Senior Information Architect / UX Lead

Aequilibrium Software Inc.
Full-timeβ€’$75-95/hour (CAD)

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Information Architect / UX Lead

Company: Aequilibrium Software Inc.

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: UX/Information Architecture (GTM Operations adjacent)

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote (Canada)

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead the strategic direction and execution of information architecture (IA) across a complex, multi-brand public web ecosystem.

  • Drive the redesign of navigation, taxonomy, content hierarchy, and overall site structures to enhance user findability and usability.

  • Facilitate critical stakeholder and user discovery workshops to gather insights and build consensus.

  • Collaborate closely with content strategists, UX/UI designers, and technical architects to ensure seamless integration and implementation of IA principles.

  • Champion accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA) and inclusive design practices throughout the digital experience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While this role is focused on UX and Information Architecture, its scope in modernizing large public web ecosystems, optimizing content strategy, and ensuring seamless user journeys positions it as highly relevant to GTM operations. Strong IA directly impacts lead generation, customer onboarding, and overall brand perception, making it a critical component of the broader Go-To-Market engine. The emphasis on CMS modernization and design systems also aligns with operational efficiency and scalability.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Spearhead the development and implementation of IA strategies for a multi-site, multi-brand public web ecosystem, ensuring consistency and coherence.

  • Conduct thorough assessments of existing navigation, taxonomy, and content hierarchies, proposing and executing redesigns for improved user flow and information discoverability.

  • Map and analyze key user journeys across various public-facing platforms, identifying friction points and opportunities for significant usability enhancements.

  • Lead and facilitate interactive workshops with diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, content creators, and technical teams, to elicit requirements and align on IA direction.

  • Partner with content strategists to ensure robust alignment between IA, taxonomy, metadata strategies, and content modeling for optimal content management and retrieval.

  • Collaborate with UX/UI designers to inform the development of responsive templates, reusable components, and a cohesive shared design system, ensuring IA principles are embedded.

  • Translate complex user research findings and business requirements into actionable experience principles and clear, concise recommendations for digital product development.

  • Integrate and enforce WCAG 2.2 AA standards and inclusive design principles across all digital touchpoints, ensuring broad audience accessibility.

  • Work in close partnership with technical architects and CMS specialists to validate the feasibility and effective implementation of proposed IA solutions within the target content management systems.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a leadership role in a significant digital transformation project. Emphasis on stakeholder facilitation, cross-functional collaboration with content and technical teams, and ensuring implementability of IA strategies points to a need for strong project management and communication skills in addition to core IA expertise. The scale of "multi-site, multi-brand" and "hundreds or thousands of pages" indicates a need for robust planning and execution capabilities.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in Information Architecture, UX Design, or a related field will be paramount. A background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, Design, or Communications can be beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) and/or Information Architecture, with a proven track record of leading complex digital initiatives.

Required Skills:

  • Information Architecture Leadership: Proven ability to lead the IA strategy and execution for large-scale, content-rich websites (hundreds or thousands of pages).

  • Multi-Site/Multi-Brand Experience: Demonstrated success in managing IA across multiple distinct websites or brands within a single initiative.

  • CMS Modernization & Re-platforming: Extensive experience working on major web modernization projects or CMS re-platforming efforts.

  • Taxonomy & Navigation Design: Deep expertise in developing and optimizing site navigation, taxonomy structures, and content hierarchies.

  • User Journey Mapping: Proficiency in mapping and analyzing user journeys to identify usability improvements and enhance findability.

  • Content Modelling: Strong understanding of content modeling principles and their application in IA.

  • Stakeholder Facilitation: Excellent skills in leading workshops, gathering requirements, and facilitating consensus among diverse stakeholder groups.

  • User Research Integration: Ability to translate user research findings into tangible IA recommendations.

  • Accessibility Standards: Thorough knowledge and practical application of WCAG 2.2 AA and inclusive design principles.

  • Design Systems & Component-Based Design: Experience working with and contributing to design systems and component-based web architectures.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience within government, public sector, higher education, or financial services organizations.

  • Experience modernizing large public sector web ecosystems.

  • Proficiency in specific CMS platforms relevant to large-scale deployments (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, Sitecore, Drupal).

  • Familiarity with content strategy frameworks and tools.

  • Experience with agile development methodologies.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of experience, particularly in leading large-scale, content-rich websites and CMS modernization, signifies a senior-level role. The emphasis on multi-site/multi-brand experience and specific organizational sectors (government, public sector) suggests a need for candidates who can navigate complex organizational structures and regulatory environments. The explicit request for project examples with scale and CMS details during application is a critical indicator of evaluation criteria.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Case Studies of Large-Scale IA Projects: Showcase 2-3 significant projects where you led the information architecture for extensive websites or web ecosystems (e.g., hundreds or thousands of pages). Clearly define your specific role, the project's scale (number of sites/pages), and the CMS/platform utilized.

