RQ11535 - UX Designer - Senior

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: RQ11535 - UX Designer - Senior

Company: Maarut

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Contract

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation of intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing interfaces for digital products and creative materials.

• Drive the end-to-end user experience design process, from conception and user research to wireframing, prototyping, and iterative testing.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and stakeholders, to translate product vision into seamless user journeys.

• Ensure all designs adhere to accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1 AA, and leverage established design systems like the Ontario Design System.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position requiring on-site presence in Toronto, focusing on senior-level UX/UI design responsibilities. The emphasis on public service experience and specific design systems suggests potential engagement with government or regulated industry projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, diary studies, and usability testing, to gather actionable insights.

• Translate research findings into detailed user flows, customer journey maps, sitemaps, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Design overall product functionality and user interfaces for various platforms (web, mobile) and creative materials, ensuring a great user experience.

• Rapidly test and iterate designs based on user feedback and usability metrics, identifying and solving design problems effectively.

• Collaborate with stakeholders, business users, and development teams to facilitate product vision, define UX strategy, and align on design deliverables.

• Ensure designs are functional, accessible, usable, and aesthetically pleasing, meeting user needs and technical requirements.

• Design content and user experiences that simplify complex technical language and processes for a broad audience.

• Contribute to the development and application of the Ontario Design System and knowledge of Digital Service Standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle UX design process, from foundational research and strategy to detailed UI design and implementation considerations. The mention of "legacy systems" and "nuanced stakeholder/approval relationships" in desirable skills suggests the need for strong problem-solving and diplomatic communication.

கல் Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not detailed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for senior UX roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in UX design, interactive design, UI design, or a similar role, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end design projects for web and mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in creating effective, user-friendly, and visually appealing interfaces (GUI Design).

• Expertise in designing the overall functionality of products to ensure a great user experience.

• Proficiency in conducting user research (interviews, surveys, diary studies, usability testing, A/B testing, card sorting) and synthesizing findings.

• Ability to translate research into sitemaps, user flows, customer journey maps, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.

• Experience designing for a wide range of devices and interfaces.

• Strong understanding of web development technologies and their limitations.

• Skill in identifying design problems and devising elegant, user-centered solutions.

• Experience making strategic design and user-experience decisions for core and new functions.

• Ability to gather user feedback to configure existing interfaces.

• Proficient with design and prototyping tools such as Figma and Canvas.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear documentation and convey design concepts to diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, including developers, QA specialists, and business stakeholders.

• Prior experience in public service or Ontario Public Service (OPS) is a significant advantage. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of accessibility testing and proficiency in designing with accessibility in mind, meeting WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.

• Familiarity with or ability to work with the Ontario Design System.

• Knowledge of Digital Service Standards.

• Experience with complex design challenges, including dealing with legacy systems and intricate stakeholder relationships.

• Experience leading UX projects and design workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills, research methodologies, and strong collaborative and communication abilities, particularly within a public sector context. Experience with specific design systems and accessibility standards is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating end-to-end UX design projects, showcasing your process from research to final design deliverables.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process undertaken, key decisions, and the impact of your solutions.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, customer journey maps, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Evidence of user research methodologies applied and how user feedback influenced design iterations.

• Designs demonstrating adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) and effective use of design systems (e.g., Ontario Design System). Process Documentation:

• Documented experience in facilitating user experience design research through various methods.

• Ability to lead design ideation and deliver service design blueprints, information architecture, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Clear articulation of how you collaborate with business, product, and development teams to facilitate product and service design vision.

• Examples of how you translate complex, technical language and processes into simple, understandable content for users.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, especially for contract positions. It should not only showcase visual design skills but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the UX process, research methodologies, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate design decisions and their impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Designer contract role in Toronto, Ontario, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated hourly rate typically ranges from CAD $50 to $75. This can vary based on specific project demands, the candidate's portfolio, and the client's budget.

Benefits: As this is a contract position, benefits may be provided through the contracting agency or may not be included. Standard contract benefits could include:

• Access to health and dental benefits (often through an agency).

