Product Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Product Designer
Company: Bison Transport Inc.
Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)
Date Posted: June 22, 2026
Experience Level: 3-5 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid
π Role Summary
-
Drive the end-to-end product design process, from ideation and research to detailed specification and iteration, for innovative logistics and transportation solutions.
-
Collaborate closely with Product Managers, System Analysts, and Developers to translate complex business requirements into user-centric, technically feasible, and scalable product designs.
-
Conduct comprehensive user research and usability testing to validate design concepts, gather critical feedback, and continuously improve the user experience across Bison Transport's diverse service offerings.
-
Contribute to and maintain a robust design system, ensuring adherence to accessibility standards and fostering a consistent, high-quality user experience across all digital products.
-
Leverage data analysis, user feedback, and industry best practices to champion continuous product enhancement and optimize design processes for maximum business impact.
π Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Product Designer within a dedicated product team at Bison Transport, a logistics and transportation company. The emphasis on "outcome-oriented product operating model" suggests a strong focus on agile methodologies, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering tangible business value. The role requires a blend of creative design skills and a strong technical understanding to bridge the gap between user needs and development capabilities.
π Primary Responsibilities
-
Lead the comprehensive design process for creating and adopting key design artifacts, including personas, user journey maps, detailed requirements documents, and technical/design specifications, ensuring alignment with both user needs and overarching business objectives.
-
Foster deep collaboration with Product Managers, Systems Analysts, and Developers to effectively translate high-level business requirements into actionable design solutions, ensuring designs are thoroughly vetted and ready for development sprints.
-
Actively participate in technical feasibility assessments during the product discovery phase, evaluating technical constraints alongside development teams to ensure designs are both innovative and practically implementable.
-
Proactively conduct user research, including interviews and surveys, and execute usability testing sessions to identify user pain points, validate design hypotheses, and iteratively refine solutions for optimal user experience.
-
Champion the consistent application and evolution of the design system, ensuring adherence to established accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and maintaining a cohesive and intuitive user experience across all product interfaces.
-
Meticulously document design decisions, user flows, and technical stories, providing clear, concise, and actionable specifications and guidelines for the development team to ensure accurate implementation.
-
Employ a data-driven approach, utilizing user feedback, product analytics, and industry best practices to identify opportunities for continuous product enhancement and process optimization.
-
Stay abreast of emerging design trends, innovative tools, and relevant technologies within the UX/UI and product development space to drive innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the product team.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant ownership over the design lifecycle. The emphasis on "fleshing out technical stories" and "evaluating technical constraints" indicates a need for a designer who can deeply engage with the technical aspects of product development, rather than purely focusing on visual design. This suggests a need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills alongside traditional design competencies.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
-
Bachelorβs degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a closely related field.
-
Equivalent practical experience will be considered as a strong alternative to a formal degree. Experience:
-
3-5 years of progressive experience in Product Design, UX/UI Design, or Product Management with a strong design focus.
-
Demonstrated experience in the logistics, transportation, or a related complex industry is highly preferred, offering valuable context for industry-specific challenges. Required Skills:
-
Product Design: Proven ability to manage the entire design lifecycle from concept to launch, including wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.
-
User Research & Usability Testing: Expertise in planning and conducting various research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, A/B testing, usability studies) to gather actionable insights.
-
Design Systems & UI Standards: Proficiency in contributing to, maintaining, and leveraging design systems, style guides, and accessibility standards (WCAG) to ensure consistency and usability.
-
Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Product Managers, System Analysts, Developers, and other stakeholders, translating needs and fostering shared understanding.
-
User-Centric Design Principles: Deep understanding and practical application of user-centric design, functional design, and usability best practices to create intuitive and effective solutions.
-
Technical Understanding: Solid grasp of software systems, including familiarity with front-end and back-end technologies and their implications on design implementation.
-
Data Analysis & Interpretation: Ability to analyze user data, feedback, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure success.
Preferred Skills:
-
Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar.
-
Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Experience working within agile development environments, understanding sprint cycles, and contributing to product backlog refinement.
-
Visual Design & UI: Strong visual design skills with an eye for aesthetics, layout, and typography that enhance user experience.
-
Information Architecture: Ability to structure and organize content effectively to improve navigation and findability.
-
Logistics/Transportation Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with the operational challenges and user workflows within the logistics and transportation sectors.
π Enhancement Note: The requirement for "3-5 years of experience" suggests this is a mid-level Product Designer role. The emphasis on technical understanding and collaboration with developers, alongside product management and system analysts, indicates a need for a designer who can operate effectively at the intersection of business, user needs, and technical feasibility. The preference for industry experience signals that candidates with domain knowledge will have a competitive edge.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design projects.
-
Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed, key decisions made, and the final solution.
