RQ11357 - UX Designer - Intermediate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: RQ11357 - UX Designer - Intermediate

Company: Maarut

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Contract

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design

Date Posted: July 27, 2026

Experience Level: Intermediate (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing interfaces for web and mobile applications, aligning with user-centered design principles.

• Lead the end-to-end user experience design process, from initial concept and user research to detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final mockups.

• Collaborate with stakeholders, product managers, and development teams to translate complex requirements into effective and engaging user interfaces.

• Conduct rigorous user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights and iterate on designs, ensuring optimal user satisfaction and product functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Intermediate" designation combined with the 5+ years of experience requirement suggests a role that requires a solid foundation in UX/UI principles and the ability to work autonomously on design tasks, while also collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. The emphasis on user research and iterative design points towards a mature UX process within Maarut.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create effective, user-friendly, and visually appealing interfaces for various digital products, ensuring a seamless user experience.

• Design the overall functionality of products by taking a user-centered design approach, rapidly testing and iterating on designs based on user feedback and testing outcomes.

• Conceive and conduct user research, interviews, and surveys, translating findings into detailed sitemaps, user flows, customer journey maps, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.

• Design user interfaces for diverse projects, including digital displays, publications, media, and other creative materials as required by the project scope.

• Collaborate closely with development teams to ensure the technical feasibility of UX designs and to maintain design integrity throughout the implementation phase.

• Identify design problems and devise elegant, user-centric solutions that enhance overall product usability and effectiveness.

• Make strategic design and user-experience decisions related to core and new functions and features, driving product innovation.

• Gather user feedback to configure and optimize existing interfaces, ensuring continuous improvement of the user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a comprehensive UX design role that involves both strategic thinking and hands-on execution. The mention of "digital displays, publications, media, and other creative materials" indicates a potential for diverse project types beyond standard web/mobile applications, requiring adaptability and a broad design skillset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring this depth of UX expertise. Applicants with equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in service design and a range of user experience techniques, including user needs mapping, user research (exploratory and evaluative), stakeholder mapping, persona development, customer journey mapping, collaborative design, prototyping, and service blueprinting is required.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design Experience: Proven experience designing intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for web and mobile applications.

• Proficiency in Design Tools: Skilled in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD for creating wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flows.

• User-Centered Design & Research: Ability to conduct user research, usability testing, and translate findings into sitemaps, journey maps, wireframes, and design iterations.

• Service Delivery & Digital Service Design: Demonstrated experience in various service design techniques and a strong understanding of emerging trends in digital service design.

• Digital Thinking: A proven willingness to take calculated risks, learn from feedback, and overcome setbacks to achieve positive outcomes.

• Analytical Thinking: Experience using data analytics to develop evidence-based suggestions for improving end-user experiences and a future-oriented mindset for driving improvement opportunities.

• Relationship Building: Enthusiasm for cooperation, co-design, and facilitation, with respect for others' opinions and strong rapport-building skills.

• Communication Skills: Demonstrated oral and written communication skills to effectively convey UX/UI concepts to clients and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• OPS Experience: Familiarity with Ontario Public Service (OPS) standards, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliance, and government digital principles.

• Technical Awareness: Understanding of web development limitations and basic knowledge of network security and protocols.

• GUI Design: Relevant experience creating Graphical User Interface (GUI) designs based on user interaction and performance metrics.

• Emotional Design: Experience in designing online programs with an emphasis on the emotional aspects of human experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice-to-Haves" for OPS experience and technical awareness are particularly relevant for government-adjacent or public sector projects, suggesting Maarut may frequently engage with such clients or adhere to similar standards. The emphasis on "emotional aspects of human experience" signals a desire for designers who can create not just functional, but also emotionally resonant, user experiences.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects for web and mobile applications, highlighting your process and impact.

• Include examples of user research methodologies employed, such as user interviews, surveys, and usability testing, and how findings informed design decisions.

• Showcase wireframes, user flows, customer journey maps, mockups, and interactive prototypes created using tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

• Provide case studies that detail problem statements, design challenges, your design process, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes or lessons learned. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your approach to user-centered design, from initial discovery and research to ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• Document your methods for translating user research and business requirements into actionable design deliverables (sitemaps, user flows, wireframes, etc.).

• Illustrate how you iterate on designs based on feedback, usability testing, and stakeholder input, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Showcase your ability to collaborate with development teams, ensuring design specifications are met and providing support throughout the implementation lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role, a robust portfolio is critical. The emphasis on demonstrating "process and impact" means candidates should not just present final designs, but clearly explain how they arrived at those designs and what the results were, ideally with quantifiable metrics where possible.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For an Intermediate UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the estimated salary range is CAD $75,000 - $105,000 annually. This estimate is based on prevailing market rates for similar roles in the Toronto area, considering the contract nature of the employment, the required skillset, and the implied experience level.

