UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Symbiotic Digital

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Contract

Category: UX/UI Design, Digital Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (5 days onsite required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing interfaces for web and mobile applications, focusing on a strong user-centered design methodology.

• Lead end-to-end UX design processes, including user research, persona development, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, QA, and business stakeholders, to translate user needs and business requirements into effective digital product solutions.

• Apply a deep understanding of web development technologies and their limitations to create practical and elegant design solutions that optimize user experience.

• Ensure all designs adhere to accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1 AA, and leverage frameworks like the Ontario Design System and Digital Service Standards where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a significant level of autonomy in leading UX projects and driving design decisions, indicating a mid-to-senior level UX Designer profile. The emphasis on specific Canadian government design standards (Ontario Design System, Digital Service Standards) suggests potential work on public sector or government-related digital initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create effective, user-friendly, and visually appealing user interfaces (UI) for both web and mobile platforms, ensuring a cohesive and engaging user experience (UX).

• Apply user-centered design principles rigorously, conducting user research (interviews, surveys) and rapidly testing and iterating on design solutions to meet user needs.

• Translate complex research findings into clear and actionable design artifacts, including sitemaps, user flows, customer journey maps, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Design interfaces for a variety of digital displays and creative materials, ensuring consistency and functionality across different platforms and devices.

• Identify and articulate design challenges, developing elegant, practical, and innovative solutions that enhance product usability and performance.

• Make strategic design and user experience (UX) decisions that shape the vision and functionality of new and existing product features, aligning with business objectives.

• Gather, synthesize, and incorporate user feedback systematically to drive continuous improvement of existing interfaces and product features.

• Manage competing priorities effectively, meet strict deadlines, and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and delivery of high-quality design work.

• Lead design workshops and stakeholder alignment sessions to effectively communicate design concepts, gather input, and ensure buy-in from all relevant parties.

• Collaborate with development teams to ensure seamless implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and support throughout the development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of responsibilities, including leading workshops, managing end-to-end research, and making strategic decisions, suggests this role will have significant influence and ownership over the UX/UI design process for key projects. The mention of "legacy systems" in the preferred skills indicates potential challenges in modernizing or integrating user experiences for older platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in UX Design, Interactive Design, UI Design, or a similar role, with a proven track record of designing successful web and mobile applications.

• Demonstrated experience in leading end-to-end user research initiatives, from participant recruitment and study design to synthesis and presentation of findings.

• Proven ability to manage and drive UX projects independently, including planning and facilitating design workshops and stakeholder alignment sessions.

• Extensive experience in creating comprehensive design documentation, including sitemaps, user flows, customer journey maps, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes. Required Skills:

• User-Centered Design: Deep understanding and practical application of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: High proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping software, specifically Figma and Canvas.

• User Research: Expertise in conducting various forms of user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, and synthesizing findings into actionable insights.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Skilled in creating detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes to visualize and test user flows and interface designs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with developers, QA professionals, product managers, and business stakeholders in highly collaborative team environments.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts, rationale, and development processes to diverse audiences.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify design challenges and develop elegant, practical solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of accessibility testing and experience designing solutions compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.

• Ontario Design System: Familiarity and experience working with the Ontario Design System.

• Digital Service Standards: Understanding and application of Digital Service Standards in design.

• Legacy Systems Design: Experience addressing complex design challenges, particularly those involving legacy systems.

• Web Technologies: Thorough understanding of web development technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and their limitations to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Canadian government design frameworks (Ontario Design System, Digital Service Standards) and WCAG 2.1 AA compliance suggests that experience in public sector digital transformation projects or a strong understanding of government IT procurement and design standards would be highly advantageous.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX/UI design projects, detailing the problem statement, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results.

• Process Documentation: Examples of detailed process documentation, including user research summaries, personas, user flows, journey maps, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• System Implementation: Evidence of designing for various digital platforms (web, mobile), demonstrating an understanding of system constraints and integration capabilities.

• ROI Demonstration: Clear articulation of the business impact and return on investment (ROI) for your design contributions, supported by metrics where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Samples of documented workflows and user journeys that illustrate a clear design strategy for optimizing user efficiency and task completion.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how your designs facilitate seamless implementation and, where applicable, automation of user interactions or system processes.

• Measurement & Analysis: Documentation of how user feedback and performance data were used to inform design iterations and improve user experience metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio, explaining their design decisions, the trade-offs made, and the impact of their work. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating a structured, user-centric design process and the ability to translate research into tangible, effective design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a contract UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Downtown Toronto, ON, Canada, the estimated hourly rate can range from CAD $50 to CAD $75. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for contract roles in major Canadian tech hubs, considering the required experience level and specialized skills. Benefits:

• As this is a contract position, standard employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not included. However, contractors may receive:

• Competitive hourly rate reflecting specialized skills and experience.

