Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: illumin

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design process, from initial concept and user research through to high-fidelity prototyping and final UI design.

• Collaborate intimately with Product Managers, Engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders in an Agile environment to translate business objectives and user needs into intuitive and engaging digital experiences.

• Champion user-centric design principles, ensuring all product iterations are informed by data, usability testing, and a deep understanding of user behaviour.

• Maintain and evolve robust design systems and component libraries to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency across the illumin platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a product-led organization undergoing a significant transformation, emphasizing innovation and design as key drivers of market growth. The Product Designer will have substantial autonomy and impact, contributing directly to the product roadmap and user experience strategy. The hybrid work model requires a commitment to in-office collaboration 3 days per week.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for new features and existing products, encompassing wireframing, prototyping, and the creation of high-fidelity mockups.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and analyze product performance data to gather insights that inform design decisions and drive continuous improvement.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including user flows, journey maps, and interaction specifications, to ensure clear communication with engineering and product teams.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the product by identifying user pain points and proposing innovative design solutions that align with business goals and market opportunities.

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure the accurate implementation of designs, providing support and clarification throughout the development lifecycle.

• Advocate for design best practices, accessibility standards, and a consistent user experience across all illumin products and touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end design process" and "owning the full product design lifecycle" suggests a need for a candidate who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic thinking, not just execution. The responsibility to "shape the product roadmap" indicates a senior-level contribution expected from this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for foundational understanding. Equivalent practical experience demonstrated through a strong portfolio will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in Product Design, UX/UI Design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of designing and launching successful digital products. Experience in fast-paced industries such as AdTech, FinTech, SaaS, or similar environments is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong, comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design expertise, including design thinking, interaction design, and visual storytelling. Must demonstrate a deep understanding of user needs and the ability to balance aesthetics with functionality.

• Design Tools Proficiency: Expert-level command of industry-standard design and prototyping tools, including Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Design Systems: Proven experience in creating, maintaining, and utilizing design systems and component libraries for consistency and scalability.

• User Research & Testing: Demonstrated ability to conduct user research, plan and execute usability tests, and translate findings into actionable design improvements.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Skilled in creating low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Agile Methodology: Experience working within Agile development environments, participating in sprint planning, stand-ups, and iterative design cycles.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting design decisions, articulating user needs, and collaborating effectively with diverse teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Front-end Technologies: Familiarity or basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to enhance collaboration with engineers.

• Data-Driven Design: Experience leveraging analytics and data to inform design decisions and measure the impact of design changes.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and experience designing inclusive and accessible products.

• Responsive Design: Proficiency in designing for various screen sizes and devices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "70% of what we are looking for" statement implies a willingness to consider candidates who may not meet every single requirement but possess strong core competencies and a demonstrable growth mindset. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" is paramount and should be the primary focus for applicants.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Detailed case studies demonstrating the complete product design process, from problem definition and user research to solution ideation, prototyping, testing, and final implementation.

• Problem/Solution Framing: Clear articulation of the user problem or business challenge addressed by each design project.

• User-Centric Approach: Evidence of how user needs, pain points, and feedback were incorporated into the design process.

• Iterative Design: Showcase of how designs evolved based on testing, feedback, and data analysis.

• Visual Design & UI: High-quality examples of UI design, demonstrating attention to detail, visual hierarchy, and aesthetic appeal.

• Interaction Design: Prototypes or descriptions illustrating complex user flows and interaction patterns.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of designing intuitive user workflows and journey maps.

• System Contribution: Demonstration of experience with design systems, component libraries, and maintaining design consistency.

• Collaboration Evidence: Portfolios that highlight cross-functional collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers, showing how designs were brought to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on end-to-end design and product ownership, a portfolio that clearly illustrates the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and ability to drive projects from inception to completion will be highly valued. Quantifiable outcomes or impact metrics where possible are a significant plus.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage including Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • Prescription coverage, Dental coverage, Vision coverage, Mental Health coverage, and Professional Health Services.
  • $300 annual Healthcare Spending Account for additional health-related expenses.
  • Access to the Vitality Wellness app to support well-being.
  • In-house RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) massages every eight weeks.

• Work-Life Balance & Perks:

  • Flexible work environment with a hybrid model (3 days in-office).
  • Meal credit for in-office workdays.
  • Access to a Workplace Advisor for confidential support.

