Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: 7shifts

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UI/UX

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design user-centric experiences for a leading restaurant scheduling and payroll platform, focusing on simplifying team management for operators and staff.

• Drive the end-to-end design process, from initial customer research and problem definition to ideation, prototyping, validation, and iterative development.

• Actively integrate and leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within the design workflow to enhance research synthesis, concept generation, and prototyping efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Data Analysts, Product Marketing Managers, and Software Engineers, to deliver impactful product solutions.

• Contribute to a high-performing design team by participating in rituals, reviews, and initiatives aimed at elevating design craft and fostering team growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Product Designer with a significant emphasis on leveraging AI in the design process, a key differentiator. The "accomplished level" hiring target suggests a need for candidates who can demonstrate immediate impact and a solid foundation in design principles and SaaS environments, with room for continued growth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth customer research, including interviews and observations, to build a deep understanding of user needs, pain points, and behaviors within the restaurant industry.

• Translate research findings and business requirements into intuitive, user-friendly designs for web and mobile applications, focusing on reducing friction and enhancing ease of use for restaurant operators and teams.

• Develop and iterate on wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using Figma and other collaborative design tools.

• Validate design concepts and solutions through rapid prototyping and user testing, ensuring investment in initiatives that will resonate with the target audience.

• Partner closely with engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring design integrity and quality are maintained from concept to final implementation.

• Proactively explore and integrate AI tools to accelerate research analysis, generate diverse design concepts, and streamline prototyping efforts, thereby increasing design velocity and depth.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design team processes, standards, and best practices through active participation in design reviews and team discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core product design duties and a forward-thinking approach to AI integration. The expectation to "build deep expertise in your product area" suggests a need for long-term ownership and strategic thinking within a specific product domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field, demonstrated through a portfolio, is expected.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a Product Design role, preferably within a SaaS (Software as a Service) environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in end-to-end product design, encompassing user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user validation.

• Strong command of Figma for creating high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes.

• Demonstrated experience and a proactive "working AI practice," actively using AI tools in the design process and able to articulate their impact.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design decisions and advocate for user needs to diverse stakeholders.

• Fluency in web and/or mobile design principles and best practices.

• Ability to conduct and synthesize user research findings to inform design strategy.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in the restaurant-tech industry or hands-on experience working in a restaurant environment.

• Familiarity with other collaborative design and project management tools.

• Understanding of data analysis principles to inform design decisions and measure impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "working AI practice" is a critical requirement, indicating that candidates must not only be skilled designers but also early adopters and practitioners of AI in their daily workflow. The preferred experience in restaurant-tech is a strong plus for understanding the industry context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of web and/or mobile design projects.

• Projects should clearly articulate the design process, including problem definition, research methodologies, ideation strategies, design decisions, and rationale.

• Demonstrate the ability to solve specific user problems and achieve business objectives through design.

• Include examples of high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes, ideally created in Figma.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase a structured approach to the full design lifecycle, from initial problem discovery and user research to detailed design and collaboration with engineering.

• Evidence of using customer insights and data to drive design direction and validation.

• Examples of how AI tools were integrated into the design process to enhance efficiency, creativity, or problem-solving.

• Clear documentation of collaborative workflows with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is expected to be more than just a collection of final designs; it should be a narrative detailing the candidate's thought process, problem-solving approach, and ability to leverage modern tools like AI within a structured design methodology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $115,000 CAD per year.

This range is designed to accommodate candidates at various stages of their career path within the "accomplished" level, reflecting a performance and growth-driven compensation philosophy. Placement within this range will be determined by job-related skills, knowledge, experience, and internal equity assessments.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.

• Lifestyle spending accounts to support employee well-being and personal interests.

• Generous parental leave program designed with flexibility in mind.

• Flexible vacation policy encouraging work-life balance and recharging.

• Home office setup support to ensure a comfortable and productive remote work environment.

• Professional coaching and development planning to support career growth.

• Latest Apple technology provided for work.

• 7shifts swag to foster team spirit.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While the standard is 40 hours, the company emphasizes flexibility and a hybrid work environment, suggesting a focus on outcomes and work-life integration rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is presented as a spectrum reflecting growth, implying that candidates with more experience and demonstrated impact within the "accomplished" tier will command higher compensation. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and professional development, aligning with a supportive company culture. The inclusion of "latest Apple tech" is a specific perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Restaurant Technology (SaaS), specifically focusing on scheduling and payroll solutions for restaurant teams. The industry is characterized by fast-paced operations, a need for efficiency, and a focus on team management.

Company Size: 7shifts is a Series C, VC-backed SaaS company. While the exact employee count isn't specified, this indicates a growth-stage company with established processes but still agile enough for significant impact.

