Sr. Product Designer, Public Space Incubator (English Services) (Hybrid/Telework)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer, Public Space Incubator (English Services) (Hybrid/Telework)

Company: CBC/Radio-Canada

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time, Contractee Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-06-15

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive design-led solutions for the Public Space Incubator (PSI) through strategic consultation and cross-functional collaboration, focusing on future product opportunities.

• Explore and define UX research needs, contributing to the continuous elevation of the broader design practice within a public broadcasting context.

• Participate in an international consortium, leading foundational work for future design operations (Design Ops) and establishing new design standards.

• Partner directly with Product Managers, external stakeholders, and Tech Leads to identify and solve audience needs holistically, operating with strategic autonomy.

• Collaborate with Developers and UX Researchers to evaluate emergent audience needs that will inform the future product roadmap and inform the design hierarchy and priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed around "Product Design" but the responsibilities strongly indicate a "UX Design" or "Product Design with a UX focus" role. The "Public Space Incubator" designation suggests a focus on innovative, potentially experimental, digital products and services for the public. The mention of "Design Ops" indicates a strategic focus on scaling and standardizing design processes and tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Governance & Systems:

  • Guide the evolution of the PSI design system, establishing and maintaining high design standards and robust documentation governance.
  • Deliver well-documented, accessible design concepts and component frameworks in Figma to streamline developer handoff and ensure consistency.
  • Ensure inclusive design principles and strict AODA/WCAG accessibility standards are foundational to all user experiences.

• Team Leadership & Practice:

  • Participate in scoping and prioritizing incoming design requests, providing constructive, growth-oriented feedback to the team.
  • Lead the onboarding process for new designers entering the PSI space, ensuring their successful integration and long-term contribution.
  • Maintain clear communication and alignment within agile environments, utilizing Kanban and iterative delivery practices for efficient project execution.

• Technical & Analytical Aptitude:

  • Collaborate effectively within technical workflows, demonstrating familiarity with Git repositories to bridge the design-to-development gap.
  • Utilize data and user analytics to validate design hypotheses, measure product impact, and drive data-informed design decisions.

• Strategic Collaboration:

  • Partner with Product Managers, external stakeholders, and Tech Leads to identify and address audience needs.

  • Collaborate with Developers on a project-by-project basis, coordinating with design peers across other public broadcasting organizations to share insights and standards.

  • Evaluate emergent audience needs with PMs, Developers, and UX Researchers to inform the future product roadmap.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize not only the creation of design assets but also the strategic leadership, system governance, and collaborative aspects of the role, highlighting a senior-level contribution to design operations and product strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree in a digital product design-related field, or equivalent work experience.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in Web Design and applied digital product design.

Required Skills:

• Applied digital product design experience.

• A portfolio of work showcasing strong product design accomplishments and process.

• Proficiency in Figma and other industry-standard design tools.

• Experience in Web Design.

• Ability to communicate clearly in spoken and written English.

• Understanding of AODA/WCAG accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

• Experience working within agile environments and utilizing Kanban methodology.

• Familiarity with data and user analytics for design validation and impact measurement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for news organizations.

• Understanding of conversational spaces like forums and social commentary.

• Experience with content websites or information-heavy product experiences.

• Proven ability to create complex design systems.

• Familiarity with Git repositories for design-to-development workflows.

• Experience in UX Research and user journey mapping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills is important. The preference for news organization experience and conversational spaces suggests a focus on content-heavy platforms and user engagement. The emphasis on a portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of design skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5+ years of applied digital product design experience, with a strong emphasis on web design projects.

• Demonstrate end-to-end product design process, from ideation and user research to high-fidelity prototyping and developer handoff.

• Include case studies that highlight problem-solving, user-centric design methodologies, and measurable impact.

• Present examples of work that adhere to or establish design system components and accessibility standards (AODA/WCAG).

• Feature projects that illustrate collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Developers, UX Researchers) and stakeholder management. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user research, including methodologies for gathering insights and translating them into design requirements.

• Illustrate how you have contributed to or led the development and maintenance of design systems, including documentation governance.

• Provide examples of how you ensure inclusive design and accessibility (AODA/WCAG) are integrated into your design process.

• Explain your experience working within agile frameworks like Kanban, including how you manage design priorities and iterative delivery.

• Showcase instances where you utilized data and user analytics to inform design decisions and measure outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just be a collection of visuals but a narrative demonstrating strategic thinking, process, and impact. The focus on design systems, accessibility, and agile delivery is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not explicitly stated, a Sr. Product Designer role in Toronto, Canada, with 5-10 years of experience, typically falls within the range of CAD $90,000 to CAD $130,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major Canadian tech hubs, considering the organization's public broadcasting sector.

Benefits:

• Flexible work schedules and location arrangements (Hybrid/Telework).

• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development, including access to cutting-edge technology.