  • Multi-Brand/Multi-Site Examples: Highlight projects demonstrating your ability to manage IA across distinct brands or multiple interconnected websites, detailing how consistency and user experience were maintained.

  • CMS Modernization/Re-platforming Evidence: Include examples of your involvement in web modernization or CMS re-platforming initiatives, detailing the IA challenges and solutions implemented.

  • Process & Methodology Documentation: Demonstrate your approach to IA, including user research integration, stakeholder facilitation techniques, taxonomy development, and navigation design principles.

Process Documentation:

  • IA Strategy & Planning: Evidence of strategic planning documents, IA frameworks, and roadmaps developed for complex digital initiatives.

  • User Research & Analysis: Examples of user journey maps, IA audits, and research synthesis reports that informed IA decisions.

  • IA Deliverables: Samples of sitemaps, wireframes, content models, and navigation schemas created for large-scale projects.

  • Accessibility & Usability Testing: Documentation of how accessibility and usability testing were integrated into the IA process and how findings were addressed.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The explicit request for 2-3 relevant projects with details on role, scale, and CMS is a direct instruction for portfolio preparation. This signals that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to articulate their contributions to significant, complex projects. The emphasis on process and methodology indicates that a structured, repeatable approach to IA, rather than just aesthetic design, is highly valued.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75 - $95 CAD per hour.

This hourly rate for a contract role reflects the senior nature of the position and the specialized skills required for large-scale digital modernization initiatives in the Canadian market. The range is competitive for experienced Information Architects and UX Leads in major urban centers like Vancouver, considering the demand for expertise in CMS re-platforming and public sector digital transformation.

Benefits: As a contractor, standard benefits packages may not apply. However, typical contractor benefits can include:

  • Flexibility: The primary benefit is the remote work arrangement, allowing for greater work-life balance and reduced commute time.

  • Project-Based Work: Opportunity to work on high-impact, large-scale digital transformation projects.

  • Potential for Extended Contracts: Successful performance on this initial initiative may lead to further contract extensions or opportunities within Aequilibrium's network.

  • Professional Development: While not explicitly stated, contractors often have the autonomy to invest in their own professional development and training.

Working Hours: A standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours is expected. Flexibility may be available, but core hours for collaboration with teams and stakeholders in Canadian time zones will be necessary. Potential travel within Canada for specific project needs may be required, though the role is primarily remote.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided per hour, typical for contract roles. For a full-time equivalent (e.g., 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year), this translates to an annual equivalent of $156,000 - $197,600 CAD. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior contract UX/IA professionals in Canada, considering the required experience and specialized skills in large-scale digital transformation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology & Services, Software Development, Digital Transformation Consulting. Aequilibrium specializes in delivering complex digital solutions, often for large organizations.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Aequilibrium appears to be a mid-sized to large consulting firm, given their focus on assembling "senior Canadian teams" for "potential large-scale digital experience modernization initiatives." This implies a robust project delivery capability and a network of experienced professionals.

Founded: Founded in 2012, Aequilibrium has established a presence in the digital transformation space, focusing on delivering substantial, impactful projects.

Team Structure:

  • Project-Specific Teams: This role will likely be part of a dedicated, senior-level project team assembled for the digital experience modernization initiative. This team will be cross-functional, including other senior UX professionals, content strategists, project managers, and technical leads.

  • Reporting: The Senior Information Architect / UX Lead will likely report to a Program Director or a senior executive overseeing the digital modernization initiative. They will also work closely with product owners and business stakeholders.

  • Collaboration: The emphasis is on high levels of collaboration, both within the core project team and with external stakeholders across various departments of the client organization. A consultative approach is expected.

Methodology:

  • User-Centric Design: The core methodology will be user-centric, prioritizing user research, journey mapping, and iterative design based on feedback.

  • Agile & Iterative Development: Given the nature of web modernization, an agile or iterative approach is highly probable, allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Recommendations and IA strategies will need to be grounded in user data, business requirements, and performance metrics.

Company Website: http://www.aequilibrium.ca

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's focus on large-scale digital modernization for potentially complex organizations (public sector, government) suggests a culture that values expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage intricate projects. As a contractor, you'll integrate into these project-specific teams, bringing your specialized skills to bear on significant challenges.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level, Lead role within the UX and Information Architecture domain. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, strategic responsibility, and the expectation to guide complex initiatives. It is not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role but contributes significantly to the effectiveness of GTM by ensuring a user-friendly and accessible digital presence.