• Professional Development:

  • Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement. Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with specific in-office days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) and remote flexibility on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided in CAD, reflecting the Toronto location. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on health, wellness, and work-life balance, including unique perks like in-house massages and a healthcare spending account. The explicit mention of "meal credit for your in-office days" adds a tangible benefit for the hybrid arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising Technology (AdTech), focusing on Journey Advertising and integrated marketing platforms.

Company Size: Over 100 skilled professionals.

Founded: illumin is undergoing a transformation with new leadership, indicating a dynamic and evolving phase. The company's history is less emphasized than its current growth and future direction.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer reports to the Director of Product.

• The role is part of a dedicated "product pod," implying close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Operates within an Agile, cross-functional environment. Methodology:

• Product-Led Growth: A strategic focus on making the product a primary driver of customer acquisition, retention, and expansion.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasis on leveraging data, AI capabilities, and real-time insights for decision-making.

• User-Centric Design: Prioritizing discovery, customer testing, prototyping, and gathering insights to build features customers genuinely want.

• Bias for Speed & Delivery: Valuing rapid execution, delivery over perfection, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Company Website: https://illumin.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company is actively transforming and positioning itself as product-led. This suggests a culture that embraces change, innovation, and empowers employees to contribute significantly. The "bias for speed, delivery over perfection, and an entrepreneurial mindset" are key cultural indicators for potential hires.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level Product Designer, with potential for growth into senior or lead roles within the product design function. The role involves significant ownership and influence over product direction.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Product, indicating a clear line of communication and mentorship. Close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers within a product pod structure.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will directly impact the user experience, product adoption, and ultimately, the success of illumin's journey advertising platform. By creating intuitive and effective designs, they will enhance customer satisfaction, drive campaign performance for marketers, and contribute to the company's product-led growth strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UX/UI design, user research methodologies, and design systems.

• Leadership Potential: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer or Design Lead role, mentoring junior designers and influencing broader design strategy.

• Industry Exposure: Working in the AdTech space provides exposure to innovative technologies, AI, and real-time data applications.

• Learning & Development: Commitment to providing tools and knowledge, including external training (e.g., Meta Lab), to augment team skills.

• Cross-functional Experience: Gaining experience in a product-led, hybrid, and transformative company environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly mentions investing in "people" and providing "tools and knowledge" for growth, including external training. The "transformation" phase also presents unique opportunities for individuals to shape processes and grow with the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: A modern, collaborative office space located in downtown Toronto, with easy access to public transit (St. Andrew and Union subway stations).

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Model: Requires 3 days per week in the Toronto office, fostering in-person collaboration and team connection.

• Collaborative Pods: Designed to facilitate close working relationships with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools and technology necessary for effective product design. The company invests in the "tools, research, and processes needed to build the right things."

Work Schedule: Full-time employment with a hybrid work arrangement. The specific in-office days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) are outlined, providing structure while allowing for remote flexibility on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on-site" provides clear expectations for the hybrid model. The office location's proximity to major transit hubs is a practical detail for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Virtual Interview with Talent Advisor: Initial screening to discuss interest, background, career aspirations, and alignment with the role. This interview will be recorded using BrightHire (AI-powered platform).

2. Virtual Interview with Director of Product: In-depth discussion focusing on product design experience, design process, problem-solving skills, and alignment with illumin's needs. Opportunity to showcase work and learn about the team.

3. Take-Home Design Exercise: A practical design challenge reflecting the day-to-day work of the role, assessing design thinking, problem-solving, communication, and ability to balance user needs with business objectives.

4. In-Person Collaboration Session: A final session at the Toronto office involving the Director of Product, a Product Manager, and an Engineer. This will involve reviewing the design exercise, discussing decisions, and a collaborative problem-solving discussion to assess team fit and cross-functional capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, focusing on problem definition, research, ideation, iteration, and validation.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) effectively to demonstrate your design skills and solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success and impact of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction, reduced task completion time).

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize projects and skills that directly align with the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description, especially those related to SaaS, AdTech, or complex platforms.

• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives, explaining the challenges, your role, your decisions, and the final results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Thoroughly research illumin's platform, target audience, and business goals to inform your approach to the design exercise.

• Focus on User Needs: Prioritize identifying and addressing user pain points within the given challenge.

• Demonstrate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss the trade-offs you made during the design process and why.

• Communicate Clearly: Structure your presentation logically, clearly explaining your rationale and design decisions.

• Be Ready for Collaboration: Prepare to discuss your work and collaborate with team members during the final session.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is multi-stage and includes both virtual and in-person components, culminating in a collaborative session. The take-home design exercise is a critical evaluation point, and candidates should prepare thoroughly by understanding illumin's business and showing their process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and design system management.

