RQ11577 - UX Designer - Senior

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: RQ11577 - UX Designer - Senior

Company: Maarut

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Contract

Category: UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of intuitive, user-friendly, and visually compelling interfaces that enhance the overall product experience.

• Lead the design of complex digital services from initial concept through to production, ensuring adherence to high user experience standards and performance metrics.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews and surveys, to inform design decisions and translate insights into detailed sitemaps, user flows, customer journey maps, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.

• Collaborate closely with product and engineering teams within an Agile framework to iterate on designs based on user feedback and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly focused on the end-to-end UX/UI design process for digital products, requiring a senior-level candidate capable of leading design initiatives and influencing product strategy through user-centered methodologies. The emphasis on contract work suggests a need for immediate impact and a strong portfolio demonstrating past success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to improve user interactions with digital, user-centric products and services, ensuring measurable enhancements and positive user feedback.

• Design user interfaces for various projects, including digital displays, publications, media, and other creative materials as required by Maarut.

• Conceive, plan, and conduct user research, including participant recruitment, facilitation, and analysis of findings to deliver actionable insights.

• Create detailed design deliverables such as mood boards, collaboration boards, empathy maps, user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes optimized for a wide range of devices and interfaces.

• Facilitate the client's product vision by researching, conceiving, sketching, prototyping, and user-testing experiences for digital products.

• Identify design problems and devise elegant, effective solutions, making strategic design and user-experience decisions related to core and new functions and features.

• Gather user feedback through various channels to continuously refine and configure existing interfaces.

• Present design recommendations and provide expert advice to stakeholders, clearly articulating design rationale and potential impacts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level expectation to not only execute design tasks but also to lead strategic design initiatives, conduct thorough user research, and effectively communicate with stakeholders. The iterative nature of the role, driven by user testing and feedback, is a key component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific educational requirements are listed, a Bachelor'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 demonstrated experience in UX Design, UI Design, Interactive Design, or a similar role, with a strong focus on web and mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in developing and executing strategies that improve user interactions with digital, user-centric products and services, resulting in measurable enhancements and positive user feedback.

• Ability to lead the design of complex digital services from concept to production, maintaining high user experience standards and performance measures.

• Demonstrated experience creating design deliverables such as mood boards, collaboration boards, empathy maps, user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Proficiency with essential design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma and XDstudio.

• Strong understanding of generative and evaluative user research methods and their continuous integration into the digital product lifecycle.

• Hands-on experience creating user research plans, recruiting participants, facilitating research sessions, analyzing findings, and delivering insightful reports.

• Ability to synthesize research findings into concise user research documents, including user journey maps, personas, service blueprints, and affinity maps.

• Experience incorporating web analytics, visitor feedback, and performance metrics to inform design decisions.

• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate design rationale and present recommendations to multiple stakeholders.

• Experience working effectively within Agile product development teams and a willingness to iterate work based on feedback. Preferred Skills:

• Experience coding in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

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

• Experience researching and applying industry best practices to support design deliverables.

• Strong facilitation skills for leading design discussions and negotiations.

• Experience collaborating and sharing design tasks with multiple designers on complex product deliveries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and XDstudio as mandatory tools, along with the preference for HTML/CSS/JavaScript skills, indicates a need for designers who can bridge the gap between design and development. The extensive list of required skills underscores the senior nature of this role, demanding a comprehensive understanding of the entire design lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, demonstrating problem-solving abilities and design process.

• Specific examples of user research, user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes that led to successful product outcomes.

• Case studies detailing the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and measurable results achieved.

• Projects that highlight experience with user-centric design principles and iterative design based on user testing and feedback.

• Evidence of designing for diverse devices and interfaces, with a focus on creating intuitive and engaging user experiences. Process Documentation:

• Showcase documentation of user research methodologies and findings, including synthesized insights from interviews, surveys, and usability testing.

• Include examples of user journey maps, personas, service blueprints, and affinity maps that informed design decisions.

• Present detailed wireframes, sitemaps, and user flows that illustrate the structure and navigation of digital products.

• Provide interactive prototypes that effectively demonstrate user interactions and core functionalities.

