Join our team as a Senior Front-End Developer to architect and implement a scalable design system using the shadcn/ui framework. In this hybrid role (3 days onsite/2 days remote), you will lead the end-to-end development of component libraries, enforce accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0), and document comprehensive usage guidelines. Collaborating closely with UX and product teams, you'll drive UI consistency, conduct visual regression testing, and deliver internal training to ensure adoption across teams. Ideal for developers with a strong ownership mindset, deep React and TypeScript experience, and a proven ability to deliver high-quality design systems independently.

 

Supply Ontario seeks a seasoned Front End Developer to lead the development of a brand-new design system built on the shadcn/ui framework. This developer will be pivotal in shaping Supply Ontario’s public facing products, ensuring our users have a consistent design throughout their journey. The successful candidate will drive the technical implementation of the design system, through requirements gathering, build & testing, and empower the internal teams through documentation and training. This initiative builds upon Supply Ontario’s objective to build a new digital experience with a focus on improving usability for both buyers and vendors.

 

Responsibilities:

1.    Design System Planning & Requirements Gathering

a.    Collaborate with stakeholders from internal UX, Product, and IT Operations to gather requirements and technical needs for the design system,

b.    Audit the UI component handoff documentation to identify gaps and opportunities,

c.    Design the system architecture plan and strategy for system adoption & evolution

 

2.    Design System Development

a.    Architect and implement a scalable, maintainable design system using shadcn/ui as the foundation,

b.    Enhance and extend the core components to align with brand and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0 Level AA),

 

c.    Build net-new scalable custom components that reflect the product specific needs.

 

3.    Testing and Quality Assurance

a.    In coordination with UX, establish standards and processes for testing components across browsers, and devices,

b.    Write and maintain automated tests using tools like Storybook,

c.    Implement and document visual regression testing and accessibility audits.

 

4.    Documentation & Training

a.    In collaboration with the UX team, write comprehensive documentation for all design system components and usage guidelines,

b.    Conduct workshops, training sessions, and create onboarding materials to educate internal teams on how to adopt and integrate the system,

c.    Through the engagement, provide support and communication across engineering, product and design.

 

5.    Team Collaboration & Leadership

a.    Partner closely with internal UX designers, product managers, and stakeholders,

b.    Advocate for best practices in front-end development, accessibility, and performance optimization,

Uphold high engineering standards

Required Skills & Experience:

-             Candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of expert level - hands on experience with JavaScript libraries and frameworks (React), Typescript and modern web technologies and build tools,

-             End to end ownership mindset, ability to take full responsibility for design, implementation, documentation and maintaining scalable front-end solutions independently,

-             Proven experience creating and maintaining component libraries or design systems from scratch, preferably using or extending shadcn/ui

-             Strong background in accessibility practices and standards, WCAG compliance, and semantic HTML,

-             Proficient in writing technical documentation for cross functional teams,

-             Experience with visual regression testing, unit/integration testing and component QA workflows and best practices

 

 

General Skills:

-             Strong communicator

-             Exceptional time management, organization and self-direction in an environment where they are the sole contributor for the design system

Deliverables

1.    Requirement Audit & Design System Strategy

-             Documented UI requirements

-             Audit of proposed design system existing components and visual styles

-             Design system architecture plan (naming conventions, component hierarchy, and roadmap)

 

2.    Component Library Implementation

-             Core components customized from shadcn/ui

-             Net-new reusable components

-             Testing for accessibility and responsiveness

-             Clear versioning and changelog for component updates

-             Codebase structured for scalability

 

3.    Design System Documentation

-             Developer focused documentation (installation, usage patterns, customizations etc.)

-             Accessibility guidelines and examples

-             Hosting setup for documentation (on Storybook)

 

4.    Internal Training & Quality Assurance

-             Creation of automated component tests

-             Visual regression testing setup

-             Browser and device compatibility checklists

5.    Internal Training

-             Workshops or training sessions for internal Supply Ontario teams

-             Quick-start guide for new users

 

6.    Adoption support

-             Guidelines of extending the design system or editing components

-             Support plan for long term maintenance and future governance

Additional Terms

Performance Expectations

• Quarterly performance reviews against agreed-upon objectives and deliverables
• Minimum 80% achievement of approved quarterly objectives
• Development and maintenance of detailed project documentation
• Regular status reporting as per project management framework
• Adherence to all Supply Ontario policies, procedures, and professional standards

Work Arrangements

• Hybrid work arrangement with minimum 2-3 days per week on-site at Supply Ontario offices
• Flexibility to adjust schedule based on project needs and stakeholder availability
• Availability for occasional evening/weekend work during critical project phases

Intellectual Property and Confidentiality

• All work products, documentation, and intellectual property created during the engagement remain the property of Supply Ontario
• Strict adherence to confidentiality agreements and data protection protocols
• Non-disclosure agreement required as condition of engagement
• Return of all Supply Ontario property and materials upon contract completion

Probationary Period

• Initial 90-day probationary period to assess fit and capabilities
• Clear performance objectives to be established within first 30 days
• Bi-weekly check-ins during probationary period
• Option to terminate with 5 business days' notice during probationary period

Early Termination Provisions

• Supply Ontario may terminate the contract with 10 business days' written notice without cause
• Immediate termination for:
  • Breach of confidentiality or security protocols
  • Failure to meet minimum performance standards after documented warning
  • Violation of Supply Ontario policies or professional conduct standards
  • Misrepresentation of qualifications or experience
  • Extended unavailability without approved leave

Extension and Renewal Provisions

• Contract extension is at the sole discretion of Supply Ontario
• Extension decisions will align with Supply Ontario's internal procurement policies and procedures
• Factors considered for extension include but are not limited to:
  • Achievement of defined deliverables and performance metrics
  • Ongoing organizational need for services
  • Budget availability and value for money
  • Contractor's demonstrated reliability and cultural fit
  • Project continuity requirements
• Extension terms:
  • Maximum extension periods as per Supply Ontario procurement policy
  • Rate adjustments, if any, must align with approved rate cards
  • Additional or modified terms may be introduced during extension
• Extension process:
  • Review initiated minimum 30 days before contract end date
  • Appropriate management approvals as per delegation of authority
  • Written notice of extension decision provided minimum 30 days before contract end
• No guarantee or implicit right to extension regardless of performance
• Supply Ontario reserves the right to:
  • Modify role requirements during extension period
  • Adjust work arrangements and conditions
  • Implement new policies or procedures
  • Require additional qualifications or certifications
• Contractor acknowledgment:
  • No expectation of automatic renewal
  • Extension discussions do not constitute commitment
  • Rights to compete for other opportunities if extension not granted

 

Supplier Comments

MSP Notes

Must Haves:

·        5+ years experience architecting and implementing a scalable, maintainable design systems – preference is using shadcn/ui as the foundation

·        5+ years experience designing the system architecture plan and strategy for system adoption & evolution

·        5+ years experience enhancing and extending the core components to align with brand and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0 Level AA),

·        5+ years experience in collaboration with the UX team, writing comprehensive documentation for all design system components and usage guidelines and testing

 

NOTE – candidate will need to be comfortable being the sole engineer lead. They will not have the support of a senior to oversee their work. Not just responsible for the design and architecture but also the full end to end implementation.

 

Communication skills a must have

 

 

Location: hybrid – 3 days onsite/2 days remote

Public Sector Experience: No