UX Lead — Digital Experience & Website Migration (credit unions)
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: UX Lead — Digital Experience & Website Migration (credit unions)
Company: Aequilibrium Software Inc.
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: UX/Product Design & Digital Transformation Operations
Date Posted: August 19, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Fully Remote
🚀 Role Summary
-
Lead the strategic vision and execution of digital experience transformations for credit union website migrations, focusing on enhancing member journeys and content effectiveness.
-
Drive the modernization of digital platforms by assessing existing architectures and identifying opportunities for innovation beyond simple content migration.
-
Develop comprehensive UX strategies, including personas, journey maps, and information architecture, to align with business objectives and member needs.
-
Collaborate closely with technical and business stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of user experience principles throughout the migration and redesign process.
-
Champion accessibility standards (WCAG) and best practices in responsive design, SEO, and analytics to optimize digital touchpoints.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "UX Lead" but its core responsibilities heavily involve strategic digital transformation, project leadership, and stakeholder management within the context of a CMS migration. This suggests a role that bridges pure UX design with aspects of Digital Operations and GTM strategy, requiring a candidate who can influence business outcomes through user-centric design. The focus on "credit unions" and "financial services" indicates a need for domain expertise in regulated industries.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
-
Spearhead the discovery phase for public website and Content Management System (CMS) migrations, defining the strategic direction for digital experiences.
-
Conduct thorough assessments of current website experiences, information architecture, content structures, navigation, and member journeys within existing OpenText CMS.
-
Identify and champion opportunities to modernize digital platforms, moving beyond a "lift and shift" approach to implement innovative solutions.
-
Map critical member journeys across various digital touchpoints, including public websites, digital banking portals, account opening processes, product information, and branch/ATM services.
-
Develop key UX artifacts such as personas, detailed journey maps, service blueprints, information architecture diagrams, and experience principles.
-
Lead content and navigation strategy development in partnership with credit union marketing and digital teams to optimize user engagement.
-
Translate complex business objectives into measurable experience outcomes, focusing on metrics like lead generation, account opening conversion rates, digital adoption, and member satisfaction.
-
Create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and interaction specifications to clearly communicate design intent and user flows.
-
Collaborate effectively with the CMS Technical Lead to ensure the designed experience is technically feasible and aligns with the chosen platform capabilities.
-
Work in tandem with the Front-End Lead to maintain high design quality and consistency throughout the implementation phase.
-
Establish, evolve, or refine the credit union's design system and reusable component library to ensure brand consistency and development efficiency.
-
Integrate WCAG/accessibility requirements from the initial design stages through to final implementation.
-
Support and conduct usability testing sessions, gathering feedback for iterative design improvements and stakeholder validation.
-
Facilitate executive workshops and contribute to strategic positioning of the website within broader digital transformation initiatives.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly strategic and cross-functional, extending beyond typical UX design tasks. The emphasis on "CMS migrations," "digital banking," "account opening," and "member journeys" points to a critical role in optimizing the customer acquisition and retention funnel for financial institutions. The requirement to "help AEQ position the website" suggests involvement in client-facing consulting and strategic advisory.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
-
A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this seniority. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:
-
A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) design, product design, or digital experience strategy.
-
Proven track record in leading complex, large-scale website redesigns or CMS migration projects from conception to completion.
-
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing comprehensive digital strategies that drive measurable business outcomes. Required Skills:
-
UX Strategy & Product Design: Expertise in user-centered design principles, translating business goals into intuitive and effective digital experiences.
-
CMS Migration & Website Redesign: Deep understanding of the challenges and best practices involved in migrating from legacy CMS platforms (e.g., OpenText) to modern solutions.
-
Information Architecture (IA) & Content Strategy: Ability to structure complex information, define navigation hierarchies, and strategize content for optimal user access and engagement.
-
Journey Mapping & Service Blueprinting: Proficiency in visualizing and optimizing end-to-end member/customer experiences across multiple touchpoints.
-
Wireframing & Prototyping: Advanced skills in creating low-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools.
-
WCAG & Accessibility Standards: Comprehensive knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and practical application in design and development.
-
Stakeholder Management & Facilitation: Exceptional ability to engage, influence, and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders, including executives, marketing, and technical teams.
-
Design Systems & Component Design: Experience in establishing, leveraging, or evolving design systems and component-based design approaches within CMS environments.
Preferred Skills:
-
Financial Services / Credit Union Domain Expertise: Prior experience working with financial institutions, understanding their unique regulatory environments, member needs, and digital banking ecosystems.
-
Responsive Design Principles: Mastery of designing for various screen sizes and devices.