• Sketch: Another key tool for UI design and prototyping.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Likely used for asset creation, image editing, and potentially other design-related tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a tool the designer will manage, experience with user research and data-driven design implies familiarity with how to interpret and utilize data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the Product Designer's core toolset, but understanding the user journey and how marketing/sales automation might interact with the product experience could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highlighted as a core requirement, making it the most critical tool to mention. The expectation is that the designer will leverage these tools to create, test, and iterate on designs within a product-led, data-informed environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Transformation: Embracing change and actively contributing to the company's evolution.

• Delivery Over Perfection: A bias for speed, execution, and iterative improvement.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Taking initiative, ownership, and seeking opportunities to drive impact.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs.

• Data-Driven Approach: Basing decisions on insights derived from data and user feedback.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Cross-functional: Working closely within product pods alongside Product Managers and Engineers.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback exchange and active participation in discussions and brainstorming.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on problem-solving and finding effective solutions collaboratively.

• Empathetic: Valuing diverse perspectives and creating inclusive designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes its "bias for speed, delivery over perfection, and an entrepreneurial mindset" as core values that guide their work and hiring. The transformation phase suggests a culture that rewards proactivity and adaptability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Transformation: Adapting to and contributing to a company undergoing significant strategic and leadership changes.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively prioritizing and integrating diverse stakeholder requirements and business objectives within design constraints.

• Rapid Iteration in a Product-Led Environment: Maintaining design quality and user experience while adhering to a fast-paced development cycle.

• Driving Design Adoption: Advocating for and ensuring the consistent application of design standards and best practices across the evolving platform.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone expertise in complex UI/UX challenges, design systems, and user research.

• Product Strategy Influence: Contributing to product roadmap decisions and shaping the future direction of illumin's platform.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining deep experience working with product management and engineering in a high-growth, product-led company.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of advancements in AdTech, AI, and journey advertising through hands-on work and company-supported learning.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior leadership and experienced team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's commitment to investing in people and providing growth opportunities, including external training, is a significant aspect of this role's appeal for career-minded individuals. The "challenges" are framed as opportunities for growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: "Walk me through a complex design challenge you faced and how you approached it, from initial concept to final solution. What trade-offs did you make and why?"

• User-Centricity & Data: "How do you incorporate user research and data into your design process? Can you provide an example of how user insights led to a significant design change?"

• Collaboration & Communication: "Describe your experience working with Product Managers and Engineers. How do you ensure alignment and effective communication throughout the design and development lifecycle?"

• Design Systems & Scalability: "What is your experience with design systems and component libraries? How do you ensure consistency and scalability in your designs?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about illumin's transformation and our product-led approach?"

• "How do you align with our values of speed, delivery over perfection, and an entrepreneurial mindset?"

• "How do you see this role contributing to our journey advertising platform?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio presentations logically, starting with the problem, your approach, key design decisions, and the outcomes. Use a narrative flow.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality visuals that clearly demonstrate your UI skills, wireframes, and prototypes. Annotate key areas to explain design choices.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design process, highlighting user research, iterations, and testing.

• Impact Metrics: Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible (e.g., "This design led to a 15% increase in user engagement").

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on the most relevant projects and be prepared to dive deeper based on interviewer questions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research illumin's platform, target market, and competitive landscape.

• Identify Core User Needs: Focus on what the user is trying to achieve within the context of the challenge.

• Define Constraints: Be aware of potential technical or business constraints that might influence your design decisions.

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be ready to discuss why you made certain design choices over others and the potential implications.

• Prepare a Clear Presentation: Structure your solution logically and be ready to present it succinctly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process includes a take-home design exercise and an in-person collaboration session, indicating a strong emphasis on practical skills and team fit. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process, defend their design decisions, and demonstrate their ability to collaborate effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on illumin's career page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in UX/UI design, product design, and your proficiency with tools like Figma. Showcase relevant case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end design process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience in fast-paced environments like AdTech or SaaS. Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Design," "UX/UI," "Figma," "Design Systems," "User Research," and "Agile Methodology." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research illumin's company, products, and transformation. Prepare to discuss your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you align with their values using specific examples. Practice presenting your portfolio and design exercise.

• Company Research: Understand illumin's mission in transforming the advertising landscape, their product-led approach, and their emphasis on innovation and speed. Be ready to articulate why you are a good cultural fit for their evolving organization.

⚠️ 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.