-
Highlight your ability to translate complex business requirements into intuitive user experiences and demonstrate measurable outcomes or impact.
-
Include examples of user research, persona development, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing activities.
-
Demonstrate proficiency in working with or contributing to design systems and adhering to accessibility guidelines. Process Documentation:
-
Provide evidence of your process for conducting user research and synthesizing findings into actionable design insights.
-
Illustrate your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Developers, Analysts) throughout the design and development lifecycle.
-
Showcase how you document design specifications and technical stories to ensure clarity and effective handoff to development teams.
-
Include examples of how you have iterated on designs based on user feedback, analytics, or technical constraints.
-
Demonstrate your understanding of how designs integrate with broader software systems and technical architectures.
π Enhancement Note: For this role, a strong portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase visual design skills but also a deep understanding of the product development process, user research methodologies, and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their decision-making process for each case study, emphasizing how their designs solved specific problems and contributed to business goals within a technical context.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
-
Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 3-5 years of experience in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, the estimated salary range is CAD $70,000 - $95,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Winnipeg and the demand for skilled product design professionals.
-
Specific compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the results of the interview process. Benefits:
-
Coaching and Training: Access to internal coaching and training programs designed to support skill development and career progression within Bison Transport.
-
Wellness Program: Participation in an engaging company-wide wellness program focused on promoting employee health and well-being.
-
Extracurricular Sports Teams: Opportunities to join and participate in company-sponsored sports teams, fostering team camaraderie and a healthy work-life balance.
-
Health Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
-
Retirement Savings Plan: Company-matched contributions to a retirement savings plan.
-
Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
-
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
Working Hours:
-
Standard full-time work schedule, approximately 40 hours per week.
-
The role is hybrid, requiring a balance of in-office and remote work, offering some flexibility in scheduling daily tasks and work location.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location. Candidates should verify exact compensation during the interview process. The provided benefits highlight Bison Transport's commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and fostering a positive work environment.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Logistics and Transportation. Bison Transport is a significant player in this sector, operating for over 50 years. This industry is characterized by complex operational workflows, a strong emphasis on efficiency, safety, and reliability, and a growing need for digital transformation.
Company Size: Bison Transport is a large organization, indicated by its extensive career site and the mention of various departments and initiatives. This size suggests a structured environment with opportunities for specialized roles and cross-departmental collaboration, but also potentially longer decision-making cycles.
Founded: Over 50 years ago. This long history indicates stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of the industry. It also suggests a potential blend of traditional practices with modern technological adoption.
Team Structure:
-
Product Teams: The role is part of an "outcome-oriented product operating model," implying dedicated, cross-functional teams focused on specific product areas or business objectives.
-
Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Product Design Lead, UX Manager, or Head of Product. They will work closely with Product Managers, System Analysts, and Software Developers within their product team.
-
Cross-functional Collaboration: High degree of collaboration expected with Product Management (defining strategy and requirements), System Analysis (understanding technical feasibility and detailed specifications), and Development (implementing designs). Collaboration also extends to other departments needing insights into user experience and product functionality.
Methodology:
-
Agile Product Development: The "outcome-oriented product operating model" strongly suggests the use of agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for product development, emphasizing iterative cycles, continuous feedback, and adaptability.
-
User-Centered Design: A core methodology, with significant emphasis on user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and ensure products meet user needs effectively.
-
Data-Driven Decision Making: The role requires using analytics and user feedback to drive continuous improvement, indicating a culture that values empirical evidence in product strategy and design.
Company Website: https://www.bisontransport.com/ (Note: The provided URL in the input was for the careers site, this is the general company site)
π Enhancement Note: Bison Transport's long history in a critical industry like logistics means the product design team likely plays a vital role in modernizing operations and enhancing efficiency through technology. The company's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental sustainability suggests these values may also influence product development and team culture.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Product Designer. This role requires 3-5 years of experience, indicating a solid foundation in design principles and methodologies, with the ability to work independently on defined projects and contribute meaningfully to team objectives. The responsibilities suggest ownership and a degree of leadership within the design process for specific product features or initiatives.
Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a senior design or product leader. They will be an integral part of a cross-functional product team, working closely with Product Managers, System Analysts, and Developers. This structure allows for direct impact on product development and exposure to strategic product decisions.
Operations Impact: The Product Designerβs impact is directly tied to enhancing the user experience for Bison Transport's customers and carriers, as well as internal users. By creating intuitive, functional, and scalable products, they contribute to:
-
Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlining workflows for carriers and internal staff, reducing errors, and saving time.
-
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Providing seamless and reliable digital services that meet the needs of logistics partners.
-
Business Performance: Driving adoption of new features, increasing user engagement, and supporting strategic business goals through effective product solutions.