• Demonstrate how design decisions were informed by web analytics, performance metrics, and stakeholder feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's skills and experience. The expectation is to not just show final designs but to clearly articulate the process, research, and strategic thinking behind them, with a focus on measurable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Contract" employment type, "Senior" experience level (5-10 years), and location in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the estimated hourly rate for a Senior UX Designer typically ranges from CAD $50 to CAD $85 per hour. This can vary based on the specific project scope, contract duration, and the candidate's precise skill set and negotiation.

Benefits: As a contract position, standard benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not included unless specifically negotiated or provided by an external contracting agency.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team collaboration needs, but the role is designated as on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on market research for contract Senior UX Designers in Toronto, considering the provided experience level and the high demand for specialized UX/UI skills. Benefits are usually limited for contract roles, so candidates should inquire directly about any provisions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Maarut operates within the technology sector, likely focusing on software development, digital solutions, or consulting services, given the nature of the UX Designer role. This industry context implies a fast-paced environment that values innovation, user-centricity, and efficient product development.

Company Size: Maarut is likely a small to medium-sized business (SMB) or a specialized consultancy, given the use of Zoho Recruit and the designation of a contract role. This size often means more direct impact, closer collaboration with leadership, and potentially a more agile and less bureaucratic workflow.

Founded: Founded in 2013, Maarut has established itself over a decade, suggesting a stable yet evolving organization. This history implies a solid understanding of market dynamics and a capacity for long-term project engagement.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a product development or design team, potentially working alongside UI designers, product managers, developers, and QA testers.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Design Lead, Product Manager, or a senior member of the project team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is crucial, requiring close interaction with technical experts and business subject matter experts to translate requirements into effective user experiences. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights methods will be central, utilizing user research, web analytics, and performance metrics to drive design decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be applied to ensure efficient design processes and adherence to Agile methodologies.

• Automation and efficiency practices are implied through the use of advanced design tools and the need for rapid iteration.

Company Website: www.maarutinc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding date and industry suggest a mature but dynamic organization. The contract nature of this role implies a focus on project-specific needs and delivering tangible results within defined timelines.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is for a Senior UX Designer, indicating a role with significant autonomy and responsibility. The individual is expected to lead design efforts, mentor junior designers if applicable, and contribute strategically to product development, moving beyond task execution to design leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report to a Design Manager, Product Manager, or a senior project lead. They will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including engineers, product owners, and potentially marketing or business analysts.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of digital products by ensuring they are user-friendly, intuitive, and meet user needs. This directly influences user adoption, customer satisfaction, engagement metrics, and ultimately, the achievement of business objectives through effective digital solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research methodologies, interaction design patterns, or accessibility standards.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead design sprints, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the strategic direction of design within Maarut.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a variety of projects and industries, allowing for the development of a broad portfolio and adaptability to different design challenges. As a contractor, this role may also offer opportunities to transition to longer-term engagements or gain experience with multiple clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, "growth" is often measured by the breadth of experience gained and the ability to secure future contracts. The senior designation implies an opportunity to take on more complex challenges and potentially influence design strategy, even within a contract framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," suggesting a traditional office environment within Maarut's Toronto location. This environment is likely designed to foster collaboration and direct communication among team members.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with a postal code of M4C. This area is a well-established part of the city, likely offering good accessibility via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will support a collaborative environment where designers can interact with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and relevant software, is expected.

• Opportunities for direct team interaction will be frequent, facilitating brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and problem-solving discussions.

Work Schedule: A typical 40-hour work week is anticipated, aligning with standard business hours in Toronto (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM EST). While the role is on-site, occasional flexibility might be discussed based on project needs, but consistent in-office presence is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Toronto indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and team integration. Candidates should consider the commute and local work culture when evaluating this aspect of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes, with a strong emphasis on the submitted portfolio link. Candidates without a portfolio will likely be screened out.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects from the portfolio, discussing design decisions, research methodologies, and problem-solving approaches.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a deeper dive into proficiency with Figma, XDstudio, and user research techniques. This might involve scenario-based questions or a brief design exercise.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, communication style, ability to work in an Agile environment, and alignment with Maarut's values and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership or the hiring manager to confirm fit and discuss contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from initial problem definition and research to ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. Use metrics, user feedback quotes, or case study outcomes to demonstrate the positive impact of your designs.

• Tailor to Maarut: Select projects that best align with Maarut's industry and the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasize user-centricity and effective problem-solving.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and prototypes.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your experience with specific tools, and your approach to user research.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Maarut's Context: Research Maarut's services and target audience to better frame any design challenges.

