Graphic Designer - Maternity Cover

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Maternity Cover

Company: Productsup

Location: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid possible in Barcelona)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a temporary, freelance maternity cover contract for a Graphic Designer to support the Marketing Team for approximately 7 months.

• The role involves creating high-volume, high-quality visual assets for various marketing channels, including digital, print, and social media.

• A key aspect of the role is leveraging AI design tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, and rapid iteration of design concepts.

• The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and sales, to ensure design consistency and support campaign objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is graphic design, the role's integration with marketing campaigns, A/B testing, and optimizing creatives for conversion rates suggests a strong connection to performance marketing and a need for data-informed design decisions, aligning it with aspects of Marketing Operations. The "autonomos" contract type also indicates a freelance or independent contractor status.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and design a wide range of visual assets, including platform-optimized banners for organic and paid social media ads, web graphics, print materials, and presentation decks.

• Ensure all designs adhere strictly to established brand guidelines, maintaining brand consistency and coherence across all touchpoints.

• Collaborate with marketing stakeholders to generate ideas for optimizing creatives, aiming to increase conversion rates and click-through rates across various marketing channels.

• Proactively assist with A/B testing design variations and adapt assets based on performance insights and data analysis.

• Manage and organize clean working files to facilitate seamless collaboration and handoff with internal teams.

• Utilize and create components/variants in Figma or Sketch for high-fidelity prototyping and efficient design workflows.

• Explore and integrate AI design tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Midjourney) to accelerate concept development and rapid iteration.

• Stay current with the latest design trends, AI advancements, and best practices in visual communication.

• Optimize personal workflow to meet quick-turn deadlines and ensure timely completion of tasks.

• Provide design support for editorial content, website updates, and other brand initiatives as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "workflow optimization" and "quick-turn deadlines" points towards a need for efficient project management and process-driven execution, common in operations-focused roles. The responsibility to "assist with A/B testing design variations and adapt assets based on data and performance insights" directly links design output to measurable marketing outcomes, a core tenet of performance marketing and marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a strong portfolio demonstrating formal design education or equivalent practical experience is implied.

Experience: 3+ years of proven graphic design experience, ideally within a B2B environment (SaaS, online marketplaces, or e-commerce industry), or a creative agency.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in graphic design software: Figma or Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, After Effects).

• Hands-on experience in branding, editorial design, digital assets creation, website design, and presentation design.

• Demonstrated expertise in fundamental design principles: typography, composition, color theory, and layout.

• Practical knowledge of AI design tools such as Canva AI, Claude, Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, or DALL·E.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral, for effective collaboration and feedback.

• A team-oriented mindset, receptive to constructive feedback and eager to experiment with new technologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing and animation.

• Experience designing for organic and paid social media advertising campaigns.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies for design elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in specific design tools like Figma/Sketch and Adobe Suite, alongside AI design tools, indicates a need for technically adept individuals. The mention of "B2B in-house environment, ideally SaaS, online marketplaces, or the ecommerce industry" suggests a preference for candidates who understand the nuances of designing for these specific markets, implying a need for strategic visual communication rather than just aesthetic execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on B2B, SaaS, or e-commerce projects.

• Demonstrations of diverse design capabilities, including branding, digital assets, web design, editorial layouts, and presentations.

• Specific examples of social media ad creative, highlighting platform optimization and visual impact.

• Case studies or examples illustrating the application of AI design tools in the creative process and their impact on efficiency or concept development.

• Visuals that clearly demonstrate strong formal design skills: typography, composition, color harmony, and layout principles. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design files are managed and organized for efficient team collaboration.

• Evidence of involvement in A/B testing design variations and adapting designs based on performance data.

• Any documentation or case studies that highlight workflow optimization strategies used to meet tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance/contract role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to not only showcase creative output but also demonstrate efficiency, adaptability (especially with AI tools), and an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives like conversion rates. The ability to manage files for collaboration is crucial for remote work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a temporary, freelance (autonomos) contract for maternity cover in Barcelona, Spain, salary will be negotiated based on experience and the specific scope of work. Based on industry averages for experienced freelance graphic designers in Barcelona, a range of €30,000 - €45,000 annually (pro-rated for 7 months) or an hourly rate of €20-€35 per hour could be anticipated, depending on negotiation.

