Senior UX Designer - Toronto, ON - Canada - Long Term Contract - Prior Public Service/OPS experience

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Arthur Grand Technologies Inc

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Contract

Category: UX/UI Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute end-to-end user experience (UX) design processes for digital transformation initiatives, focusing on creating intuitive and efficient user interfaces.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, employing methods such as user interviews, diary studies, usability testing, and A/B testing to gather critical insights.

• Synthesize complex research findings into actionable design documentation, including user journey maps, personas, service blueprints, and affinity maps.

• Develop and deliver high-fidelity design deliverables, including information architecture, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes, within an agile, sprint-based development framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is explicitly for a UX Designer, the emphasis on "Digital Transformation initiatives," "enterprise modernization," and "emerging technologies" within the company description suggests a strong connection to operational efficiency and GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement through improved user workflows and digital product adoption. The requirement for "Prior Public Service/OPS experience" indicates a need for understanding complex government processes and stakeholder management, which are critical in operationalizing public services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate user experience design research through various methods, including user interviews, diary studies, usability testing, tracking usability metrics, A/B testing, and card sorting.

• Synthesize research findings into insightful and concise user research documents, such as user journey maps, personas, service blueprints, and affinity maps.

• Lead design ideation sessions and deliver key design deliverables, including service design blueprints, information architecture, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Collaborate effectively within an agile, sprint-based development environment, ensuring seamless integration of UX design into the product development lifecycle.

• Understand and apply iterative product development cycles (Discovery, Agile, Beta, Live) to optimize the user experience throughout the project lifecycle.

• Design interfaces utilizing design systems, with a specific emphasis on adhering to and contributing to the Ontario Design System.

• Create GUI designs grounded in user interaction and performance data, ensuring a high-quality user experience for web and mobile applications.

• Conceive and conduct user research, interviews, and surveys, translating insights into sitemaps, user flows, user journey maps, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes that foster intuitive user experiences.

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

• Make strategic design and user-experience decisions for core and new features, informed by user feedback and data.

• Gather user feedback to configure and refine existing interfaces, ensuring continuous improvement.

• Manage end-to-end user research processes, from participant recruitment to final synthesis and reporting.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability across applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily lean into operationalizing user feedback and research into tangible design assets that directly impact product development efficiency and user adoption. The emphasis on "iterative product development cycles" and "agile, sprint-based development" highlights the need for operational agility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not detailed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UX Designer role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX design, UI design, or a similar role, with a proven track record of successfully delivering user-centric digital products. Experience in leading UX projects and workshops is essential.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in user experience (UX) design and user interface (UI) design for web and mobile applications.

• Proficiency in conducting user research using a variety of methods, including user interviews, usability testing, diary studies, and A/B testing.

• Strong ability to synthesize research findings into actionable design documentation such as user journey maps, personas, service blueprints, and affinity maps.

• Expertise in creating information architecture, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Proven experience working effectively in an agile, sprint-based development environment.

• Understanding of iterative product development lifecycles (Discovery, Agile, Beta, Live).

• Advanced proficiency with design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma.

• Experience designing interfaces utilizing and adhering to established design systems.

• Ability to work with and implement the Ontario Design System.

• Demonstrated ability to define and lead UX projects and design workshops with stakeholders and business users.

• Strong understanding of the limitations and appropriate use of web development technologies.

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

• Experience identifying design problems and devising elegant, user-centric solutions.

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

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including developers, QA specialists, and business stakeholders.

• Experience managing competing priorities and client relationship management. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) or broader public sector.

• Knowledge of accessibility testing and standards, including WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.

• Familiarity with digital service standards and best practices.

• Experience with complex design challenges, particularly those involving legacy systems and nuanced stakeholder/approval relationships.

• Experience with Canvas and similar design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Prior Public Service/OPS experience" and "Ontario Design System" suggests a need for candidates familiar with government-specific operational workflows, procurement processes, and established design standards, which are crucial for effective integration and project execution within such environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end UX design projects, demonstrating your process from initial research and ideation through to final design and testing.

• Include case studies detailing specific UX challenges, your problem-solving approach, and the impact of your design solutions, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Highlight examples of user research synthesis, including personas, journey maps, and service blueprints, illustrating your ability to translate insights into strategy.

• Present wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes that demonstrate your proficiency in design tools like Figma and your understanding of information architecture.

• Demonstrate experience with design systems, including how you've used, adapted, or contributed to them, with specific reference to the Ontario Design System if applicable. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you document your design process, including research plans, synthesis reports, user flow diagrams, and interaction specifications.

• Showcase your ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly, supported by research data and user feedback.

• Illustrate your experience in collaborating with development teams, including how you hand off design assets and provide support during implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role requiring "Prior Public Service/OPS experience," portfolios should ideally include examples of projects within government or large public sector organizations, demonstrating an understanding of their unique operational constraints, compliance requirements, and stakeholder engagement models.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the estimated salary range for this long-term contract position is CAD $75,000 - $110,000 annually, or approximately CAD $40 - $55 per hour. This range can vary based on the specific skills, depth of OPS experience, and the duration of the contract.