• Potential for extended contract terms or conversion to permanent roles.

• Opportunity to work on high-profile projects within the public sector.

• Professional development opportunities through exposure to diverse projects and teams.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are expected to be 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time contract engagements. Flexibility may be offered, but the role requires on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for contract UX Designers in Toronto and the specified experience level. It's crucial for candidates to clarify benefit details and payment structures with Maarut or their designated recruitment partner.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Maarut operates within the Technology and Consulting sectors, potentially serving government and public sector clients given the "Prior Public Service/OPS experience" requirement. This implies a focus on delivering impactful digital solutions for public services.

Company Size: Maarut is likely a mid-sized to large consulting firm, given its presence on Zoho Recruit and the nature of the contract roles offered. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes for project management and client engagement.

Founded: Founded in 2009, Maarut has over a decade of experience in providing IT consulting and staffing solutions. This longevity indicates stability and a deep understanding of the tech talent market.

Team Structure:

• The UX design team likely operates within project-based structures, collaborating closely with product managers, business analysts, developers, and QA testers.

• Senior UX Designers are expected to lead design efforts within their assigned projects and mentor junior team members.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, requiring seamless integration with client teams and internal Maarut resources. Methodology:

• Maarut likely employs agile methodologies for project delivery, emphasizing iterative design and development cycles.

• A user-centered design approach is fundamental, supported by rigorous user research and testing.

• Emphasis on delivering tangible results and measurable impact for clients, aligning with the consulting nature of the firm.

Company Website: www.maarutinc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on consulting and staffing, combined with the job requirements, suggests an environment where adaptability, strong client management, and a proven track record of delivering complex projects are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level UX Designer role, indicating a need for significant autonomy, leadership in design thinking, and the ability to guide project direction. It requires not only strong design execution but also strategic input into product and service design.

Reporting Structure: Senior UX Designers typically report to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or a Project Manager. They are expected to lead their own design workstreams and may provide guidance to junior designers or contribute to team-wide design best practices.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is on enhancing user experience for digital products, potentially improving service delivery efficiency, user adoption, and satisfaction for end-users of government or public services. This translates to tangible improvements in service accessibility and usability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in areas like accessibility design, service design, or specific industry verticals (e.g., government services).

• Leadership: Transition into lead UX designer roles, managing design teams or taking on more strategic product design responsibilities.

• Skill Expansion: Gain exposure to new tools, methodologies, and complex design challenges, potentially leading to broader product strategy involvement.

• Client Engagement: Enhance client relationship management and stakeholder negotiation skills through direct interaction on high-profile projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior level and contract nature of this role suggest opportunities for focused skill development and direct project leadership, with potential for longer engagements or future opportunities based on performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as "On-site," indicating that the designer will work from a Maarut office location or potentially a client's office in Toronto. The environment is likely professional and collaborative, typical of a consulting firm.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific office addresses would be provided upon engagement. Accessibility within Toronto is a key consideration for daily commute.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic work environment with opportunities for collaboration with diverse teams of designers, developers, and business stakeholders.

• Access to standard design tools and technologies will be provided, with an emphasis on industry-standard software like Figma.

• The environment likely encourages knowledge sharing and continuous learning, especially given the consulting nature of Maarut.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While some flexibility might be possible, the on-site requirement means consistent presence during core business hours is expected to facilitate team collaboration and client interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a critical factor for candidates. It suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and direct engagement, which is common for roles involving complex stakeholder management and hands-on design workshops.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and technical skills (e.g., Figma proficiency). Be prepared to articulate your design decisions and their rationale.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or a case study, either pre-interview or during an interview, to evaluate your practical design skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions focusing on your collaboration style, experience with stakeholders, handling of complex challenges, and fit with Maarut's consulting culture. Prior public service experience may be discussed here.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior stakeholder or hiring manager to confirm suitability and discuss contract specifics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level skills and experience relevant to this role (UX/UI, research, accessibility, public sector experience if applicable).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role and contributions, the methodologies used (research, design), key challenges, your design process, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, decision-making, and how user research informed your designs.

