setting, problem definition, and team collaboration.

Reporting Structure: You will report to the Director of Product Design, receiving guidance and mentorship from a senior design leader. You will work daily within a dedicated, cross-functional squad, collaborating closely with Product Management and Engineering.

Operations Impact: As Lead Product Designer for the Vertical Squad, your work will directly impact millions of Rakuten members by expanding how and where they earn Cash Back. This involves translating operational complexities into user-friendly experiences that drive engagement, retention, and potentially new revenue streams through diversified Cash Back opportunities. Your designs will be critical in shaping member perception and loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Manager role or lead larger product initiatives and design systems.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in e-commerce, loyalty programs, or emerging technologies like AI in design.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to design team growth and best practices.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader business acumen by working closely with Product Management and Engineering on strategic initiatives.

• AI Innovation: Become a key player in shaping how AI is leveraged within Rakuten's design process, a rapidly evolving and high-demand skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within design leadership and specialization. The "Lead" title signifies a trajectory towards influencing design strategy at a higher level. The emphasis on AI and expanding into new verticals provides opportunities for cutting-edge work and skill development relevant to future industry trends.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role requires a regular presence in the Rakuten Rewards office located in Toronto, Canada.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada (specific address not provided, but near Yonge Sheppard Center). This location offers access to a vibrant tech and business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The embedded squad structure promotes close, daily collaboration with PM, Research, UX Writing, and Engineering.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma) and encouragement to utilize AI tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular design critiques, team meetings, and cross-functional syncs to share progress, gather feedback, and align on objectives.

Work Schedule: While typically 40 hours per week, the on-site nature suggests a structured work schedule, likely during standard business hours, to facilitate seamless team collaboration and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office-based work environment, emphasizing face-to-face collaboration and team integration. The Toronto location is a significant factor for candidates considering relocation or local talent.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your process, decision-making, and outcomes. This is a critical step for assessing design thinking and communication skills.

• Hiring Manager/Director Interview: Discussion with the Director of Product Design, focusing on design leadership, strategic thinking, and team collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Conversation with members of the Vertical Squad (PM, Engineer) to evaluate collaboration style, technical understanding, and ability to work within a team.

• Final Round: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership or a final assessment of strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, problem-solving techniques, and how you arrived at your solutions. Don't just show the final UI.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success and business impact of your designs (e.g., increased conversion, engagement, reduced friction).

• Highlight Complexity: Showcase projects that involved complex systems, integrations, or operational challenges, and how you simplified them for the user.

• Demonstrate Leadership: For a Lead role, highlight instances where you set design direction, influenced strategy, or mentored others.

• Tailor to Rakuten: Emphasize projects relevant to e-commerce, consumer rewards, or expanding digital services. Show how your approach aligns with Rakuten's principles (Kaizen, Speed, Customer Satisfaction).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design exercises or case studies that may involve problem framing, ideation, or sketching solutions for a given scenario related to Rakuten's business.

• Practice articulating your design decisions concisely and defending them with user-centered reasoning and business context.

• Understand Rakuten's core products and value proposition (Cash Back, rewards, shopping ecosystem).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong portfolio review and cross-functional evaluation. Candidates should prepare to discuss their design philosophy, leadership approach, and how they integrate AI into their workflow. The company explicitly encourages personal storytelling over AI-generated content in applications.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary design and prototyping tool. Expect to use it extensively for wireframing, UI design, and creating interactive prototypes.

• Claude Code: Mentioned as a tool, likely for AI-assisted coding or rapid prototyping, indicating a forward-thinking approach to development integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, expect to work with tools that provide data on user behavior, A/B testing results, and conversion metrics. This could include tools like Amplitude, Google Analytics, or internal analytics platforms. Proficiency in interpreting and using data to inform design decisions is crucial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the design role, but understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems or automated workflows for member engagement might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a must. The mention of "Claude Code" suggests an openness to AI-driven design and development tools, which is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they leverage data and analytics to inform their design choices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Always improve, Always Advance (Kaizen): A commitment to continuous improvement in design processes, user experiences, and personal skills.