Benefits: As this is a contract role, benefits are typically provided through the contracting agency or are the responsibility of the contractor. Arthur Grand Technologies may offer benefits such as:

• Access to extended health and dental plans.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Contribution to RRSP or similar retirement savings plans.

• Paid time off or vacation accrual, depending on contract terms.

• Potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are approximately 40 hours per week, with an on-site presence required 5 days a week. Flexibility may be offered by the hiring manager for specific circumstances, but the core expectation is consistent on-site availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for Senior UX Designers in Toronto, considering the contract nature of the role and the specific requirements. The "Prior Public Service/OPS experience" is a significant differentiator that could command a higher rate within this range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arthur Grand Technologies operates within the IT Services and Digital Transformation consulting sector, specializing in modernizing enterprise systems for Federal, Commercial, and State/local government clients. Their focus areas include Cloud Solutions, Agile Development, DevOps, Data Warehousing, and ERP implementations.

Company Size: Arthur Grand Technologies is a minority-owned staff augmentation and technology consulting company. While the exact employee count isn't specified, their description suggests a mid-sized firm with a significant client base and project portfolio.

Founded: Founded in 2012, Arthur Grand Technologies has established a reputation for delivery excellence and providing transformative IT services.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team likely operates within project-based structures, collaborating closely with development teams, project managers, and business analysts.

• Reporting lines would typically lead to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or a Project Manager, depending on the project's organizational hierarchy.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close partnerships with developers, QA specialists, business stakeholders, and potentially end-users or their representatives. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on using user research data, usability metrics, and A/B testing results to inform design decisions and drive product improvements.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Designing user-centric workflows that streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall user experience within complex systems.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly stated for UX, the company's broader focus on Digital Transformation and emerging technologies implies an appreciation for automation and efficiency gains, which UX design directly supports through intuitive interfaces.

Company Website: https://www.arthurgrand.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company’s focus on "Digital Transformation initiatives" and "emerging technologies" suggests a culture that values innovation and efficiency. The "minority-owned" and "Equal Opportunity Employer" status indicates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which can influence team dynamics and collaboration styles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer, indicating a high level of expertise and responsibility. Senior designers are expected to lead projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute strategically to design processes and methodologies. This level requires not only strong technical UX skills but also leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Project Manager or a Design Lead within the project team structure. They will also work closely with development teams and business analysts, requiring effective communication and collaboration across different functional areas.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's role is critical in operationalizing user needs into functional and efficient digital products. By creating intuitive interfaces and streamlined user journeys, they directly impact user adoption, task completion rates, and overall customer satisfaction. This, in turn, influences the success of digital transformation initiatives, driving efficiency and achieving business objectives for clients in the public sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific UX methodologies, such as service design, accessibility, or user research, and gain experience with the Ontario Design System and public sector digital standards.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead design efforts on significant projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the evolution of UX practices within Arthur Grand Technologies and client organizations.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like UX strategy, UX research leadership, or design operations, depending on project needs and personal career aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Prior Public Service/OPS experience" requirement suggests that growth opportunities may also involve understanding and navigating complex government procurement and project delivery frameworks, which is a valuable operational skill in itself.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires a 5-day on-site presence, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a collaborative setup where face-to-face interactions are prioritized for design discussions, brainstorming, and team alignment.

Office Location(s): The primary work locations are specified as 5700 Yonge St., Toronto, and 49 Places D'Armes, Kingston. Candidates should be prepared to work from one of these locations, with Toronto being the more prominent mention for the Yonge St. address.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site requirement fosters a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities for spontaneous discussions, whiteboarding sessions, and direct feedback from colleagues and stakeholders.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, design software (Figma), and potentially project management tools used by Arthur Grand Technologies and their clients.

• Team Interaction: Direct interaction with cross-functional teams (developers, QA, business analysts) and client representatives, facilitating a shared understanding of project goals and user needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, with a consistent on-site presence. While specific daily hours may have some flexibility, the expectation is full-time engagement during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for 5 days a week is a critical factor for operations professionals who may prefer hybrid or remote work. This indicates a company culture that values in-person collaboration for complex design and problem-solving tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess your qualifications, experience, and fit for the Senior UX Designer role, with a particular focus on public sector experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a deep dive into your UX process, design methodologies, and experience with specific tools (e.g., Figma). You may be asked to walk through portfolio case studies.

• Design Challenge/Workshop: A practical exercise, potentially a case study or a design workshop, to evaluate your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to collaborate. This may involve designing a solution for a given problem or critiquing an existing design.

• Stakeholder/Client Interview: An opportunity to discuss your experience working with stakeholders, understanding client needs, and navigating complex project environments, especially within the public sector.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior management or the hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm contract details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight OPS/Public Sector Experience: Clearly showcase projects undertaken within government or public service organizations. Detail your understanding of their unique operational challenges, compliance requirements, and stakeholder engagement models.