-
SEO Best Practices: Understanding of how UX decisions impact search engine optimization.
-
Analytics & Performance Measurement: Familiarity with web analytics tools and the ability to define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for digital experiences.
-
Usability Testing: Experience in planning, conducting, and synthesizing results from user testing.
-
Knowledge of OpenText or similar enterprise CMS platforms: Familiarity with the intricacies of enterprise-level content management systems.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "8+ years" requirement, coupled with the lead responsibility and complex project scope (CMS migration, digital transformation), places this role at a senior to lead level. The emphasis on financial services and regulated industries is a critical differentiator and should be a primary focus for candidates.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
Complex Website Redesign/Migration Case Study: Showcase at least one significant project demonstrating leadership in a website redesign or CMS migration, detailing the challenges, your strategic approach, and the measurable outcomes.
-
Financial Services / Regulated Industry Experience: Include examples that highlight your understanding of user needs and design considerations within banking, credit unions, or similar regulated sectors.
-
Information Architecture & User Flow Examples: Present examples of well-defined information architecture, navigation systems, and user flows that illustrate clarity and efficiency.
-
Design System Components: Provide examples of reusable UI components, design tokens, or a style guide that demonstrates your ability to create scalable and consistent design systems.
-
Accessibility Integration: Clearly articulate how WCAG/accessibility principles were incorporated into your design process and present examples of accessible design solutions.
Process Documentation:
-
Discovery & Strategy Documentation: Examples of deliverables from the discovery phase, such as user research summaries, persona definitions, journey maps, or strategic experience principles.
-
Wireframing & Prototyping Deliverables: Showcase a range of wireframes (low to high fidelity) and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate design concepts and user interactions.
-
Collaboration & Iteration Evidence: Demonstrate how you've collaborated with technical teams, content strategists, and business stakeholders, and how feedback led to design iterations.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Lead" role in a project-focused environment like a CMS migration, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on demonstrating strategic thinking, end-to-end project ownership, stakeholder influence, and measurable results, particularly within the financial services domain.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
-
The provided hourly rate of $70 - $100 CAD is competitive for a senior UX Lead role in Vancouver, BC, Canada, especially for contract or full-time positions requiring specialized skills in CMS migrations and financial services. This translates to an estimated annual salary of approximately $145,600 - $208,000 CAD for a standard 40-hour work week, before accounting for any potential overtime or bonuses. Benefits:
-
Comprehensive Health & Dental Coverage: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, crucial for long-term employee well-being.
-
Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a company-matched pension or RRSP contribution, supporting long-term financial security.
-
Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays to ensure work-life balance.
-
Professional Development Opportunities: Budget or allocated time for training, conferences, and certifications to stay current with UX and industry trends.
-
Remote Work Stipend/Support: Potential for a home office setup allowance or ongoing stipend to support a remote work environment.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role's remote nature may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided core collaboration hours and project deadlines are met.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on the provided hourly rate of $70-$100 CAD, assuming a standard 40-hour work week and 52 weeks per year. Benefits are inferred based on industry standards for full-time roles in Canada, particularly within tech and consulting firms.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Technology (Software & Consulting)
Company Size: 50-200 Employees (Estimated based on typical growth of specialized software/consulting firms)
Founded: 2008 (Based on Aequilibrium's founding year)
Team Structure:
-
Cross-Functional Project Teams: The UX Lead will likely work within project-based teams comprising Technical Leads (CMS, Front-End), Project Managers, Business Analysts, and potentially other UX/UI designers.
-
Client-Facing Engagement: Expect to work directly with credit union client teams, including executives, marketing managers, digital strategists, and IT personnel.
-
Reporting: The UX Lead will likely report to a Director of UX, Head of Digital Transformation, or a Senior Project Manager within Aequilibrium Software Inc.
Methodology:
-
Agile/Scrum Frameworks: Projects are often managed using Agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and flexibility.
-
User-Centered Design Process: A strong focus on user research, journey mapping, prototyping, and usability testing to inform design decisions.
-
Consultative Approach: Aequilibrium likely employs a consultative model, working closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and co-create solutions.
Company Website: http://www.aequilibrium.ca
📝 Enhancement Note: Aequilibrium Software Inc. appears to be a specialized technology consulting firm focusing on digital transformation, particularly for financial institutions. The company's founding in 2008 suggests established experience and a mature approach to client solutions. The "credit union" specialization points to a niche but significant market focus.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: Senior UX/Product Design Leadership
This role represents a senior individual contributor position with significant strategic influence. The "Lead" title signifies responsibility for guiding design direction, mentoring junior team members (if applicable), and owning the user experience strategy for critical projects. It's a role that bridges hands-on design work with strategic advisory and client management.