-
Innovation: Championing new design approaches and technologies to maintain Bison's competitive edge.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Specialization: Develop deep expertise in UX/UI design for the logistics and transportation sector, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.
-
Leadership: Progress into Senior Product Designer, Lead Product Designer, or UX Manager roles, taking on more strategic responsibilities and mentoring junior designers.
-
Cross-Functional Mobility: Gain exposure to Product Management, System Analysis, or other areas of the business, potentially leading to career transitions.
-
Skill Development: Continuous learning through training programs, workshops, and exposure to new design challenges and technologies within Bison's product development initiatives.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "hybrid position" suggests that while there are remote work opportunities, there's a defined expectation for in-office presence, likely to foster collaboration and team cohesion. This balance is common for mid-level roles where mentorship and team interaction are valued.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work model. This means a combination of working from the Winnipeg office and remotely. The office environment is likely designed to support collaboration among product teams.
Office Location(s): Winnipeg Office, MB, Canada. This location is central and likely offers standard office amenities and accessibility.
Workspace Context:
-
Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and cross-functional team structure suggest an environment that encourages regular interaction, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge sharing, both in-person and virtually.
-
Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, prototyping tools, collaboration platforms (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Slack/Teams), and potentially specialized logistics/transportation software for context.
-
Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular stand-ups, design critiques, sprint reviews, and feedback sessions with Product Managers, Developers, and other stakeholders.
Work Schedule:
-
The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.
-
The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in managing the work week, balancing in-office requirements with remote work days, which can be beneficial for focused design work or personal commitments.
π Enhancement Note: The "hybrid position" implies that candidates should be comfortable with a structured approach to remote and in-office work, likely with specific days designated for office attendance to facilitate team collaboration. This arrangement aims to balance flexibility with the benefits of in-person interaction essential for design brainstorming and team building.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
-
Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Design Lead or Product Manager) to delve deeper into experience, design philosophy, and role expectations.
-
Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their process, problem-solving approach, and impact. This may be combined with or followed by a practical design challenge (e.g., solving a specific UX problem, critiquing an existing design, or sketching out a feature).
-
Cross-functional Team Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, System Analysts, and Developers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to communicate effectively with different disciplines.
-
Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader or executive to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and final decision-making.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Tell a Story: Structure each case study as a narrative, clearly outlining the problem, your process, your contributions, the solutions, and the outcomes.
-
Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flow diagrams) to illustrate your design process and final solutions.
-
Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your contributions, especially if working in a team environment. Clearly articulate what you did.
-
Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "improved task completion rate by X%", "reduced errors by Y%", "increased user engagement by Z%"). If quantitative data isn't available, articulate the qualitative impact and user benefits.
-
Demonstrate Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions. Discuss research methodologies, trade-offs considered, and how you addressed technical constraints.
-
Tailor to Bison: If possible, show an understanding of the logistics industry and how your design approach can address specific challenges within it.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the problem statement, target users, and business goals. Ask clarifying questions.
-
Think Aloud: Articulate your thought process clearly as you work through the challenge. Explain your assumptions, decisions, and rationale.
-
Focus on Process, Not Just Pixels: Demonstrate your problem-solving approach, how you would gather information, and how you would iterate, rather than just delivering a polished final design.
-
Consider Constraints: Acknowledge technical limitations, business needs, and time constraints. Show how you would balance these factors.
-
Prepare for Technical Discussions: Be ready to discuss how your designs would be implemented and potential technical challenges.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also the candidate's ability to collaborate within a cross-functional product team and their understanding of technical feasibility. The portfolio review is a critical evaluation point, so candidates should invest significant time in preparing compelling case studies that showcase their problem-solving abilities and impact.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (or similar industry-standard tools). Proficiency in at least one is essential for creating wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.
-
Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello (or similar platforms) for tracking user stories, design tasks, and project progress within agile workflows.
-
Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for real-time communication and virtual meetings with distributed teams.
Analytics & Reporting:
-
Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to track user behavior, feature adoption, and conversion rates.
-
Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker Studio for creating dashboards and reporting on key design metrics and user engagement.
CRM & Automation:
-
While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms can be beneficial, especially for understanding data flow and user context. Other Potential Tools:
-
User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback for remote usability testing and feedback collection.
-
Whiteboarding Tools: Miro, Mural for virtual brainstorming and collaborative design sessions.
-
Version Control: Understanding concepts relevant to design versioning and asset management.
π Enhancement Note: The specific tools may vary, but a strong foundation in modern UX/UI design and collaboration software is expected. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these types of tools and how they leverage them to enhance the design process and team collaboration.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving user problems, ensuring that designs deliver value and positive experiences for customers and carriers.
-
Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving are paramount among product teams and across departments.