Founded: 7shifts was founded with a mission to simplify team management and improve performance for restaurants, aiming to create a thriving restaurant industry through connected and engaged teams.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is led by a Sr. Director, Product Design and Research.

• Product Designers work within cross-functional "squads" or teams, each typically including a Product Manager, Data Analyst, Product Marketing Manager, and Software Engineers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is core, with Data Analysts integrated into product teams.

• Customer research, interviews, and observation are fundamental to understanding user needs and validating solutions.

• Agile development methodologies are implied, with close partnership between design and engineering from concept through delivery.

• Prototyping and concept validation are used early to ensure investment in impactful solutions.

• Active integration of AI tools is a key aspect of the modern workflow.

Company Website: https://www.7shifts.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as opportunity-driven, challenging, collaborative, and supportive, with a focus on employee growth and impact in the restaurant industry. The "Shifties" term and the "90 Day Shift" program highlight a unique and employee-centric culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a mid-level Product Designer (2-5 years experience), specifically targeting the "accomplished" level. This means candidates are expected to be proficient, self-sufficient in their core responsibilities, and capable of delivering significant impact with a relatively short ramp-up period, while still having ample opportunity for further growth.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports to the Sr. Director, Product Design and Research. They will work within a cross-functional product team, collaborating daily with a Product Manager, Data Analyst, Product Marketing Manager, and Software Engineers.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences the usability and effectiveness of 7shifts' core platform, impacting tens of thousands of restaurants. By creating simplified, intuitive experiences, they help restaurant operators reduce errors, save time, and control costs, thereby contributing to the company's mission of creating a thriving restaurant industry. Their designs are crucial for customer acquisition, retention, and overall product success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific product areas or design disciplines (e.g., user research, interaction design, AI-driven design).

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, or take on more complex product ownership as experience grows.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining a deeper understanding of product management, data analysis, and marketing through close collaboration.

• Industry Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in the restaurant-tech industry, a niche but growing market.

• AI Integration: Becoming a leader in applying AI tools within design workflows, a highly in-demand skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "accomplished level" hiring target suggests that candidates should be ready to contribute immediately and demonstrate a strong understanding of the full product design lifecycle in a SaaS context, including a mature approach to AI integration. Career growth is framed around deepening expertise and potential leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: 7shifts operates a hybrid work environment. This means employees are expected to work from company offices in Toronto and Saskatoon at times, balancing in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Toronto, ON and Saskatoon, SK, Canada. The Toronto office serves as a key hub for many roles.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration and connection with the flexibility of remote work.

• Employees are provided with the latest Apple technology and home office setup support, ensuring they have the necessary tools for both office and remote work.

• The environment encourages intentional collaboration, suggesting that in-office time is structured for team interactions, design reviews, and strategic discussions.

• Opportunities for everyday moments of connection and team offsites (like Sparks) are part of the culture.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is mentioned, the emphasis on flexibility and the "90 Day Shift" program (allowing employees to work from almost anywhere for up to 90 days) indicates a modern approach to work-life integration. The hybrid nature means some days will be in-office, while others can be remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is a key characteristic. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of in-office and remote work, understanding that in-office time is valued for collaboration. The "90 Day Shift" is a unique perk for extended remote work flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion about your experience, design philosophy, and how you approach problem-solving, particularly concerning your AI practice. This will likely include questions about your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio, focusing on their process, decision-making, and the impact of their work. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate your AI integration skills.

• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (Product Manager, Engineers, etc.) to assess collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Don't just show screens; explain the "why" behind your design decisions. Structure your case studies chronologically, from problem identification to solution and impact.

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly articulate how you used AI tools, what specific benefits they provided (e.g., faster research synthesis, more diverse concept generation), and the outcome. This is a critical differentiator.

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping tools (especially Figma), and validation strategies. Demonstrate your ability to adapt your process based on project needs.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. Even if exact numbers are unavailable, describe the expected or observed impact on user behavior, efficiency, or business goals.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, your collaboration style, and how you approach ambiguous problems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully grasp the problem statement and user context before diving into solutions.

• Think Aloud: Articulate your thought process as you work through the challenge. Explain your assumptions and reasoning.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your structured approach to problem-solving, even if you don't complete a fully polished design within the allotted time.

• AI Integration: Consider how AI tools could be applied to the challenge, even if hypothetically, to show your forward-thinking approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes demonstrating practical design skills, a robust process, and, crucially, a demonstrated ability to integrate and leverage AI tools effectively. The portfolio review is not just about aesthetics but about the candidate's thinking and methodology.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• Collaborative Design Tools: Likely includes features within Figma for real-time collaboration, commenting, and handoff.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's native prototyping capabilities, potentially supplemented by other tools for more advanced interactions if needed.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not directly used by designers, understanding how to interpret data from tools used by Data Analysts (e.g., SQL databases, BI platforms like Tableau or Looker) is beneficial for data-informed design.