Reporting Structure: You will report to senior leadership overseeing the modernization initiative, likely a Director or VP level. You will collaborate extensively with other senior leads (e.g., Technical Lead, Content Strategy Lead) and work directly with client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The impact is significant, though indirect to direct revenue operations. By improving the findability, usability, and accessibility of public-facing websites, this role directly influences:

  • Lead Generation: Easier navigation and clearer content structures can improve conversion rates for potential clients or citizens seeking information.

  • Customer Experience: A consistent and accessible digital experience builds trust and satisfaction, which is foundational to customer acquisition and retention.

  • Operational Efficiency: A well-designed CMS and IA can streamline content management and reduce ongoing maintenance costs for the client.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Project Leadership: Opportunity to lead the IA and UX strategy for a major, high-profile digital transformation project, enhancing your portfolio and leadership experience.

  • Specialization Deepening: Further hone expertise in complex IA, multi-brand strategies, CMS modernization, and accessibility within large-scale environments.

  • Consulting Acumen: Develop stronger client-facing and stakeholder management skills, valuable for future consulting or leadership roles.

  • Network Expansion: Build professional connections with senior leaders and experts at Aequilibrium and within the client organization.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the role is not a direct Ops role, its impact on user acquisition and experience is critical for GTM success. The growth opportunities lie in leading significant projects and deepening specialized UX/IA expertise within a consulting context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a remote contract position, primarily performed from a home office. However, the "Potential travel within Canada" indicates that occasional in-person meetings, workshops, or site visits may be required at client locations.

Office Location(s): Primarily remote within Canada. Travel may be required to various client locations across Canada, depending on the project's needs. Vancouver, BC is the listed primary location, suggesting a strong presence or client base in that region.

Workspace Context:

  • Remote Autonomy: You will have the autonomy to set up your workspace to optimize productivity and focus.

  • Virtual Collaboration: The environment will heavily rely on virtual collaboration tools for meetings, document sharing, and communication.

  • Cross-Functional Interaction: Expect frequent interaction with diverse teams, including designers, developers, content strategists, and client representatives, all primarily through digital channels.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, approximately 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, adherence to project timelines and availability for key meetings within Canadian business hours will be crucial. The contract duration is not specified, but the "potential travel" suggests this is a significant, ongoing project.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The remote nature is a key feature, but candidates should be prepared for potential travel requirements and the need for strong self-discipline and remote collaboration skills.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio, with a specific focus on the requested project examples (scale, CMS, role).

  • Technical/Skills Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your IA methodology, experience with large-scale projects, CMS modernization, accessibility, and stakeholder facilitation. Expect scenario-based questions.

  • Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your approach, challenges, and outcomes.

  • Stakeholder/Cultural Fit Interview: A conversation with senior leadership or client representatives to assess your communication style, collaborative approach, and ability to integrate into a senior project team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the scale (number of pages/sites), your specific contribution, the technologies/CMS used, and any measurable outcomes or improvements achieved (even if qualitative).

  • Structure Your Narrative: For presentations, use a clear structure: Problem/Challenge -> Your Role & Approach -> Key Decisions/Deliverables -> Outcomes/Impact.

  • Highlight IA Process: Emphasize your IA methodology, including how you conducted research, facilitated stakeholders, developed taxonomies/navigations, and ensured accessibility.

  • Showcase Complexity: Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to handle complexity, such as multi-brand environments, large content volumes, or significant CMS migrations.

  • Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio highlights experience relevant to large-scale, content-rich websites and CMS modernization, as specified in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

  • IA Strategy Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach IA for a hypothetical large, complex web ecosystem undergoing modernization.

  • Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've managed conflicting stakeholder needs or facilitated consensus on IA decisions.

  • Accessibility Integration: Be ready to explain how you incorporate accessibility into IA from the ground up.

  • CMS Considerations: Think about how IA is influenced by different CMS capabilities and limitations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio details (scale, CMS, role) is a critical filter. Candidates must prepare specific, detailed examples that directly address the requirements for large-scale, multi-brand, and CMS modernization projects. The interview process is likely to be rigorous, assessing both technical expertise and collaborative/consultative skills.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Information Architecture Tools: Tools for sitemap creation (e.g., Visio, Miro, OmniGraffle, Axure), wireframing (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure), and prototyping.

  • Collaboration Platforms: Miro, Mural, Slack, Microsoft Teams for virtual whiteboarding, communication, and team collaboration.

  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with large-scale CMS platforms is crucial. While specific platforms aren't listed, common ones for such initiatives include Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), Sitecore, Drupal, WordPress (enterprise versions), or custom-built solutions. Understanding CMS capabilities and limitations from an IA perspective is key.

