UX Designer, Research and marketing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer, Research and Marketing

Company: Desjardins

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (20 months)

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design, Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2025-08-25

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on enhancing the user experience for members and clients across Desjardins' digital platforms, driving user engagement and satisfaction through thoughtful design.

• Leverage user research, data analysis, and market trends to identify opportunities for digital product improvement and innovation.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including UI designers, product managers, and IT development, to ensure cohesive and effective digital solutions.

• Define user journeys, information architecture, and functional specifications for new and existing digital products and services.

• Contribute to marketing operations by ensuring digital touchpoints align with business objectives and deliver a superior user experience that supports marketing goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title mentions "marketing," the core responsibilities and skills described align strongly with a dedicated UX/UI design role that supports marketing initiatives and broader client-facing digital strategies. The role is described as a temporary position for 20 months, which is a crucial detail for candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Experience (UX) Strategy & Definition: Define and enrich the user experience for members and clients across various virtual platforms, aligning with organizational goals and user needs.

• User Journey Mapping: Map out comprehensive user journeys and desired user experiences within the sector of activity, based on extensive research and analysis.

• Design & Specification: Design mock-ups, create user personas, develop functional specifications, and define information architecture for diverse projects.

• User Research & Testing: Conduct user research, design and execute experiments, and test solutions to understand digital client behaviors and optimize platform performance.

• Trend Analysis & Recommendations: Monitor industry trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend best practices in digital design and user-centric design methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with UI, product management, and IT development teams to ensure smooth co-creation processes and alignment of delivered solutions with business objectives.

• Problem Solving: Analyze complex issues using analytical skills and business knowledge to propose effective solutions and action plans.

• Stakeholder Communication: Interact with various stakeholders to understand their needs and present and explain user experience aspects of projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a proactive approach to identifying improvement opportunities and a strong ability to translate user needs and business objectives into actionable design specifications. The emphasis on "co-creation" suggests a collaborative and iterative design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Psychology, Computer Science, Marketing).

Experience: A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in UX/UI design, user research, digital product development, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• User Experience (UX) Design: Proven ability to design intuitive and engaging user experiences for digital platforms.

• User Interface (UI) Design: Proficiency in creating visually appealing and functional user interfaces.

• User Research Methodologies: Expertise in conducting user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and other research techniques.

• Information Architecture: Strong understanding of organizing and structuring content for optimal user navigation and comprehension.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Skill in creating wireframes, mock-ups, and interactive prototypes using design tools.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret user data, and develop effective solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with product managers, developers, and marketing teams.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to communicate design concepts and rationale clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Proficiency in French: Required for effective communication with members, clients, and internal teams in Quebec.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Marketing Acumen: Understanding of how UX design contributes to marketing objectives and customer acquisition/retention.

• A/B Testing & Experimentation: Experience designing and analyzing experiments to optimize user flows and conversion rates.

• Knowledge of Design Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision).

• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Familiarity with agile development processes for digital product delivery.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG or other accessibility guidelines for inclusive design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "4+ years" experience requirement and the nature of the responsibilities, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate a portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX design processes, from research and ideation to testing and implementation, with a focus on measurable impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-4 comprehensive UX/UI design projects that demonstrate a full design lifecycle.

• Projects should highlight problem definition, user research methodologies, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final design solutions.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the user problem, design process, design decisions, and the resulting impact (e.g., improved engagement, conversion rates, user satisfaction).

• Demonstrate experience with designing for responsive web applications or mobile platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for conducting user research, including methods used and how insights informed design decisions.

• Illustrate your approach to information architecture and user flow creation.

• Explain your methods for prototyping and usability testing, including how feedback was incorporated.

• Provide examples of how you translated business requirements and user needs into functional specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process and explain the "why" behind their design choices, emphasizing how their work achieved specific business or user goals. Focus on projects that show an understanding of user needs and a strategic approach to problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for UX Designers with 4+ years of experience in Montreal, Canada, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between CAD $75,000 to CAD $105,000 annually. This range is for base salary and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A base salary commensurate with experience and industry benchmarks.