Benefits:

• As a freelance contractor ("autonomos"), standard employee benefits like paid time off, health insurance, and retirement contributions are generally not provided.

• The role offers flexibility in terms of working hours and location (remote work is supported).

• Opportunity to gain experience with cutting-edge AI design tools and work on diverse marketing initiatives for a growing SaaS company.

• Potential for project extension or future freelance opportunities based on performance.

Working Hours: The role requires an estimated 40 hours per week, with flexibility to manage workload and deadlines, especially given the remote work arrangement. Specific daily hours can be discussed and agreed upon to accommodate project needs and personal schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "autonomos" designation is critical here. It signifies the candidate will be an independent contractor, responsible for their own taxes, social security contributions, and benefits. Salary is typically negotiated as a project fee or an hourly/daily rate. The provided range is an estimate based on market research for similar freelance roles in Barcelona, Spain, and the experience level required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Productsup operates in the e-commerce technology sector, specifically providing a leading platform for product data management and syndication. This means the company serves businesses looking to streamline their product information across various sales channels.

Company Size: Productsup is a growing tech company, likely falling into the mid-to-large size bracket (estimates based on typical tech company growth, though exact employee count is not provided here). This size often means a dynamic environment with established processes but still room for individual impact.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, Productsup has been in the market for a significant period, indicating a mature product and established market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Brand and Communication team, which falls under the broader Marketing department.

• Collaboration is expected with various stakeholders across Marketing, Product, and Sales teams.

• As a temporary role, integration into existing team structures and workflows will be key. Methodology:

• Productsup likely employs agile methodologies for project management and product development.

• The marketing team will focus on data-driven campaigns, performance optimization, and leveraging technology (including AI) to achieve business goals.

• Emphasis on collaboration, idea sharing, and continuous improvement is evident from the company description.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on e-commerce technology implies a need for visual communication that is clear, efficient, and persuasive, appealing to business clients. The company culture description emphasizes ambition, challenge, and innovation, suggesting an environment where designers are encouraged to be proactive and contribute to strategic initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level, requiring 3+ years of experience. It's a specialized, project-based role focused on delivering high-quality design assets.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Brand and Communication team, likely a Marketing Manager or Creative Lead, and will collaborate closely with various marketing campaign managers and specialists.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work will directly impact marketing campaign effectiveness by creating compelling visuals that drive engagement, conversion, and brand recognition. Their contribution to A/B testing and optimization will directly influence campaign ROI.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design tools and advanced prototyping techniques.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain a better understanding of B2B marketing strategies, product marketing, and sales enablement through collaboration.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with examples of high-impact design work for a leading e-commerce SaaS platform.

• Potential for Future Engagements: Successful performance may lead to further freelance opportunities or even consideration for full-time positions if they arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a temporary role, "growth" is more about skill acquisition and portfolio building than traditional career ladder progression within the company. The emphasis on AI tools and performance optimization offers valuable experience for a designer looking to stay ahead in the industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Productsup operates in a modern tech company environment. While the role is remote-friendly, it's likely that Barcelona-based employees have access to a physical office space.

Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is Barcelona, Spain. It's possible Productsup has other offices globally, but this role is tied to the Barcelona hub for its operations.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: The role is designed to be performed remotely, requiring strong digital communication and collaboration tools.

• Technology Stack: Access to necessary design software (Figma, Adobe Suite) and AI tools will be provided or expected to be managed by the contractor.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings and communication channels (e.g., Slack, Teams) will facilitate interaction with the marketing and brand teams.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week), there's an expectation of flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and international team collaborations. The contractor will need to manage their time effectively to meet these demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-friendly nature of this role suggests that successful candidates will be self-motivated and adept at managing their work without direct physical supervision. The emphasis on "autonomos" means the contractor is responsible for their own workspace setup and equipment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the application, focusing on the resume and portfolio link.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to walk through the portfolio, highlighting relevant projects, design process, and experience with AI tools and B2B/SaaS contexts.

• Skills Assessment: Potential practical exercises or case studies to assess design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Cultural Fit & Collaboration: Interviews with marketing team members to gauge communication style, receptiveness to feedback, and ability to collaborate effectively within a remote, cross-functional team.

• Contract & Onboarding: Discussion of contract terms, rates, and onboarding procedures for freelance "autonomos."