Benefits: As this is a contract position, standard benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans may not be directly provided by Maarut. However, contract roles often offer a higher hourly or daily rate to compensate. Specific benefits, if any, may be negotiated or provided through a third-party agency if applicable. It's recommended to clarify benefits coverage during the interview process.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week. While specific daily schedules may vary, a typical workday would align with business hours in Toronto (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM EST). Flexibility may be offered, but the requirement for on-site presence suggests adherence to standard office hours for collaboration and team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for contract roles can vary significantly based on the agency involved, the specific duration of the contract, and negotiation. The provided range is a general guideline for an intermediate UX designer in Toronto. It's crucial for candidates to inquire about the contract duration, potential for extension, and any benefits or perquisites offered.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Maarut operates within the professional services and technology consulting sector, likely focusing on digital transformation, IT solutions, and potentially government or enterprise-level projects given the "OPS Experience" preference.

Company Size: Maarut's specific size is not provided, but the presence of a Zoho Applicant Tracking System (ATS) suggests a company that is structured enough to manage recruitment efficiently, likely a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a larger firm with dedicated HR/recruitment functions.

Founded: The founding date of Maarut is not specified, but the company's engagement with professional recruitment systems indicates a stable operational presence.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a design or digital transformation team, potentially within a larger IT consulting or project delivery unit.

• The reporting structure is expected to be to a Design Lead, Project Manager, or a Head of Digital Services, depending on Maarut's internal organization.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring close interaction with business analysts, developers, project managers, and client stakeholders. Methodology:

• Maarut likely employs agile or iterative development methodologies, where UX designers play a crucial role in shaping product direction through continuous feedback loops.

• Emphasis will be placed on data-driven decision-making and user-centric approaches to service delivery and digital product design.

• Collaboration and co-design sessions are probable methods used to engage stakeholders and ensure alignment on project goals.

Company Website: www.maarutinc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "Ontario Public Service standards" and "government digital principles" as desirable skills suggests Maarut may have a significant focus on serving public sector clients in Ontario, or adheres to these high standards across all its projects. This implies a culture that values compliance, accessibility, and robust process documentation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Intermediate" UX Designer, indicating a need for established skills and a minimum of 5 years of experience. It suggests an individual who can work with moderate supervision, contribute significantly to project design, and mentor junior designers if applicable.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Project Lead, working within a project team that includes developers, business analysts, and potentially QA specialists. Collaboration with client-side stakeholders will also be a key part of the reporting and communication flow.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of digital products and services. By ensuring user-centricity, intuitive design, and adherence to accessibility standards, the role directly influences user adoption, satisfaction, efficiency, and potentially the overall ROI of projects for Maarut's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific UX areas like user research, interaction design, or service blueprinting, or specialize in government/public sector design standards.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design efforts on larger or more complex projects, taking on more strategic responsibilities.

• Mentorship: As an intermediate designer, there may be opportunities to mentor junior UX designers or interns, developing leadership and coaching skills.

• Client Interaction: Gaining extensive experience in client relationship management and stakeholder communication through direct project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the contract nature, long-term growth within Maarut may depend on contract extensions or conversion to a permanent role. However, the experience gained on diverse projects and with specific client standards (like OPS) can significantly enhance a designer's marketability and career progression in the broader UX field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are prioritized.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Postal Code: M4C). This location is within the Greater Toronto Area, offering access to a vibrant tech and business hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with design colleagues, project managers, and development teams.

• Access to essential design tools and technology (software licenses, hardware) will be provided.

• Opportunities for brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and team meetings will be integral to the daily work experience.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typically aligning with business hours in Toronto. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a strong indicator that Maarut values in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct communication, which can be beneficial for complex design problem-solving and client engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required skills and experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely includes discussions about your UX process, design philosophy, and problem-solving approaches. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be given a design problem to solve or asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your ability to apply UX principles and methodologies.

• Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity for Maarut to assess your communication style, teamwork abilities, and alignment with their company values and working environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (web/mobile UX/UI, user research, prototyping, service design).

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the research conducted, design decisions made, iterations, and the final outcome. Use visuals (wireframes, user flows, mockups) to illustrate your process.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores). If direct metrics aren't available, discuss the anticipated benefits or lessons learned.