• User Behavior Analytics: Tools like Mixpanel, Amplitude, or Hotjar may be used to track user interactions and engagement with designs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a primary design tool, designers should understand how their work impacts the user experience within the broader 7shifts platform, which likely integrates with CRM functionalities for customer management.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello are commonly used for managing tasks, sprints, and cross-functional workflows.

AI Tools:

• Generative AI Platforms: Candidates are expected to have experience with AI tools for various design tasks, such as:
  • Research Synthesis: AI for summarizing user interviews or feedback.
  • Concept Generation: AI for brainstorming design ideas, mood boards, or initial wireframe concepts.
  • Prototyping Acceleration: AI for generating code snippets, suggesting UI elements, or creating variations.
  • Content Generation: AI for drafting copy or design documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. The emphasis on AI tools signifies that candidates should be prepared to discuss specific AI platforms and how they've been practically applied in their design workflow. An understanding of how design interfaces with data analytics and project management tools is also valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Opportunity: A culture that encourages learning, growth, and taking ownership of one's career development within the company.

• Challenge: Embracing complex problems in a dynamic industry, encouraging critical thinking and intentional action to create meaningful solutions.

• Culture: A commitment to being a great place to work, fostering collaboration, celebrating successes, and building strong connections.

• Equity: Belief in shared success, where employees benefit from the company's growth.

• Impact: A focus on making a real difference for restaurant teams through product innovation.

• Efficiency: A drive to simplify processes and improve performance, which is core to the product itself and likely reflected in internal operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Analysts, and Product Marketing Managers to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Informed: Decisions are often guided by data and user research, fostering a collaborative approach to interpreting insights.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct feedback, design reviews, and discussions to elevate craft and solve problems collectively.

• Agile & Iterative: A willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt designs based on feedback and performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply intertwined with its mission and the nature of its work in the restaurant industry. The emphasis on collaboration and data-informed decision-making is critical for success in this role and within the cross-functional teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating complex restaurant operational needs into simple, intuitive user experiences while meeting business objectives.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying current with AI advancements and integrating them meaningfully into the design process without compromising user experience or quality.

• Ambiguity in a Fast-Paced Environment: Navigating a dynamic startup environment where priorities can shift, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.

• Restaurant Industry Nuances: Deeply understanding the unique operational challenges, constraints, and workflows of restaurant teams to design truly effective solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Mastery: Becoming a recognized expert in leveraging AI tools for product design, a highly valuable and growing skill set.

• Product Strategy Influence: Growing from feature design to contributing more significantly to product strategy and roadmap planning.

• Restaurant-Tech Domain Expertise: Developing deep knowledge of the restaurant industry's operational challenges and technology solutions.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and potentially take on team leadership responsibilities.

• Continuous Skill Enhancement: Access to coaching, development planning, and potentially industry conferences or training to stay at the forefront of design and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in mastering AI integration within product design, positioning the candidate for future roles demanding these advanced skills. The challenges are typical of a growth-stage SaaS company but are amplified by the specific demands of the restaurant industry and the integration of cutting-edge AI.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used AI tools to significantly improve your design process or a specific project outcome. What tools did you use, and what was the impact?"

• "Walk me through a complex product design challenge you faced, detailing your process from research to final implementation. How did you validate your solutions?"

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and business objectives when designing for a SaaS product?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about 7shifts and our mission to simplify team management for restaurants?"

• "How do you see your skills and experience contributing to our hybrid work culture and collaborative environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with the problem statement, your role, and the project's goals.

• Highlight AI: Dedicate a section or weave throughout your presentation how AI tools were used, the specific benefits, and the results. Be ready to elaborate on your "working AI practice."

• Showcase Process: Clearly explain your research, ideation, prototyping (Figma), and validation steps. Use visuals to illustrate your journey.

• Quantify Impact: Present metrics or articulate the expected impact of your designs on users and the business.

• Be Conversational: Engage your interviewers, ask clarifying questions, and be open to feedback during the presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your practical application of AI, your end-to-end design process, and your ability to collaborate within a cross-functional, hybrid team. Be prepared to defend your design decisions and demonstrate a clear understanding of 7shifts' mission and target market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the greenhouse.io platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights experience relevant to SaaS product design, cross-functional collaboration, user research, and specifically, your proficiency and practical application of AI tools in design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, Figma proficiency, and particularly, your "working AI practice." Ensure each project tells a clear story with demonstrable outcomes.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on articulating your thought process, design decisions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to address questions about your AI integration strategies and your experience in a hybrid work environment.

• Research 7shifts: Understand their product, mission, target audience, and company culture. Familiarize yourself with their approach to AI and their position in the restaurant-tech market.

⚠️ 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.