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent the required skills (Figma/Sketch, Adobe Suite, AI tools, B2B/SaaS examples).

• Highlight Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, the problem you were solving, your role, and the outcome.

• Showcase AI Integration: If possible, include examples where AI tools were used and explain the benefit.

• Quantify Impact: If designs contributed to measurable results (e.g., higher CTR, conversions), highlight these achievements.

• Clarity and Organization: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you approach designing for specific channels (social media, web).

• Think about how you would optimize a given piece of creative for better performance.

• Be ready to explain your understanding of brand consistency and how you maintain it.

• Prepare questions about the team, ongoing projects, and expectations for the maternity cover period.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely the most critical step. Candidates should be prepared to not just show their work but to articulate their thought process, their understanding of marketing objectives, and their proficiency with the specified tools, especially AI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Figma or Sketch (primary), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, After Effects). Proficiency required.

• AI Design Tools: Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, DALL·E, Canva AI, Claude. Familiarity and willingness to leverage these tools are essential.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding of how designs perform (e.g., through A/B testing results) is expected. Familiarity with basic reporting metrics relevant to design impact is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not a direct requirement, but understanding how design assets are used in marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma/Sketch and Adobe Suite, coupled with a strong emphasis on AI design tools, defines the core technical requirements. Candidates must be comfortable working with these technologies from day one.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Adaptability: Willingness to explore and adopt new technologies like AI in the design process.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and constructive feedback exchange with cross-functional teams.

• Efficiency & Execution: Commitment to meeting deadlines and optimizing workflows to deliver high-quality assets promptly.

• Data-Informed Design: Using performance insights and A/B testing results to refine designs and improve campaign effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First Communication: Proficient in using digital tools for seamless communication and collaboration.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and acting upon constructive feedback from peers and stakeholders.

• Proactive Contribution: Encouraged to share ideas and proactively contribute to marketing campaign strategies through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes dynamism, challenge, and continuous learning. For a designer, this translates to being adaptable, proactive, and a strong communicator within a team environment, even when working remotely.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Temporary Nature: Adapting quickly to a new team and workflow within a limited timeframe (7 months).

• High Volume & Pace: Managing a high output of design assets while maintaining quality under tight deadlines.

• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring effective communication and seamless integration into a remote team structure.

• AI Tool Integration: Quickly mastering and effectively applying new AI design tools to enhance workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience and expertise with leading AI design tools.

• B2B/SaaS Design Insights: Understanding the specific design needs and strategies for the e-commerce technology sector.

• Performance-Driven Design: Developing skills in designing for conversion and optimizing creatives based on data.

• Agile Project Management: Experiencing project management within an agile marketing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the temporary nature of the role and the need for rapid integration and high productivity. Growth opportunities are centered on acquiring cutting-edge skills and gaining experience in a specific industry niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating social media ad banners from brief to final asset, focusing on platform optimization."

• "How would you approach designing a new guide for Productsup, ensuring it aligns with our brand and is engaging for potential clients?"

• "Walk us through a project where you used AI design tools. What was the outcome, and how did it benefit your workflow?"

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design assets for different channels?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Productsup and the e-commerce technology space?"

• "How do you typically collaborate with marketing or product teams?"

• "Describe a time you received constructive feedback on your design. How did you handle it?"

• "What are your expectations for a temporary contract role?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by skill (e.g., AI tools, B2B campaigns).

• Storytelling: For 2-3 key projects, tell a story: the challenge, your approach, the tools used (especially AI), and the results.

• Tool Demonstration: Be prepared to briefly discuss your proficiency in Figma/Sketch and Adobe Suite.

• Q&A: Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer about the team, their design process, and expectations for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical design skills, understanding of marketing objectives, and comfort with the specified tools, particularly AI. The ability to articulate one's process and impact is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Productsup's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples relevant to B2B/SaaS, digital marketing assets, and any use of AI design tools. Tailor your presentation to highlight the skills most emphasized in the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly state your years of experience, proficiency in Figma/Sketch, Adobe Suite, and AI design tools. Highlight any experience in e-commerce or SaaS environments.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your understanding of campaign optimization, and your experience with collaborative workflows. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to meet tight deadlines and adapt to new technologies.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Productsup's platform, its mission, and its target audience. Understand their current branding and marketing efforts to better align your responses and portfolio.

⚠️ 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.