• Tailor to Maarut: If possible, research Maarut's clients or projects and highlight relevant experience. If you have OPS or government project experience, ensure it's prominently featured.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your design choices, defend your decisions, and explain your approach to user research and problem-solving in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Prompt: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the problem, target users, and any constraints before diving into solutions.

• Outline Your Approach: Plan your steps, including user research considerations, key features, user flows, and wireframing/prototyping strategies.

• Focus on Rationale: Clearly explain the "why" behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs and business objectives.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse how you will present your work, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "OPS Experience" and "government digital principles" suggests that candidates with experience in public sector design or adhering to strict accessibility standards (AODA) will have a significant advantage. Portfolios should reflect this if applicable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (proficiency required).

• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).

• Collaboration & Communication: Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior and performance metrics.

• Data Analysis: Proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) or spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel) to interpret user research data and performance reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX tools, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and project management/workflow tools can be beneficial for understanding the broader ecosystem of digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and demonstrate their capabilities in their portfolio. Knowledge of analytics tools is crucial for demonstrating the impact of design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs as the primary driver of design decisions.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, co-design, and open communication to achieve shared project goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new trends, taking calculated risks, and iterating designs based on feedback and evolving requirements.

• Quality & Excellence: Striving for high-quality, effective, and visually appealing designs that meet user expectations and business objectives.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards in design practices and client interactions, especially relevant if working with public sector clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Maarut likely fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with cross-functional teams (developers, BAs, PMs) and engage directly with clients.

• A culture of constructive feedback and open dialogue is expected, encouraging designers to share insights and contribute to team problem-solving.

• Emphasis on shared ownership of project success, with designers contributing to the overall vision and execution of digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Digital Thinking" and "Relationship Building" skills highlighted in the requirements suggest a company culture that encourages proactive problem-solving, a willingness to learn, and strong interpersonal skills for effective teamwork and client management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating user desires into designs that are feasible within technical limitations and project budgets.

• Navigating Stakeholder Expectations: Managing diverse opinions and requirements from various stakeholders while advocating for the end-user.

• Adapting to Evolving Requirements: Iterating designs rapidly in response to new information, user feedback, or changing project scopes.

• Maintaining Accessibility Standards: Ensuring all designs meet or exceed accessibility requirements (e.g., AODA), especially critical for government projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of projects for different clients can broaden your experience and skill set.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers or team leads within Maarut's network.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of new UX/UI tools, techniques, and best practices through project work and self-directed learning.

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to focus on areas like service design, accessibility compliance, or specific industry design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section emphasizes the dynamic nature of UX design. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have successfully navigated such challenges in past roles, highlighting their problem-solving skills and resilience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced on a web or mobile project. How did you approach it, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, user research insights, and design rationale).

• "How do you incorporate user research and usability testing into your design process? Can you provide an example of how user feedback directly influenced your design decisions?" (Demonstrate your commitment to user-centered design and iterative improvement).

• "Imagine you need to design a new feature for an existing government portal. What steps would you take to ensure it meets user needs and accessibility standards (like AODA)?" (Showcase your understanding of government design principles and accessibility). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Maarut and this specific UX Designer role?" (Research Maarut's website, services, and any recent news. Show genuine interest).

• "How do you collaborate with developers and project managers? Describe a situation where you had to negotiate design trade-offs with a technical team." (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills).

• "Tell us about a time you had to advocate for the user's needs when they conflicted with business requirements or stakeholder preferences." (Demonstrate your user advocacy and ability to build consensus). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the results.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals for wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. Ensure they are easy to understand.

• Focus on "Why": For every design decision, explain the rationale behind it, linking it to user research, heuristics, or business goals.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or evidence of the project's success. If not possible, discuss the intended impact and lessons learned.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice presenting your key projects within a set timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Contract" employment type and the specific mention of "OPS Experience," candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in similar environments or demonstrate their understanding of the nuances of designing for public sector or highly regulated industries.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Zoho applicant tracking system.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your UX/UI design skills for web and mobile applications, with a clear emphasis on user research, wireframing, prototyping, and iterative design. If you have experience with OPS standards or AODA compliance, highlight these projects specifically.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the required skills and experience, using keywords from the job description such as "UX Design," "UI Design," "User Research," "Figma," "Sketch," "Adobe XD," "Service Design," and "AODA Accessibility." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and past project successes. Be ready to discuss your approach to user-centered design and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Maarut's services, client base, and any publicly available information about their design philosophy or projects. Understand the importance of government digital principles if you have relevant experience to showcase.

⚠️ 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.