-
Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing data, research, and analytics to inform decisions, validate hypotheses, and drive continuous improvement in products and processes.
-
Efficiency & Optimization: Striving for elegant, functional, and scalable solutions that streamline operations, reduce complexity, and enhance overall business performance.
-
Continuous Learning: Embracing a mindset of ongoing skill development, staying current with industry trends, and actively seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
Collaboration Style:
-
Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with Product Management, System Analysts, and Developers from the early stages of product discovery through to implementation and iteration.
-
Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback on designs and processes, both giving and receiving it openly to drive improvements.
-
Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing insights from user research, design explorations, and best practices with the wider team and organization.
-
Agile & Iterative: Working in an agile framework that values adaptability, rapid iteration, and continuous refinement based on feedback and results.
π Enhancement Note: Bison Transport's emphasis on "outcome-oriented" and "continuous value" suggests a culture that prioritizes tangible results and adaptability. The company's stated values around CSR and sustainability may also subtly influence design decisions towards more responsible and efficient solutions.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Navigating the complexities of translating user-centric design ideals into technically feasible and scalable solutions within a large enterprise.
-
Complex Domain: Deeply understanding and designing for the intricacies of the logistics and transportation industry, which involves numerous stakeholders, regulations, and operational workflows.
-
Legacy Systems Integration: Potentially working with or integrating designs into existing systems that may have limitations, requiring creative problem-solving.
-
Hybrid Work Model Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining strong team cohesion and design quality across distributed and in-office work environments.
-
Driving Adoption of New Designs: Persuading stakeholders and users to adopt new features and workflows, requiring strong communication and change management skills.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Industry Expertise: Gaining specialized knowledge in UX/UI for the logistics and transportation sector, a valuable niche skill.
-
Product Strategy Involvement: Participating in product discovery and strategy sessions, contributing to the long-term vision of Bison Transport's digital offerings.
-
Technical Acumen: Deepening understanding of software development processes, front-end/back-end technologies, and system architecture through close collaboration with engineering teams.
-
Formal Training: Access to coaching, training programs, and potentially external workshops or certifications to enhance design skills, leadership capabilities, or domain knowledge.
-
Cross-functional Exposure: Learning from Product Managers, System Analysts, and business stakeholders to develop a more holistic understanding of business operations and strategy.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a mid-level designer in a large, established company within a complex industry. Successfully navigating these challenges will provide significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development, making the role attractive for ambitious designers.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs with significant technical constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, negotiation skills, and ability to find pragmatic solutions).
-
"Walk us through a complex product design project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your role, your process, the key decisions you made, and the measurable impact?" (Be prepared to detail your user research, design iterations, and collaboration).
-
"How do you ensure your designs are accessible and adhere to established design systems and standards?" (Highlight your understanding of WCAG, design system principles, and process for implementation).
-
"Imagine we need to design a new feature for our carrier portal to improve shipment tracking visibility. What would be your first steps, and what key questions would you ask?" (Demonstrate your product thinking, user research approach, and ability to define scope). Company & Culture Questions:
-
"Why are you interested in working for Bison Transport, and what do you know about our business in the logistics and transportation industry?" (Show you've done your research and understand the company's context).
-
"How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers, System Analysts, and Developers? Can you give an example of a successful collaboration?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills).
-
"Describe your experience with user research and usability testing. How do you translate findings into design improvements?" (Detail your methodologies and analytical approach).
-
"Bison Transport is committed to an outcome-oriented product model. What does that mean to you, and how do you contribute to driving outcomes as a Product Designer?" (Align your experience with the company's operational philosophy). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, following the narrative arc of your case studies.
-
Focus on Process & Rationale: Don't just show pretty pictures; explain why you made the design choices you did. Discuss your research, user flows, wireframes, and iterative testing.
-
Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs. If metrics aren't available, clearly articulate the qualitative benefits and user value.
-
Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Your audience will include developers; be ready to discuss the technical feasibility and implementation aspects of your designs.
-
Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a lecture. Be enthusiastic, clear, and confident in your work.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong design skills, a user-centric mindset, technical understanding, and excellent collaboration abilities. The ability to articulate your design process and its impact on business objectives will be critical.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Product Designer position:
-
Submit your application through the provided Workday careers link.
-
Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in product design, user research, usability testing, design systems, and cross-functional collaboration, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.
-
Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases 2-3 strong case studies with clear problem statements, your process, your contributions, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to present it effectively.
-
Research Bison Transport: Understand their business, their role in the logistics industry, and their company values. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.
-
Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, especially those related to your design process, problem-solving approach, collaboration, and experience with technical constraints.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in design, HCI, or a related field and 3-5 years of experience in product design, preferably within the logistics or transportation industry. Strong technical understanding of software systems and a data-driven mindset for usability testing are required.