  • User Research & Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools for user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com), analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics), and potentially card sorting or tree testing tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior, traffic patterns, and site performance.

  • Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau or Power BI might be used by the broader team, so understanding how IA impacts these metrics is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly responsible for CRM, understanding how IA on public sites might feed into CRM data capture or how user journeys align with marketing automation paths can be advantageous.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the role is IA/UX focused, understanding the technical underpinnings of CMS platforms and how IA influences web analytics is critical. The ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams and understand system constraints is paramount.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, strategic IA solutions that meet complex project requirements.

  • User Advocacy: A strong dedication to understanding and representing the needs of diverse users, ensuring accessibility and usability.

  • Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and building strong working relationships with colleagues and clients.

  • Data-Driven Insights: Basing IA decisions on user research, analytics, and business objectives rather than assumptions.

  • Adaptability & Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and solving complex challenges inherent in large-scale digital transformations.

Collaboration Style:

  • Consultative & Facilitative: The role requires a consultative approach, guiding discussions and facilitating consensus among various stakeholders.

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless integration with UX/UI designers, content strategists, and technical teams is essential, requiring clear communication and mutual respect for expertise.

  • Feedback-Oriented: An openness to feedback and an iterative process for refining IA strategies and deliverables.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise and best practices with team members and client stakeholders.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes professional expertise, collaborative problem-solving, and a strong client-focus, particularly given the nature of consulting for large organizations.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating Complexity: Managing IA across multiple brands and sites with potentially conflicting requirements or legacy systems.

  • Stakeholder Alignment: Achieving consensus among diverse stakeholders with varying priorities and levels of technical understanding.

  • Technical Constraints: Balancing ideal IA with the practical limitations of CMS platforms and development resources.

  • Ensuring Accessibility at Scale: Implementing and maintaining WCAG 2.2 AA compliance across a vast digital ecosystem.

  • Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and collaboration with a distributed team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Leading Major Digital Transformations: Gaining invaluable experience managing IA for a large-scale, high-visibility project.

  • Deepening CMS Expertise: Gaining practical experience with enterprise-level CMS platforms and their IA implications.

  • Advanced IA Techniques: Further developing skills in complex taxonomy, content modeling, and user journey optimization within challenging environments.

  • Consulting Skills Enhancement: Improving client management, presentation, and strategic advisory capabilities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in large transformation projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your approach to developing an information architecture strategy for a large, multi-brand public web ecosystem undergoing modernization. What are your initial steps?" (Focus on research, stakeholder engagement, foundational principles).

  • "How would you facilitate a workshop to gain alignment on a new site taxonomy with stakeholders from different departments, each with their own content priorities?" (Highlight facilitation techniques, conflict resolution, data-driven arguments).

  • "Imagine a key user journey is identified as having a high drop-off rate. How would you diagnose the IA-related causes and propose solutions, considering both user needs and CMS limitations?" (Emphasize analytical process, IA principles, collaborative problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What experience do you have working with government or public sector organizations, and what unique considerations are important in these environments?" (Research Aequilibrium's typical clients and the public sector context).

  • "How do you ensure accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA) is integrated throughout the IA process, not just as an afterthought?" (Demonstrate proactive approach, knowledge of standards).

  • "Describe a time you had to balance competing stakeholder demands regarding site structure or navigation. How did you reach a resolution?" (Showcase negotiation, communication, and strategic decision-making). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Select Your Strongest, Most Relevant Projects: Prioritize the 2-3 projects that best showcase large scale, multi-brand experience, and CMS modernization.

  • Quantify Everything: Use numbers to illustrate scale (pages, sites, users) and impact (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%," "improved findability scores by Y%").

  • Explain Your 'Why': Clearly articulate the rationale behind your IA decisions, linking them to user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.

  • Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your strategic thinking, IA process, and ability to handle complexity and stakeholder dynamics. Quantifiable results and clear explanations of your methodology are key.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Information Architect / UX Lead position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Aequilibrium application portal.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 8+ years of UX/IA experience, specifically mentioning leadership in large-scale website redesigns, CMS modernization, and multi-brand projects. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies that directly address the requirements: large scale (hundreds/thousands of pages), multi-site/multi-brand, and CMS modernization. Clearly state your role, the scale, and the CMS used for each project.

  • Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your IA process, stakeholder facilitation skills, and experience with accessibility during interviews. Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely and impactfully.

  • Research Aequilibrium: Understand their focus on digital transformation, their typical client base (e.g., public sector), and their project delivery approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates must have 8+ years of experience in UX or information architecture, specifically with large-scale, content-rich websites. Proficiency in CMS modernization, accessibility standards, and stakeholder facilitation is essential for this role.