• Membership opportunities in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

• Mentorship opportunities for both learning from seasoned professionals and coaching new talent.

• A creative and dynamic work environment where ideas and contributions are valued and respected.

• Supportive management team committed to diversity and inclusivity.

• An environment that favors experimentation and iterative approaches for technical innovation.

Working Hours: Full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The specific schedule will be discussed with the Hiring Manager, allowing for flexibility within the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on common industry compensation for similar roles in Toronto. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and highlight the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Broadcasting, Media, Public Service, Technology. CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster, operating across multiple platforms and serving diverse audiences.

Company Size: Large (Likely 5,000+ employees, given it's a national broadcaster). This size implies established processes, potential for internal mobility, and a broad range of projects.

Founded: 1936 (as CBC). This long history suggests a stable organization with a deep understanding of the Canadian media landscape and a commitment to public service.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within the "Public Space Incubator" (PSI), suggesting a dedicated innovation or future-product development unit.

• It partners directly with Product Managers, external stakeholders, and Tech Leads, indicating a highly collaborative and cross-functional team environment.

• The role also coordinates with design peers across other public broadcasting organizations, highlighting a network of collaboration beyond immediate team members.

• It involves working with and providing direction to integration Product Designers. Methodology:

• Design-Led Solutions: The team focuses on using design thinking and strategic design consultation to drive product development.

• Future-Mapping & Exploration: A core activity is exploring emergent audience needs and informing future product roadmaps.

• Agile & Iterative Delivery: Kanban and iterative practices are utilized for efficient and adaptable project execution.

• Data-Informed Design: User analytics and data are leveraged to validate hypotheses and measure impact.

• Inclusive & Accessible Design: A foundational principle ensuring all products are usable by everyone.

Company Website: https://cbc.radio-canada.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: CBC/Radio-Canada's public broadcasting mandate shapes its culture towards serving Canadians with informative, entertaining, and connecting content. The PSI unit likely fosters an environment of innovation and forward-thinking within this mandate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior (Sr.) Product Designer position. It implies a high degree of autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to mentor others. The role is not just about execution but also about shaping processes, standards, and future direction within the PSI and potentially broader design operations at CBC/Radio-Canada.

Reporting Structure: The role partners directly with Product Managers, Tech Leads, and external stakeholders, suggesting a flat, collaborative reporting structure within the PSI. It also implies leadership and direction for integration Product Designers.

Operations Impact: The Sr. Product Designer's impact is significant, driving the exploration and foundational work for future products. This directly influences the product roadmap, user experience, and the overall design practice's maturity and efficiency within the organization. The role contributes to shaping how CBC/Radio-Canada innovates and connects with Canadians through new digital experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Managerial role, overseeing design teams or specific product areas.

• Design Ops Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Design Operations, potentially leading initiatives to scale design practices, tools, and processes across the organization.

• Cross-Organizational Influence: Building a network and influencing design standards across multiple public broadcasting organizations.

• Skill Expansion: Developing expertise in emerging technologies, advanced UX research methodologies, and complex design system architecture.

• Strategic Product Influence: Shaping the future product portfolio and user experience strategy for CBC/Radio-Canada.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "incubator" nature of the PSI suggests a dynamic environment where significant impact can be made on future offerings. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating leadership in design strategy and operationalizing design excellence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role combines remote work with in-office presence, requiring flexibility and self-discipline. The specific balance will be discussed with the Hiring Manager.

Office Location(s): Primary location is the Broadcast Centre at 205 Wellington St. W., Toronto, Ontario. Other potential collaboration might occur with international partners.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant collaboration with Product Managers, Developers, UX Researchers, Tech Leads, and external partners.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Figma, design systems, and potentially analytics tools is expected. Familiarity with Git is an asset.

• Innovation Hub: The "Public Space Incubator" context suggests a dynamic, forward-thinking environment focused on exploring new ideas and technologies.

• Public Service Focus: Working within a national public broadcaster means a focus on serving the Canadian public, which can be a strong motivator.

Work Schedule: Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). The schedule is flexible and to be discussed with the Hiring Manager, aligning with hybrid work guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement is a key feature, offering work-life balance. The Toronto location places the role in a major Canadian tech and media hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess core qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A key stage will likely involve presenting a portfolio, discussing design process, problem-solving approaches, and impact. Expect questions on specific case studies, design decisions, and collaboration experiences.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or problem-solving challenge, possibly focusing on system design, accessibility, or iterative design.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Assessing fit with company values, collaboration style, leadership potential, and how you handle challenges. Interviews may involve the Hiring Manager, Product Managers, and other senior designers.

• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level product design skills, particularly those involving design systems, accessibility, and innovation.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (emphasizing research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration), design decisions, challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Don't just show final designs. Explain why you made certain decisions, referencing user data, accessibility guidelines, or strategic goals.

• Showcase System Thinking: If applicable, demonstrate your experience with design systems – how you've contributed to them, maintained them, or utilized them effectively.

