Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Makeship

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-08-18

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK (Canada)

🚀 Role Summary

• Owns the end-to-end user experience across Makeship's platform, focusing on crafting intuitive and visually engaging digital experiences for creators and fans.

• Drives the direction of platform functionality and design through a deep understanding of UX and UI craft, ensuring continuous improvement.

• Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, marketing) throughout the full product development cycle, from discovery to execution.

• Proactively builds, maintains, and scales the design system to support platform and team growth.

• Leverages extensive user research and design frameworks to inform product strategy and create valuable user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically for a Senior Product Designer, implying a need for leadership, strategic input, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The emphasis on "owning the end-to-end user experience" and "driving the direction of our platform's functionality and design" suggests a high degree of autonomy and responsibility within the product development process. The company's rapid growth and "Great Place to Work" certification indicate a dynamic and supportive work environment for operations and design professionals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Utilize a comprehensive UX toolkit to tackle complex user problems, rapidly iterating from problem identification to solution design.

• Design interfaces with a high degree of polish, making informed decisions on layout, hierarchy, typography, color, and motion based on strong rationale.

• Develop, maintain, and scale the design system to ensure consistency and efficiency as the platform and team expand.

• Apply diverse research methodologies (e.g., user journey mapping, JTBD, personas, user interviews) to gain deep insights into creator and fan needs, translating these into valuable product features.

• Lead and execute user testing initiatives to validate assumptions and drive ongoing usability improvements.

• Foster strong partnerships with engineering, product management, and marketing to ensure seamless collaboration and alignment throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Champion design thinking principles and proactively elevate the design practice across the entire organization.

• Mentor and provide training to other team members, contributing to the growth of the design practice within Makeship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on execution. The mention of "tackling multi-faceted user problems" and "vast UX toolkit" points to the need for advanced problem-solving skills. The expectation to "build, maintain, and scale our design system" is a critical responsibility for a senior role in a growing company, ensuring design consistency and efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in product design, UX, and UI are paramount. Candidates with degrees in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or related fields may possess a foundational understanding, but practical application and proven results are prioritized.

Experience: 5+ years of dedicated product design experience, with a proven track record of end-to-end ownership of solutions for complex user problems.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in Product Design, encompassing both User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design principles.

• Proven ability to conduct and leverage user research techniques, including user journey mapping, Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) frameworks, persona development, and user interviews.

• Demonstrated experience in building, evolving, and scaling design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across a platform.

• Exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate design decisions and work cross-functionally.

• A strong systems-thinking mindset, capable of holding broad ownership over a platform's user experience.

• High degree of autonomy and comfort operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, making quick, well-reasoned decisions.

• Proficiency in user testing methodologies and a commitment to data-driven design validation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for two-sided marketplaces or platforms with distinct user segments.

• Background in e-commerce, the creator economy, or crowdfunding platforms.

• Experience in mentoring or informally leading other designers.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and best practices (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio demonstrating "end-to-end design ownership of solutions to complex user problems" is a key differentiator. The emphasis on "systems-thinking mindset" and "high autonomy in a fast-moving environment" indicates the company values proactive individuals who can manage their work effectively and contribute strategically.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design ownership, detailing your process from problem discovery to final solution.

• Include case studies demonstrating how you've solved complex user problems with clear, measurable outcomes.

• Highlight your experience in building and iterating on design systems, showcasing its impact on product consistency and team efficiency.

• Present examples of user research methodologies utilized and how insights were translated into design decisions.

• Demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, marketing) within your case studies.

• Include examples of how you've conducted user testing and iterated on designs based on feedback. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user research, including methods for identifying user needs, pain points, and opportunities.

• Illustrate your process for ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design.

• Explain how you manage and evolve design systems, including documentation and governance.

• Describe your methods for collaborating with engineering and product teams to ensure successful implementation of designs.

• Showcase your approach to usability testing and iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. It should not just present finished designs but also articulate the candidate's thought process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their work. For a senior role, demonstrating ownership and strategic thinking in the portfolio is crucial, particularly how the candidate has influenced product direction and team processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000 CAD per annum.

This range is estimated based on the provided salary band and the Senior Product Designer role in Toronto, Ontario, a major tech hub. The exact salary will depend on unique skills, experience, and qualifications of the candidate.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits from day one.

• Generous paid time off: 4 weeks of vacation, plus paid time off on your birthday and an additional week during winter holidays.

• Engaging virtual and in-person social events to foster team connection.

• Annual Paid Volunteer Day Off, supporting community engagement.

• 1:1 RRSP Matching Program up to 3%, aiding long-term financial planning.

• $500 Pre-Tax Annual Health & Wellness Allowance for personal well-being.

• $400 Pre-Tax Home Office Setup Allowance to support remote work environments.

• $65 Pre-Tax Monthly Phone Allowance for communication needs.