• Showcase Deliverables: Include a range of deliverables such as user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Address Accessibility: Explicitly mention how you incorporated accessibility principles and met standards like WCAG 2.1 AA.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your portfolio and your design choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the core problem and user needs first.

• Structure your approach logically: define the problem, identify users, brainstorm solutions, create key flows/wireframes, and explain your design rationale.

• Consider constraints such as accessibility and potential legacy system integrations.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on your portfolio as concrete evidence of your senior-level UX design capabilities. Demonstrating a structured, user-centered approach and strong communication skills will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly emphasized), Canvas, and similar industry-standard tools for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, diary studies, usability testing, and A/B testing (specific tools may vary).

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools facilitating cross-functional team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of how to leverage analytics to inform design decisions and measure user behavior.

• Ability to interpret data from usability testing and A/B tests to drive design iterations. CRM & Automation:

• While not primary for a UX Designer, an understanding of how designs integrate with CRM systems and automated workflows can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a required tool. Proficiency in this and other contemporary design and prototyping software is essential. Familiarity with accessibility testing tools and potentially tools supporting the Ontario Design System would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the design process.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality, effective, and aesthetically pleasing design solutions.

• Impact: A focus on delivering designs that provide tangible value and improve user experiences, particularly in public service contexts.

• Adaptability: The ability to navigate complex projects, stakeholder relationships, and evolving requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with product managers, developers, QA, and business stakeholders to ensure design alignment and successful implementation.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive criticism to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and learnings among team members to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of independent contribution and strong teamwork, with a professional demeanor expected for client-facing roles. A focus on delivering tangible outcomes is paramount in a consulting environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating competing priorities and requirements from various stakeholders while maintaining a user-centered approach.

• Designing for Legacy Systems: Adapting designs to work within existing, potentially outdated technological infrastructures.

• Ensuring Accessibility: Consistently meeting stringent accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) across all design deliverables.

• Translating Complex Processes: Simplifying intricate technical or governmental processes into intuitive user experiences.

• Contract Role Dynamics: Adapting quickly to new project teams and environments for each contract.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences: Potential for attendance at UX, design, or accessibility-focused conferences.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like service design, accessibility, or specific design systems.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and project leads within Maarut or client organizations.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining broad experience across different types of digital products and services, particularly within the public sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to hone skills in complex problem-solving, stakeholder management, and specialized design areas like accessibility, which are highly valuable in the current market.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, communication, and user advocacy.)

• "Walk me through a complex UX challenge you faced, perhaps involving legacy systems or intricate user needs. How did you tackle it, and what was your solution?" (Highlight your problem-solving methodology and design thinking.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and meet standards like WCAG 2.1 AA? Can you provide examples?" (Demonstrate your knowledge and practical application of accessibility principles.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for a government service portal to simplify a complex process for citizens?" (Showcase your ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on contract roles with Maarut, particularly in the public sector?" (Research Maarut's mission and the value of public service design.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with developers and product managers? What’s your ideal team dynamic?" (Align your collaboration style with the role's requirements.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies, especially concerning accessibility and government digital standards?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your specific role, the user research conducted, your design process and decisions, key deliverables (wireframes, prototypes), and the impact/results.

• Highlight Process Over Polish: While visual appeal is important, emphasize your thinking, problem-solving, and how user feedback shaped your designs.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handled challenges.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that showcase experience with similar challenges (e.g., complex systems, public-facing services, accessibility).

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your design process, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach with specific examples from your portfolio. Demonstrating an understanding of public sector design principles and accessibility will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Zoho Recruit portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your senior UX/UI design experience, user research methodologies, proficiency with tools like Figma, and any relevant public service or accessibility experience.

• Case Study Preparation: Select 2-3 key projects for your portfolio that best demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be ready to present these in detail.

• Research Maarut: Understand Maarut's services, client base, and any stated values or mission that align with your career aspirations. Research the importance of UX in public service.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about your design process, stakeholder management, accessibility expertise, and collaborative abilities. Practice articulating your thought process clearly.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Maarut or their recruitment partner before making application decisions.