• Address Accessibility: Explicitly mention how you incorporated AODA/WCAG principles and inclusive design practices in your work.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your Figma proficiency, experience with Git, and how you've used data and analytics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with CBC/Radio-Canada's mission and recent digital initiatives.

• Review best practices for inclusive design and accessibility standards (AODA/WCAG).

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely and clearly.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach designing for a public service context, balancing user needs with organizational goals.

• Consider how you would contribute to or evolve a design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio and process is critical. Candidates should be prepared to deeply discuss their past work and demonstrate their strategic thinking and execution capabilities. The mention of "Design Ops" and "international consortium" suggests a need for strong process documentation and collaboration skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for high-fidelity prototyping, design collaboration, and component framework delivery. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Design Systems: Experience in creating, maintaining, or contributing to complex design systems is highly preferred.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial.

• User Research Tools: Tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and surveys.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to gather data and measure product impact.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data and present insights effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how design integrates with product management workflows and potentially CRM systems (for user feedback loops) is valuable.

• Git Repositories: Familiarity is an asset for bridging the gap with development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. The emphasis on design systems and data analytics points to a mature design operation focused on efficiency and measurable outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: Encouraged through the "incubator" model and focus on innovation.

• Integrity: As a public broadcaster, ethical conduct and transparency are paramount.

• Inclusiveness: A core value, reflected in the emphasis on inclusive design and accessibility, as well as the company's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

• Relevance: Striving to create content and services that connect with and matter to Canadians.

• Experimentation: The environment favors experimentation and iterative approaches to achieve technical innovation.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and peer interaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and UX Research is expected.

• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Working with design peers across the organization and internationally to share insights and establish standards.

• Feedback-Oriented: Providing and receiving constructive, growth-oriented feedback is part of the team's dynamic.

• Agile & Iterative: Working in agile environments with clear communication and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of creativity, integrity, inclusiveness, and relevance are central to its identity as a public broadcaster and will likely guide the team's operations and decision-making processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Public Service Mandate: Developing cutting-edge digital experiences while adhering to the mission and standards of a public broadcaster.

• International Collaboration: Navigating diverse perspectives and working practices within an international consortium.

• Evolving Design Ops: Establishing and refining design operations processes and standards within a dynamic incubator environment.

• Bridging Design-Development Gap: Ensuring seamless integration and efficient handoff between design and development teams, especially with potentially new technologies.

• Data Interpretation: Effectively utilizing user analytics and data to drive design decisions in a complex media landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Mastery: Deepen expertise in building and scaling complex design systems.

• Emerging Technologies: Explore and apply new technologies and design trends within the public broadcasting context.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior designers and guiding design practices.

• Cross-Cultural Design: Gain experience collaborating with international partners, understanding different user needs and market contexts.

• Product Strategy: Contribute to shaping the future product roadmap and strategic direction of the PSI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in innovative teams within established organizations, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design of a complex feature or product from concept to launch. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How would you approach designing for accessibility (AODA/WCAG) in a new product initiative? Can you provide examples?" (Demonstrate practical application of accessibility principles).

• "Walk us through a project where you contributed to or created a design system. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Highlight system thinking, collaboration, and governance).

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" (Showcase strategic thinking and compromise skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for CBC/Radio-Canada and specifically within the Public Space Incubator?" (Research the company's mission and the PSI's goals).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Demonstrate continuous learning).

• "Describe your experience working in an agile environment. How do you manage design priorities and collaborate with development teams?" (Highlight agile proficiency and collaboration).

• "How do you approach mentorship and providing feedback to other designers?" (Showcase leadership and team development skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of the project, clearly state the problem and your role, then dive into your process with specific examples, design rationale, and outcomes.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results wherever possible (e.g., "increased user engagement by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%").

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with PMs, developers, and researchers.

• Emphasize Process: Walk through your research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases, explaining the 'why' behind your decisions.

• Showcase Design Systems & Accessibility: Clearly point out how these elements were integrated into your work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, challenges, and alternative solutions you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their understanding of design operations, their strategic input, and their ability to lead and mentor. The interview process will likely emphasize practical application and strategic thinking over theoretical knowledge.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the CBC/Radio-Canada careers portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of web design experience, proficiency in Figma, and any experience with design systems, accessibility (AODA/WCAG), and agile methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 strong projects that best demonstrate your senior-level product design skills, focusing on case studies that showcase your process, problem-solving, collaboration, and impact. Ensure it includes examples of design systems and accessibility considerations.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected projects, explaining your role, process, rationale, and outcomes concisely and compellingly. Be ready to discuss your Figma proficiency and any experience with Git.

• Research CBC/Radio-Canada: Understand their mission as a public broadcaster, their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and any recent digital initiatives. Familiarize yourself with the concept of a "Public Space Incubator."

⚠️ 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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