• Focus on Core Skills: Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and user flow creation using Figma or XDstudio.

• Emphasize User-Centricity: Frame your approach around understanding user needs and translating them into functional and intuitive designs.

• Communicate Your Thinking: If given a challenge, articulate your thought process clearly, explaining your assumptions, decisions, and proposed solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on the candidate's portfolio. Candidates should prepare to extensively discuss their past work, demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities relevant to Maarut's needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is a must.

• XDstudio (Adobe XD): Another mandatory tool for design and prototyping. Experience with both Figma and XDstudio is expected.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma/XD, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial for specific project needs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

• Performance Metrics Tracking: Understanding how to interpret and utilize data related to user engagement, conversion rates, and task completion.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for this role, familiarity with CRM systems (like Zoho CRM, given the recruitment platform) or project management/collaboration tools (like Jira, Asana) can be beneficial for understanding the broader product development ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma and XDstudio are critical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate advanced proficiency in these tools and articulate how they leverage them in their design process. Understanding how design integrates with analytics and broader product lifecycle tools is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value driving all design decisions, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of product development.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively within cross-functional teams, valuing input from designers, developers, product managers, and stakeholders.

• Innovation: A drive to create novel and effective solutions that push the boundaries of user experience and product functionality.

• Efficiency: A focus on streamlined design processes, rapid iteration, and delivering high-quality work within project timelines.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing user research, analytics, and performance metrics to validate design choices and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in Agile ceremonies and close collaboration with engineering and product teams to ensure seamless integration of designs into development.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, research findings, and innovative techniques within the team and potentially across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on user-centricity, collaboration, and data-driven approaches suggests a team that values rigorous design processes and effective teamwork to achieve product success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: The primary challenge will be to create exceptional user experiences that also align with Maarut's business objectives and technical constraints.

• Iterative Design in Agile: Effectively managing the iterative design process within an Agile framework, adapting quickly to feedback and changing requirements while maintaining design integrity.

• Stakeholder Management: Communicating complex design concepts and rationale clearly to diverse stakeholders, managing expectations, and navigating potential disagreements.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies in the rapidly evolving digital product landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tool Mastery: Deepening expertise in Figma and XDstudio, exploring advanced features and plugins to enhance design efficiency and capabilities.

• User Research Specialization: Opportunity to refine user research skills, potentially exploring specialized techniques like ethnographic research or advanced usability testing.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining a better understanding of front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and product management principles to foster more integrated design solutions.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Each project offers a chance to build a stronger, more impactful portfolio that can lead to future contract opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional development through hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and methodologies. The contract nature itself provides exposure to varied project challenges, which can be a form of continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a digital product from concept to launch, highlighting your role as a Senior UX Designer." (Focus on user research, iteration, and stakeholder communication.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints when designing a new feature?" (Prepare to discuss trade-offs and your decision-making process.)

• "Walk us through a challenging UX project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, the solution, and the outcome?" (Be ready to detail your specific contributions and the impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Maarut and this specific contract role?" (Research Maarut and tailor your answer to their industry and services.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within an Agile team, especially with developers and product managers?" (Emphasize communication, feedback, and shared ownership.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are user-centric and informed by data?" (Discuss your user research methods and how you use analytics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Wisely: Select 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your end-to-end design process and problem-solving skills.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, the key decisions made, the challenges encountered, and the measurable results achieved.

• Highlight Figma/XDstudio Usage: Be prepared to discuss specific features or workflows you utilized within these tools.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%").

• Be Interactive: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your designs and defend your choices with user-centric principles and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on portfolio discussion. Candidates must be able to articulate their design process, research methodologies, and the strategic rationale behind their design decisions, showcasing their seniority and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (via a link) and showcases projects that align with the Senior UX Designer responsibilities, particularly those involving user research, Figma/XDstudio proficiency, and end-to-end product design.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5-10 years of relevant experience, specific skills in UX/UI design, user research, wireframing, prototyping, and proficiency with Figma and XDstudio. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your problem-solving approach, user research insights, design rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to Agile environments and stakeholder collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Maarut's services, industry presence, and any publicly available information about their projects or company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, including salary expectations and specific benefits, should be verified directly with Maarut during the application and interview process.