• Annual Bonus: Potential for an annual bonus, providing performance-based financial rewards.

• Flexible Vacation: 4 weeks of flexible vacation time, starting from the first year of employment, allowing for work-life balance.

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: A predictable and stable retirement income through Desjardins' established pension plan.

• Group Insurance: Comprehensive health benefits, including telemedicine services for convenient access to healthcare.

• Reimbursement of Health and Wellness Expenses: Support for employee well-being through reimbursement of eligible health and wellness costs.

• Telework Equipment Reimbursement: Assistance with setting up a productive home office environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 35-40 hours per week. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a balance between remote and in-office work, with specific days in the office to be determined by team needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits package is robust, reflecting Desjardins' commitment to employee well-being and long-term financial security. The temporary nature of the role (20 months) should be considered alongside these benefits. Localized salary research for UX Designers in Montreal, Quebec, using platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Randstad Canada, supports the estimated range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Cooperative Financial Group. Desjardins is a major player in banking, insurance, and wealth management in Canada, known for its cooperative model and commitment to its members.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Desjardins is one of Canada's largest financial institutions). This means opportunities for exposure to complex projects, established processes, and a wide array of professional development resources.

Founded: 1900. With over a century of history, Desjardins offers a stable and established work environment with a strong legacy.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing, Digital Experience, or Product Development team.

• This team typically includes other designers (UX/UI), product managers, researchers, content strategists, and potentially analysts.

• The role involves close collaboration with IT development teams and business stakeholders across various departments.

Methodology:

• Desjardins likely employs a mix of Agile and Waterfall methodologies, with a strong emphasis on user-centric design principles.

• Data analysis and user feedback loops are crucial for iterative design improvements.

• There's an expectation of data-driven decision-making to inform design choices and measure success.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core element of their project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Desjardins' cooperative model and commitment to members suggest a culture that values long-term relationships, community impact, and ethical practices, which can translate into a user-focused design philosophy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Senior level UX Designer position, requiring four years of experience and the ability to independently manage design processes, contribute to strategy, and mentor junior team members if applicable. The role is positioned to have significant influence on the user experience of critical digital platforms.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a manager or lead within the design or product organization. They will also work closely with product owners, project managers, and development teams, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly impacts member and client satisfaction, engagement with digital platforms, and ultimately, the adoption of Desjardins' financial products and services. Effective UX design can lead to increased conversion rates, reduced customer support inquiries, and enhanced brand loyalty, all contributing to business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific UX areas such as user research, interaction design, or information architecture.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various departments, including marketing, IT, product management, and business units, broadening understanding of the financial services industry.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design initiatives for specific features or products, managing the design process from conception to launch.

• Mentorship: For experienced individuals, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers or contribute to the growth of the design practice within Desjardins.

• Potential for Permanent Role: While temporary, exceptional performance could lead to opportunities for permanent positions within Desjardins, depending on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of this 20-month contract is important to note for career planning. However, it offers a substantial period to gain experience within a large, reputable financial institution and build a strong portfolio. Candidates should inquire about the potential for conversion to a permanent role during the interview process.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This implies a blend of remote work and in-office presence, allowing for flexibility while fostering team collaboration and connection.

Office Location(s): The primary location is listed as 450, boul. de Maisonneuve, Montréal. Desjardins also has a presence in Lévis, Quebec, though Montreal is specified as the primary location for this role.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with design, product, and development teams.

• Desjardins is a large organization, suggesting access to modern office facilities, technology, and resources to support design work.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions or team meetings in the office.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will likely align with typical business hours in Quebec, Monday to Friday. The hybrid arrangement may offer some flexibility in start and end times, but core collaboration hours will need to be observed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should clarify the expected balance between remote and in-office days with the hiring manager. Understanding the specific team's cadence for in-office collaboration will be key to assessing fit for the hybrid environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your experience, design philosophy, problem-solving approach, and fit with the team. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home design challenge or present a case study from your portfolio. This evaluates your design process, critical thinking, and communication skills.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential colleagues (e.g., other designers, product managers, developers) to assess collaboration style and technical fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your solutions, and the outcomes.