• Opportunity to work on impactful government or public sector projects.

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

• Exposure to diverse projects and technologies within Symbiotic Digital's client base. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week. The contract is for 7 months, with a hybrid work model requiring 5 days onsite in Downtown Toronto.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for contract UX Designer roles in Toronto, considering factors like experience level, hybrid work requirements, and the specialized nature of the skills (e.g., government design standards). The duration of 7 months is typical for contract engagements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: IT Consulting, Recruitment, and Staffing. Symbiotic Digital specializes in providing "Digital Experts" and recruitment services to help clients solve complex business and IT problems. As a division of Symbiotic Group Inc., it leverages a Quality Management System (QMS) for staff development.

Company Size: Symbiotic Digital is a division of Symbiotic Group Inc., which serves IT & Business leaders. While the exact size of the division isn't specified, Symbiotic Group Inc. is described as serving reputable organizations in Canada, suggesting a significant operational footprint.

Founded: Symbiotic Group Inc. has a history of serving IT leaders in Canada, indicating established operations and a strong market presence. The company emphasizes its status as a 100% Indigenous-owned company, highlighting a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a project-specific team, potentially reporting to a Project Manager or a Lead Designer.

• Collaboration will be essential with cross-functional teams including developers, QA professionals, business analysts, and client stakeholders.

• The company's model of providing "Digital Experts" suggests a flexible team structure that adapts to client project needs. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on user research, data analysis, and user feedback to inform design decisions.

• Agile/Iterative Processes: Likely adherence to agile or iterative design methodologies for rapid prototyping, testing, and refinement.

• Quality Management System (QMS): Symbiotic Digital utilizes a QMS for staff development, implying a focus on structured processes, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in their service delivery.

Company Website: https://www.symbioticgroup.com/home-sd/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's identity as a 100% Indigenous-owned entity is a significant cultural aspect that may influence team dynamics and company values. The focus on "IT Experts" and a QMS suggests a professional, results-oriented, and quality-conscious environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level UX Designer. It requires the ability to lead projects, manage stakeholders, and make strategic design decisions, going beyond basic task execution. The 5-10 years of experience requirement solidifies this level.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Project Manager or a Design Lead within Symbiotic Digital or directly to a client-side project lead, depending on the engagement model. Collaboration with a diverse set of stakeholders is a key aspect of the role.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work will directly influence the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of digital products. By creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, they will contribute to increased user satisfaction, operational efficiency for clients, and the successful achievement of business objectives through digital solutions. Their contributions are critical to the success of digital transformation initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility design (WCAG 2.1 AA), government design systems, or user research methodologies.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead larger, more complex UX design projects and mentor junior designers.

• Client Engagement: Develop strong client relationship management skills and gain experience working with diverse organizations and industries.

• Contract Extension/Full-time Conversion: Strong performance may lead to contract extensions or opportunities for full-time positions within Symbiotic Digital or its clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, growth is often measured by the complexity and impact of projects undertaken, as well as the development of specialized skills that enhance marketability for future engagements. The opportunity to work with government standards is a valuable growth path for designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with 5 days onsite required. This indicates a structured work environment where in-person collaboration and engagement are prioritized.

Office Location(s): Downtown Toronto (Ryerson), Ontario, Canada. This is a central business district location, likely offering good access to public transportation and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid requirement suggests a focus on in-person team collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and direct interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design tools (Figma, Canvas) and potentially other project management and communication software will be available.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with project teams, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and enabling efficient problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role typically involves standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM), with an estimated 40 hours per week. While contract roles can sometimes offer flexibility, the 5-day onsite requirement suggests a more traditional schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 5-day onsite requirement in a hybrid model is a key detail for candidates to consider, as it implies a significant in-office commitment compared to fully remote or more flexible hybrid arrangements. This setup is often chosen to maximize team synergy and direct collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical Interview: A discussion focused on your UX/UI design process, problem-solving approach, and proficiency with design tools like Figma and Canvas. This may include a portfolio walkthrough.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or present a case study from your portfolio in detail, focusing on your approach to a specific design problem.

• Stakeholder/Client Interview: An opportunity to meet with key stakeholders or client representatives to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and your ability to collaborate effectively.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience, particularly those relevant to web/mobile design and user research.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions, challenges, and outcomes (with metrics if possible).