• Demonstrate Process: For each case study, clearly articulate your design process, from research and ideation to iteration and final delivery. Use visuals like journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs where possible (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced user errors, increased user satisfaction).

• Figma & Design Systems: Provide examples of your work in Figma and demonstrate your experience with design systems, specifically mentioning your familiarity with the Ontario Design System.

• Accessibility Focus: Include examples of how you've incorporated accessibility best practices (WCAG 2.1 AA) into your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Public Sector Scenarios: Prepare for challenges that may involve complex user groups, stringent regulatory requirements, or multi-stakeholder environments typical of public service projects.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely, referencing research and user data.

• Collaboration Simulation: Practice communicating your ideas and collaborating with hypothetical team members (developers, product owners) during a design challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Prior Public Service/OPS experience" means interviewers will be looking for evidence of understanding government procurement processes, stakeholder alignment, and compliance with public sector digital standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with various prototyping tools beyond Figma, such as Adobe XD, Sketch, or InVision, may be beneficial.

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

• Collaboration Tools: Experience with platforms like Jira, Confluence, Slack, or Microsoft Teams for agile project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Usability Metrics Tracking: Understanding how to track and interpret metrics related to user interaction and performance.

• A/B Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools that facilitate A/B testing for design optimization.

• Analytics Platforms: General understanding of web analytics principles (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding how UX design integrates with CRM systems and automation workflows can be advantageous, especially in understanding the broader business context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and the Ontario Design System highlights specific technical requirements. Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) is also a critical technical skill for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivery Excellence: A commitment to high-quality output and successful project completion, as evidenced by Arthur Grand's reputation.

• Innovation: Focus on supporting Digital Transformation initiatives and leveraging emerging technologies.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• User-Centricity: A core value of prioritizing the user experience in all design and development efforts.

• Efficiency: Designing intuitive processes and interfaces that streamline operations and improve productivity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a collaborative approach where UX designers work closely with developers, QA, project managers, and business analysts to ensure seamless integration of design into the development lifecycle.

• Process Review & Feedback: An environment that likely encourages open feedback loops for design reviews and process improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share insights from user research and design best practices across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "minority-owned" status and commitment to being an "Equal Opportunity Employer" suggest a culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and equitable treatment, which can foster a more supportive and varied team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Complexity: Adapting to the unique bureaucratic structures, procurement processes, and stakeholder dynamics inherent in public service projects.

• Balancing User Needs with System Constraints: Designing effective solutions within the limitations of legacy systems, established policies, and potentially tight budgets common in public sector IT.

• Adhering to Strict Standards: Ensuring designs meet rigorous accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA) and digital service standards, while also integrating with specific government design systems like the Ontario Design System.

• Remote Work Limitations: The requirement for 5 days on-site may be a challenge for candidates seeking more flexible work arrangements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Public Sector Expertise: Gain invaluable experience in designing for government and public service organizations, understanding their operational nuances and user needs.

• Master Design Systems: Become an expert in utilizing and potentially contributing to specific government design systems, enhancing your reusable design component skills.

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Further develop expertise in designing for accessibility, a critical component of public sector digital services.

• Project Leadership: Opportunities to lead complex UX initiatives from inception to completion, enhancing project management and strategic design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Prior Public Service/OPS experience" means that candidates who lack this experience will face a significant challenge in demonstrating their understanding of these operational complexities during the interview process.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting user research for a complex public sector project with diverse user groups." (Focus on your methodology, tools, and how you synthesize findings into actionable insights.)

• "How would you approach designing an interface that must adhere to both the Ontario Design System and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards?" (Demonstrate your understanding of design systems, accessibility principles, and how to balance them.)

• "Walk us through a challenging UX project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. How did you achieve alignment and deliver a successful design?" (Highlight your stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on digital transformation initiatives within the public service sector?" (Showcase your understanding of the sector's impact and your motivation.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and accessible to all users?" (Emphasize your commitment to accessibility and your knowledge of standards like WCAG.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design process to fit within an agile development sprint cycle." (Illustrate your flexibility and understanding of agile methodologies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for OPS Projects: For any public sector projects in your portfolio, clearly define the project's mandate, the target audience (citizens, government employees), and the specific operational goals.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: For each case study, clearly articulate why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, accessibility requirements, and design system guidelines.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs on user efficiency, task completion, or satisfaction within an operational context.

• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Figma features for collaboration, prototyping, and design system implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize "Prior Public Service/OPS experience." Be prepared to draw parallels between your past work and the specific requirements of government projects, even if your direct experience is limited.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience in UX/UI design, user research, Figma, agile methodologies, and crucially, any prior public service or OPS experience. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features relevant case studies, with a clear focus on your design process, problem-solving, and specific examples of working with design systems and accessibility standards. If you have public sector projects, highlight them.

• Prepare for portfolio walkthroughs: Be ready to articulate your design decisions, research insights, and the impact of your work, especially how your designs improved user experience and operational efficiency.

• Research Arthur Grand Technologies and the Ontario Public Service context: Understand the company's digital transformation focus and the general operational landscape of government IT projects to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.

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