• Process Emphasis: Highlight your UX process – research, ideation, iteration, testing – and explain the rationale behind your design decisions.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the impact of your design work (e.g., conversion rate improvements, task success rates, user satisfaction scores).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your mock-ups and prototypes are clean, well-organized, and easy to understand.

• Tailor to Desjardins: If possible, showcase projects that align with the financial services industry or highlight your ability to work with complex systems and diverse user bases.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, focus on understanding the prompt thoroughly.

• Structure your approach logically, from research and ideation to design and rationale.

• Be prepared to present your work concisely and clearly, explaining your decision-making process.

• If it's a case study presentation, choose a project that best showcases your end-to-end UX capabilities and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to articulate your design process and defend your design choices, linking them back to user needs and business objectives. Anticipate questions about how you handle feedback, collaborate with teams, and stay updated on UX trends.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP (Candidates should be proficient in at least one major tool).

• User Research Platforms: Lookback, UserTesting.com, Maze, Optimal Workshop, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms.

• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary for UX design, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with user journeys can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools like Figma is highly sought after. Experience with analytics tools will help the designer understand user behavior and measure the impact of their designs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Member Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Desjardins members and clients.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to improve products, services, and processes.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of work and its impact.

• Agility & Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to changing market conditions and technological advancements.

Collaboration Style:

• Desjardins fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers, developers, marketing specialists, and other stakeholders.

• Expect regular feedback sessions, design critiques, and joint problem-solving activities.

• Communication is key, with an emphasis on clarity, transparency, and mutual respect across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an ability to integrate into a team-oriented environment and communicate effectively with diverse professional backgrounds. A proactive and collaborative approach is highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder requirements and business goals into user-centered designs that also meet strategic objectives.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding and working within the established processes and structures of a large financial institution.

• Iterative Design in a Regulated Industry: Adapting design processes to meet compliance and regulatory requirements within the financial sector, while still fostering innovation.

• Hybrid Work Model Management: Ensuring effective collaboration and communication within a hybrid work environment, maintaining team cohesion and productivity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend relevant UX and design conferences or workshops to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Internal Training: Access to Desjardins' internal learning platforms and training programs for skill enhancement.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or leaders within the organization.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of digital products and services within the financial sector provides broad learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges present opportunities for skill development in areas like negotiation, stakeholder management, and navigating complex organizational structures. The learning opportunities provided by a large, established company like Desjardins are significant.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your typical UX design process from start to finish." Be prepared to elaborate on each stage with examples.

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a complex UX problem you encountered and how you solved it. What was the outcome?" Focus on challenging projects where you made a significant impact.

• Collaboration: "How do you collaborate with product managers and engineers? How do you handle disagreements on design decisions?"

• User Research: "What are your go-to user research methods, and how do you ensure your findings are actionable?"

• Stakeholder Communication: "How do you present your designs and justify your decisions to non-design stakeholders?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Desjardins and this specific role?" Research Desjardins' mission, values, and recent digital initiatives.

• "How do you align your design work with business objectives?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 Strongest Projects: Focus on quality over quantity.

Choose projects that best showcase your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Problem: What user or business problem were you trying to solve?
  • Your Role: What were your specific responsibilities?
  • The Process: Detail your research, ideation, design, and testing methods.
  • The Solution: Show your final designs (wireframes, mock-ups, prototypes).
  • The Outcome: Quantify the results or impact of your design.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs you made, and how you would iterate on the design further.

📝 Enhancement Note: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss your design rationale and demonstrate how your work aligns with user needs and business goals. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and collaborative approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Desjardins careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight relevant UX/UI design, user research, and digital product experience, emphasizing your proficiency in French.

• Resume Optimization: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Improved user task completion rate by X%," "Designed an interface that led to a Y% increase in engagement").

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common UX interview questions, focusing on clear explanations of your process and design decisions. Prepare a concise walkthrough of 1-2 key projects from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Desjardins' mission, values, digital products, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their business context.

⚠️ 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.