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Emphasize why you made certain design decisions, demonstrating your strategic thinking and user-centric approach.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate the tools used (Figma, Canvas) and how you leveraged them effectively.

• Address Government Standards: If possible, include projects that demonstrate experience with accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) or government design systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly read and understand the requirements and constraints.

• Focus on Process: Even for a short exercise, articulate your thought process, assumptions, and how you would approach problem-solving.

• Time Management: Practice time management to ensure you can complete the challenge and present it effectively within the allotted timeframe.

• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your work clearly and concisely, ready to answer questions about your design choices and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Canadian government design standards and accessibility compliance means candidates should be prepared to discuss these aspects thoroughly. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates an understanding of these requirements will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency in creating design systems and components within Figma is highly valued.

• Canvas: Another key design and prototyping tool required for this role. Familiarity with its specific features and workflows will be important.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma/Canvas, experience with other prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe XD, InVision) may be beneficial for broader understanding.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for the UX Designer, understanding how to interpret and utilize analytics data (e.g., from Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to inform design decisions is crucial.

• Experience with A/B testing platforms to measure the impact of design changes. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly required for the UX Designer role, but an understanding of how user interfaces integrate with CRM systems and backend automation processes can provide valuable context for designing seamless user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma and Canvas is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and workflow within these specific tools. Understanding how UX designs impact broader system functionalities is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value centered around understanding and advocating for the end-user in all design decisions.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect among cross-functional teams.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, well-crafted designs that meet and exceed client expectations, supported by Symbiotic Digital's QMS.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative thinking and the development of elegant, practical solutions to complex design challenges.

• Indigenous Ownership: As a 100% Indigenous-owned company, there may be an underlying value system promoting diversity, inclusion, and community impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in integrated project teams, working closely with developers, QA, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment and shared understanding.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback exchange during design reviews and team discussions to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design insights, and learnings across projects and team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody user-centricity and collaborate effectively. Demonstrating an understanding of and respect for the company's Indigenous ownership and values would be beneficial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively navigating the limitations of web development technologies and legacy systems to deliver optimal user experiences.

• Stakeholder Management: Aligning diverse stakeholder expectations and priorities with user needs and design best practices.

• Adhering to Strict Standards: Designing within the frameworks of specific government design systems and accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.1 AA).

• Rapid Iteration: Working in a fast-paced environment that requires quick turnaround times for design iterations and user testing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Government Design: Gaining in-depth experience with the Ontario Design System and Digital Service Standards, which are valuable in public sector projects.

• Accessibility Expertise: Enhancing skills in designing for accessibility, a critical and growing area in digital product development.

• Cross-Industry Exposure: Working with a variety of clients through Symbiotic Digital, broadening exposure to different industries and design challenges.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced professionals within Symbiotic Digital and client organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a resilient and adaptable designer who can thrive in complex environments. The growth opportunities are particularly strong for those looking to specialize in government and accessible design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs with technical limitations or business requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, trade-offs, and communication.)

• "Walk me through your process for conducting user research and translating those findings into actionable design decisions for a web or mobile application." (Highlight your research methodologies, synthesis skills, and design application.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and accessible, particularly when working with standards like WCAG 2.1 AA?" (Be ready to discuss specific techniques and considerations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Symbiotic Digital, and how do you see your skills aligning with our focus on providing IT Experts and our QMS approach?" (Research the company's mission and values.)

• "Describe your experience working in hybrid or collaborative team environments. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?" (Emphasize your collaboration style and communication skills.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI design trends and best practices, especially in relation to government digital standards?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative – the challenge, your journey, and the resolution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success and ROI of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, why you chose certain tools, and how you handled feedback.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with developers, stakeholders, and other team members.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to show examples of your work within Figma or Canvas, explaining your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to speak extensively about their portfolio projects, focusing on their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the tangible impact of their design work, especially concerning user experience and accessibility.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your most recent resume to RecDep@symbioticgroup.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience with Figma, Canvas, user research, wireframing, prototyping, and designing for web/mobile applications. Emphasize any experience with government design standards (Ontario Design System, Digital Service Standards) or WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience (5-10 years) and lists key skills and tools relevant to UX Design, such as "User-Centered Design," "UI Design," "User Research," "Prototyping," "Figma," and "WCAG 2.1 AA." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, showcasing your portfolio with clear case studies, and preparing for potential design challenges or scenario-based questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Symbiotic Digital's services, its mission as a 100% Indigenous-owned company, and its commitment to quality through its QMS. Understand the importance of the hybrid, 5-day onsite work model.

⚠️ 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.