• Passionately Professional: Maintaining high standards of craft, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering excellent design work.

• Hypothesize - Practice - Validate (Shikumika): An iterative, data-informed approach to problem-solving and innovation.

• Maximize Customer Satisfaction: A core focus on delivering exceptional value and rewarding experiences for Rakuten members.

• Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!: Emphasizing efficiency, agility, and timely execution in design and development cycles.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Highly collaborative, working closely with Product, Research, Writing, and Engineering within a squad structure.

• Open Critiques: Active participation in design critiques to provide and receive constructive feedback, fostering a culture of shared learning and quality improvement.

• Data-Informed: Decisions are often informed by user research, A/B testing, and performance metrics, requiring designers to be comfortable with data analysis.

• AI-Augmented: Encouragement to use AI tools, suggesting an innovative and forward-thinking approach to design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Five Principles for Success" are central to Rakuten's culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their design approach aligns with these principles, particularly Kaizen, Customer Satisfaction, and Speed. The collaborative, data-driven, and AI-embracing environment is key to understanding team dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Operational Complexity: Simplifying intricate backend processes and third-party integrations (gift cards, dining, in-store) into seamless user experiences.

• Balancing Multiple Surfaces: Maintaining design consistency and quality across distinct product areas within the Vertical Squad's portfolio.

• Driving Design Vision: Influencing product strategy and gaining buy-in for design initiatives within a cross-functional team and with senior leadership.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Experimenting with and integrating AI tools into established design workflows to enhance efficiency and creativity without compromising quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to hone skills in strategic design thinking, product vision, and team influence.

• E-commerce & Loyalty Program Expertise: Deepen knowledge of consumer behavior, reward mechanics, and marketplace dynamics.

• AI in Design: Become an early adopter and expert in leveraging AI for design research, ideation, and prototyping.

• Cross-functional Acumen: Develop a broader understanding of business objectives and product strategy through close collaboration.

• Mentorship: Guide and develop junior designers, contributing to the growth of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents exciting challenges in expanding a successful loyalty program into new domains, requiring strategic design thinking and adaptability. The growth opportunities are significant for those looking to lead design initiatives and embrace emerging technologies like AI.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the design strategy for a new gift card redemption experience that needs to integrate with multiple third-party providers?" (Focus on problem framing, user research, systems thinking, and iterative design).

• "Describe a time you had to influence product direction or gain buy-in for a design decision from senior stakeholders. What was your approach?" (Highlight communication, data-driven arguments, and stakeholder management).

• "How do you balance the need for speed and iteration with maintaining high design quality and craft, especially in a fast-paced environment like Rakuten?" (Relate to Kaizen and Speed principles, discuss agile methodologies). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Rakuten's 'Five Principles for Success,' how would you apply them to your role as Lead Product Designer?" (Demonstrate alignment with Kaizen, Speed, Customer Satisfaction, etc.).

• "How do you envision contributing to the design culture at Rakuten, beyond your immediate squad?" (Discuss participation in critiques, mentorship, sharing learnings).

• "What are your thoughts on leveraging AI in the design process, and how have you experimented with it?" (Be prepared to discuss specific tools and benefits/challenges). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly outline the Problem, Your Role, Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), Solution, and Results (Metrics/Impact).

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about the user problem you solved and the impact you made.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, including user flows, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.

• Focus on Decision-Making: Explain why you made certain design choices, referencing user insights, business goals, or constraints.

• AI Integration: If applicable, discuss how AI tools assisted your process in any of your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a deep understanding of design principles applied to complex, consumer-facing products. Be ready to articulate your process, defend your decisions, and showcase your ability to collaborate effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Rakuten Rewards careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with complex systems, end-to-end product design ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and any experience with e-commerce or loyalty programs. Use keywords from the job description like "systems thinking," "product vision," and "AI-assisted workflows."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your ability to handle complex product challenges, showcase your design process, and highlight measurable outcomes. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or PDF).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design decisions, and quantifying your impact. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools.

• Research Rakuten: Familiarize yourself with Rakuten's business model, core products (especially Rakuten Rewards), "Five Principles for Success," and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.