• Maternity and Parental Leave Top-Up Program to support new parents.

• Education Assistance Program for continuous learning and skill development.

• Employee Referral Program to reward successful hires.

• Tenured Rewards Program to recognize long-term commitment.

Working Hours: The role is designed for a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility often expected in a remote, fast-paced startup environment. Specific working hours can be discussed during the interview process, but a commitment to meeting project deadlines is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the role and location. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a company that prioritizes employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which is attractive for seasoned professionals in design and operations roles. The inclusion of home office and phone allowances are particularly relevant for a remote-first or remote-friendly position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Creator Economy, Crowdfunding Platforms. Makeship operates at the intersection of these dynamic sectors, enabling creators to monetize their content through limited-edition merchandise. This industry context means a focus on community engagement, digital product launches, and fast-paced market trends.

Company Size: Makeship is a rapidly growing startup, as evidenced by its ranking on Canada's Top Growing Companies list. This implies a lean, agile, and collaborative environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. The company culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and employee-centric, given its "Great Place to Work-Certified™" status for three consecutive years.

Founded: Makeship was founded with a mission to empower creators. Its growth trajectory indicates a successful business model and a strong market fit. The company's history likely involves adapting to the evolving creator economy and building robust platform capabilities.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely part of a larger product department, working closely with product managers and engineers. As a Senior Product Designer, you may be expected to mentor or lead other designers, suggesting a growing design function within the company.

• Collaboration is emphasized, with the expectation to work across product, engineering, and marketing. This indicates a cross-functional, agile team structure.

• The company culture fosters autonomy, suggesting a flat hierarchy where individuals are empowered to take ownership and drive initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the emphasis on user research, testing, and validating assumptions.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, facilitating rapid iteration and continuous improvement.

• A strong focus on user-centric design is evident, with the goal of creating valuable experiences for both creators and fans.

• Design thinking is promoted as a core methodology for problem-solving and innovation.

Company Website: http://makeship.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Great Place to Work-Certified™" status for three years is a significant indicator of a positive and supportive company culture, which is crucial for attracting and retaining talent, especially in senior roles. The company's rapid growth suggests opportunities for individuals to grow with the company and make a tangible impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, signifying a position of significant influence and responsibility within the product development lifecycle. It requires not only strong design craft but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to mentor others. The role is suited for individuals who can operate with high autonomy and drive product initiatives forward.

Reporting Structure: As a Senior Product Designer, you will likely report to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or a similar senior management position within the product organization. You will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on a day-to-day basis, contributing to cross-functional team success.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's impact is directly tied to the user experience of the Makeship platform. By creating intuitive and valuable digital experiences, this role directly influences creator acquisition and retention, fan engagement, and ultimately, platform revenue and growth. Strategic design decisions can significantly enhance user satisfaction, streamline workflows, and drive conversion rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, design systems, and user research. Potential to take on more complex product challenges and lead design initiatives.

• Leadership Development: As the design team grows, there will be opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design critiques, and potentially take on a formal leadership role (e.g., Design Lead).

• Strategic Contribution: Influence product strategy and roadmap through design insights and proactive problem-solving. Contribute to the overall growth and success of a rapidly scaling company.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the fast-paced creator economy and e-commerce sectors, working with a diverse range of creators and fan communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "early team member" aspect highlighted in the role description suggests that this Senior Product Designer will have a significant opportunity to shape the future of the design function and product direction at Makeship, offering substantial career growth potential beyond just technical skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Makeship offers a flexible work environment, allowing employees to work remotely anywhere in Canada or access physical hubs. This hybrid approach caters to diverse working preferences and needs.

Office Location(s): While remote work across Canada is supported, the company may have physical "hubs." Specific hub locations are not detailed but would likely be in major Canadian cities, offering collaborative spaces for those who prefer in-person work or team meetups.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: The ability to work remotely from anywhere in Canada provides significant autonomy and work-life balance.

• Collaborative Spaces: Hubs, if available, would offer opportunities for in-person collaboration, team building, and idea exchange.

• Tools & Technology: As a tech-forward company, expect access to modern design tools, collaboration platforms, and efficient digital workflows.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, stand-ups, and potential in-person gatherings at hubs would facilitate ongoing interaction and knowledge sharing within the design and product teams.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the remote and startup environment often implies a degree of flexibility to accommodate project needs and personal schedules. Effective time management and proactive communication are key for remote success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Work remotely anywhere in Canada" and the provision of home office setup allowances strongly indicate a remote-first or highly remote-friendly culture, which is a significant draw for design professionals seeking flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: Typically involves presenting 2-3 key case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, rationale, and impact. A practical design challenge may be assigned to assess your problem-solving skills, design approach, and ability to work within constraints.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially Marketing team members to evaluate collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking.

• Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: A discussion focusing on cultural fit, leadership potential, career aspirations, and alignment with Makeship's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end ownership, complex problem-solving abilities, and impact. Tailor your selection to the job description's requirements (e.g., marketplace design, design systems).

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the trade-offs you made, and the measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of "improved user flow," say "reduced user task completion time by 15%."

• Showcase Design System Work: If applicable, dedicate a section or project to your experience with design systems, demonstrating your ability to create scalable and consistent design frameworks.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly analyze the brief, user needs, and business goals.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely across research, ideation, design, and presentation.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your rationale and thought process clearly and concisely, even if you don't complete every aspect of the challenge.

• Focus on Solutions: Demonstrate your ability to generate creative and effective solutions, even if they are presented as low-fidelity mockups or concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design ownership" and "complex user problems" means candidates should focus on depth over breadth in their case studies, detailing their personal contribution and strategic thinking. The potential for a design challenge means candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills live.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable as industry standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, Lookback, or similar platforms for qualitative and quantitative user feedback.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Notion.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, Heap for understanding user behavior and product performance.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and reporting on key metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot can provide context for how user data is managed and impacts the platform. Understanding integration points (e.g., via APIs) between design tools and backend systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list tools, candidates should be proficient in industry-standard design and prototyping software like Figma. Experience with user research platforms and project management tools is also expected for effective collaboration in a remote, agile environment. Mentioning familiarity with analytics tools demonstrates a data-informed approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of both creators and fans, ensuring every design decision prioritizes user value and experience.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close teamwork across product, engineering, and marketing to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Agility: A willingness to experiment, embrace new ideas, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Quality & Polish: A dedication to delivering high-quality, well-crafted designs that reflect positively on the Makeship brand.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for projects, driving them to completion, and being accountable for their outcomes.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning, skill development, and refining processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Managers to define requirements and with Engineers to ensure feasibility and accurate implementation.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to improve designs and processes.

• Empowered Teams: Individuals are trusted to manage their work and contribute their expertise, fostering a sense of shared ownership.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings across the team and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Makeship's "Great Place to Work-Certified™" status suggests a strong emphasis on positive work relationships, mutual respect, and a supportive environment, which are crucial for effective collaboration in a remote setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Systems: As the platform and team grow, maintaining and evolving the design system to meet increasing demands will be an ongoing challenge.

• Balancing Creator and Fan Needs: Designing for two distinct user groups with potentially different needs and priorities requires careful consideration and strategic trade-offs.

• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to quick product cycles and market changes while maintaining design quality and strategic coherence.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Transitioning to or expanding mentorship responsibilities for junior designers while continuing to manage senior-level design work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Craft: Opportunities to refine expertise in specialized areas of UX/UI, interaction design, and visual design.

• Product Strategy Influence: Playing a key role in shaping product direction and strategy through design insights and proactive problem-solving.

• Design System Leadership: Taking ownership of the design system's evolution and governance, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-functional Mastery: Deepening understanding of product management, engineering principles, and marketing strategies through close collaboration.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in the creator economy, e-commerce, and product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in high-growth startups. The company's commitment to employee growth (e.g., Education Assistance Program) suggests they invest in helping employees overcome these challenges and develop new skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you took ownership of a complex user problem from discovery to launch. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach building or evolving a design system? What are the key considerations for scalability and adoption?" (Demonstrate understanding of design system principles and practical application.)

• "Walk us through a challenging collaboration with engineering or product management. How did you navigate disagreements or technical constraints?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• "How do you balance the needs of different user groups on a platform, such as creators and fans?" (Showcase user empathy and strategic prioritization.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you think are the biggest design challenges Makeship faces, and how would you approach them?" (Demonstrate proactive thinking and understanding of the company's business.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture, especially in a remote setting?" (Align with Makeship's values and collaborative style.)

• "What does 'user-centric design' mean to you, and how do you ensure it's a priority in your work?" (Connect your philosophy with the company's mission.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact -> Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, user flows, and research artifacts. Annotate key decisions and insights.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most critical aspects of your work and be prepared to dive deeper if asked.

• Enthusiasm: Show genuine passion for design and the opportunity to contribute to Makeship.

• Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers about the team, product, and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific contributions to projects, not just team efforts. Highlighting how they influenced decisions and drove outcomes is crucial for a senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Makeship Careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "end-to-end design ownership," "design systems," "user research," "cross-functional collaboration," and "creator economy." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your strongest case studies that demonstrate your ability to solve complex user problems and showcase your end-to-end design process. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and well-organized.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your rationale, and highlighting the impact of your work. Be ready for potential design exercises.

• Research Makeship: Understand Makeship's mission, platform, target audience (creators and fans), and recent achievements (e.g., growth rankings, "Great Place to Work" status). Consider how your skills and experience align with their business goals and culture.

⚠️ 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.