Our banking client is looking for a Design Research Lead to join their team for a 12+ month contract. This will be fulltime hours per week, and 3-4x per week onsite downtown. Key Responsibilities

Define and own the design research strategy across products, aligning studies with business goals and product roadmaps.
Plan, design, and execute a broad spectrum of research studies: ethnographic research, contextual inquiry, interviews, diary studies, surveys, usability testing (moderated and unmoderated), remote moderated testing, card sorting, tree testing, and A/B and experimental testing.
Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to translate user insights into product requirements, information architecture, wireframes, prototypes (low and high fidelity), and measurable experiments.
Oversee usability and prototype testing using tools such as Figma, FigJam, InVision, Axure, Maze, Lookback, UserTesting, Optimal Workshop, Morae, and HotJar/FullStory.
Synthesize and communicate research findings through compelling artifacts: presentations, research briefs, journey maps, experience maps, personas, and prioritized recommendations that influence roadmap decisions.
Mentor and develop more junior researchers and cross-functional partners; build a high-quality research practice and advocate for research-driven decision-making across the organization.
Champion accessibility and inclusive design (WCAG) throughout research and design activities; ensure research and product outcomes serve diverse user needs.

Qualifications

Proven track record leading and delivering strategic research that influenced product strategy and shipped features at scale.
Deep expertise in qualitative methods: ethnography, interviews, contextual inquiry, diary studies, thematic analysis, affinity mapping, persona development, customer journey and experience mapping, service design, heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthrough, task analysis.
Strong quantitative skills: experimental design, A/B testing, surveys, statistical analysis; experience with SPSS, R, Python, Excel and SQL.
Experienced in information architecture, card sorting, tree testing, wireframing, and prototyping (low- and high-fidelity) using Figma, FigJam, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure, Illustrator, Photoshop.
Familiarity with product design and interaction design principles and design thinking methodologies; able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional product and engineering teams.

In this position, you may have access to client or customer systems, confidential and/or proprietary information or data, including financial information. This position is onsite and requires you to work closely with other individuals in a collaborative team environment.

Email Your Resume In Word To
gsingerman@creativecircle.com
Looking forward to receiving your resume through our website and going over the position with you. Clicking apply is the best way to apply.
Please do NOT change the email subject line in any way. You must keep the JobID: linkedin : GS8-1989287L442 -- in the email subject line for your application to be considered.
Gillian Singerman - Senior Solutions Delivery Recruiter

This is a new role.

This job was first posted by Creative Circle on 06/09/2026 and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or closed.

Everforth Creative Circle ULC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, record of offences and/or any other ground protected by applicable law. Our hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications. Recruiters review all results. If you require accommodation in the application process on the basis of a disability or any other ground protected by applicable law, please contact a member of our Human Resources team at HumanResources@creativecircle.com or your Everforth Creative Circle Recruiter to make arrangements.