Reporting Structure:
The UX Lead will report to a senior leader within Aequilibrium, such as a Director of UX, Head of Digital Strategy, or Senior Project Manager. They will collaborate closely with client-side stakeholders at various levels within the credit union organization.
Operations Impact:
The UX Lead's impact is direct and significant on the success of digital transformation initiatives. By ensuring a user-centric approach to website migrations and digital banking enhancements, this role directly influences:
-
Member Acquisition & Retention: Improved user experiences drive higher conversion rates for new accounts and increased engagement from existing members.
-
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined digital processes reduce the burden on call centers and in-branch services.
-
Brand Perception: A modern, intuitive digital presence enhances the credit union's brand image and competitive standing.
-
Revenue Growth: Effective digital channels contribute to increased product adoption and transaction volumes.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Specialization in FinTech UX: Deepen expertise in the unique UX challenges and opportunities within the financial services sector, becoming a sought-after specialist.
-
Transition to Product Management: Leverage strategic product vision and stakeholder management skills to move into a Product Manager or Director role.
-
Leadership in UX/Digital Strategy: Progress into leadership positions like Director of UX, Head of Digital Transformation, or Principal UX Consultant, managing larger teams and broader strategic initiatives.
-
Client Executive Engagement: Develop stronger client relationship management skills, leading to opportunities in account management or strategic consulting roles.
📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a UX Lead in a consulting environment like Aequilibrium often involves increasing strategic responsibility, client advisory, and potentially team leadership. The focus on specific industries like credit unions can lead to deep domain expertise and higher-value project opportunities.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Primarily Remote, with potential for occasional client site visits or team meetups.
Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company headquarters are in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The client work is focused on credit unions across Canada.
Workspace Context:
-
Independent Work Environment: The remote setup requires self-discipline and strong time management skills to maintain productivity and focus.
-
Digital Collaboration Tools: Extensive use of virtual collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams, Zoom), project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana), and design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch).
-
Client Interaction: Regular video conferencing with credit union stakeholders for workshops, presentations, and feedback sessions.
Work Schedule:
- The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, candidates must be available during core business hours for collaboration with the Aequilibrium team and credit union clients, likely within Canadian time zones.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "TELECOMMUTE" and "Fully Remote" indicators confirm the remote nature of this role. The emphasis on collaboration tools and client interaction highlights the need for strong virtual communication skills.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening (Recruiter/HR): A brief call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
-
Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, UX methodology, and leadership approach.
-
Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their work, focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and impact within complex projects (especially CMS migrations or financial services). This is a critical stage.
-
Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential peers, technical leads, or client representatives to assess collaboration skills and domain knowledge.
-
Executive/Final Interview: Often with a senior leader at Aequilibrium to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, your specific role and contributions, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., conversion lift, satisfaction scores, efficiency gains).
-
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Go beyond just showing polished UI. Explain why certain design decisions were made, the research that informed them, and how they align with business goals.
-
Highlight CMS Migration/Financial Services Experience: Prioritize projects that showcase expertise in these areas. If direct experience is limited, explain how your transferable skills apply.
-
Showcase Process: Include artifacts that illustrate your process – journey maps, IA diagrams, wireframes, usability test findings, and how you iterated based on feedback.
-
Prepare for Technical Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you've worked with developers and technical leads to bring designs to life, especially within CMS constraints.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Hypothetical CMS Migration Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical credit union website migration, including discovery, strategy, and key considerations.
-
Problem-Solving Exercise: A whiteboard or virtual exercise to solve a UX-related problem within a financial services context.
-
Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Discuss how you would handle challenging stakeholder feedback or conflicting requirements.
📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely the most crucial part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should meticulously curate their presentations to showcase strategic depth, problem-solving capabilities, and tangible results, especially in relevant domains.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (for interactive prototyping).
-
Information Architecture & Journey Mapping: Miro, Mural, Lucidchart, Omnigraffle.
-
Content Management Systems (CMS): Deep understanding of CMS-driven component design and architecture, with specific familiarity with OpenText (legacy) and experience with modern CMS platforms being a plus.
-
Collaboration & Project Management: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Asana, Confluence.
Analytics & Reporting:
-
Web Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools for tracking user behavior and performance metrics.
-
User Feedback Tools: Hotjar, UserTesting.com, or similar platforms for qualitative insights.
CRM & Automation:
-
While not directly a CRM role, understanding how website interactions feed into CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for lead generation and member management is beneficial.
-
Familiarity with marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) might be a plus for understanding lead capture and nurturing workflows.
📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard design and collaboration tools is expected. Specific experience with CMS platforms, particularly OpenText and modern alternatives, will be a significant advantage. An understanding of how UX impacts downstream systems like CRM is also valuable.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
User-Centricity: A fundamental belief in prioritizing the user's needs and experience in all design and strategic decisions.
-
Collaboration & Partnership: Emphasis on working closely with clients and internal teams, fostering a partnership approach to problem-solving.
-
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics, user research, and testing to inform design choices and measure success.
-
Innovation & Modernization: A drive to move beyond outdated practices and embrace modern digital solutions and best practices.
-
Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes and delivering high-quality, impactful work.
Collaboration Style:
-
Consultative & Empathetic: Understanding client business needs while advocating for the user.
-
Transparent & Communicative: Openly sharing insights, challenges, and progress with all stakeholders.
-
Iterative & Feedback-Oriented: Encouraging constructive feedback and using it to refine designs and strategies.
-
Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly working with technical, marketing, and business teams to achieve shared goals.
📝 Enhancement Note: Aequilibrium's culture likely reflects a blend of a professional services firm and a tech-focused organization, emphasizing client success, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering modern digital solutions.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Navigating Legacy Systems & Processes: Working within established, sometimes rigid, credit union structures and migrating from older CMS platforms like OpenText requires careful planning and change management.
-
Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Synthesizing diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements from executives, marketing, IT, and members.
-
Driving Modernization vs. "Lift and Shift": Convincing stakeholders to invest in redesign and modernization rather than simply replicating the existing website on a new platform.
-
Ensuring Accessibility Compliance: Consistently embedding WCAG standards across complex digital projects.
-
Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong team cohesion and client relationships in a fully remote environment.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Deepen FinTech/Credit Union Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of digital banking, member acquisition strategies, and regulatory compliance within the financial services sector.
-
Mastery of Modern CMS Platforms: Expand expertise in current leading CMS technologies and their UX implications.
-
Strategic Consulting Skills: Enhance abilities in client advisory, executive workshop facilitation, and influencing business strategy.
-
Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead project teams, and potentially move into management or principal roles.
📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing complex digital transformations in a regulated industry and driving change. Growth opportunities are tied to developing specialized domain expertise and advancing into strategic leadership roles.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe a complex CMS migration project you led. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?"
-
"How would you approach assessing the current digital experience of a credit union and identifying opportunities for modernization beyond a simple 'lift and shift'?"
-
"Walk us through your process for developing personas and journey maps for a financial services client. How do these artifacts influence your design decisions?"
-
"How do you balance the needs of different stakeholders (e.g., marketing, IT, compliance, end-users) during a large-scale digital project?"
-
"What is your philosophy on design systems, and how would you implement or evolve one for a credit union migrating to a new CMS?" Company & Culture Questions:
-
"Why are you interested in working with credit unions specifically?"
-
"How do you stay current with UX best practices and emerging trends in digital banking and financial services?"
-
"Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder to adopt a user-centered design approach. What was the outcome?"
-
"How do you approach ensuring accessibility (WCAG) compliance throughout a project lifecycle?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Structure for Impact: Dedicate significant time to 1-2 key case studies that best represent your qualifications for this role (CMS migration, financial services, leadership).
-
Narrative is Key: Don't just show screens; tell a story about the problem, your strategic thinking, your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable results.
-
Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.
-
Highlight Collaboration: Show examples of how you worked with technical teams and stakeholders, and how you managed feedback.
-
Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methods, and problem-solving approaches.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, problem-solving skills within complex technical and business contexts, and a strong understanding of the financial services industry's unique requirements. The portfolio presentation is the centerpiece.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
-
Submit your application through the provided link on the Aequilibrium applytojob portal.
-
Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects, prioritizing those involving complex website redesigns, CMS migrations, or financial services. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your strategic approach, your specific contributions, the process followed, and measurable results.
-
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities directly matching the job description, such as "UX Lead," "CMS Migration," "Digital Experience Strategy," "Financial Services," "WCAG," "Information Architecture," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
-
Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and compellingly, focusing on strategic thinking and business impact. Be ready to discuss your process, decision-making, and collaboration methods.
-
Research Aequilibrium & Credit Unions: Understand Aequilibrium's approach to digital transformation and familiarize yourself with the current digital landscape and challenges faced by credit unions in Canada.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have 8+ years of experience in UX or product design, with a strong portfolio in enterprise or financial services. Proficiency in CMS-driven component design, accessibility standards, and stakeholder facilitation is essential for this role.