International Design Manager - Freelance

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: International Design Manager - Freelance Company: Omnicom Health Location: Barcelona, ES Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Operations - Creative Operations / Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-23T08:20:36 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid to Senior Level) Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the strategic orchestration and execution of digital design projects across multiple international markets, demanding a strong operational mindset for efficient workflow management.
• Key responsibilities include translating complex brand guidelines into scalable digital design systems and maintaining centralized Figma libraries, a core function of design operations.
• The position requires a deep understanding of UX/UI best practices, including accessibility (WCAG) and usability, to ensure high-quality, user-centric digital solutions.
• Success in this role involves partnering closely with cross-functional teams (strategy, product, engineering) and presenting work to senior, international clients, highlighting strong communication and stakeholder management skills essential in operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the description emphasizes operational aspects like workflow orchestration, system maintenance (Figma libraries, design tokens), cross-functional collaboration, client presentations, and QA. This strongly suggests a role within Creative Operations or Design Operations, focusing on the process and management of design delivery rather than pure creative execution. The "Freelance" nature indicates a contractor role, common for specialized operational support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Orchestrate end-to-end design workflows across web, product, email, and social media platforms, setting priorities and ensuring adherence to project deadlines.
• Translate complex brand guidelines and requirements into scalable digital design systems, including the creation and maintenance of Figma libraries and design tokens.
• Elevate UX/UI quality by ensuring best practices in user flows, wireframes, responsive layouts, accessibility (WCAG), and overall usability.
• Drive prototyping efforts and facilitate rapid iteration cycles, leveraging data and user insights to inform design decisions.
• Present and defend design work to senior, international clients, effectively conducting workshops and translating feedback into actionable next steps.
• Collaborate closely with strategy, product, and engineering teams to ensure pixel-perfect design handoffs and conduct quality assurance (QA) checks.
• Coach and mentor junior designers through reviews and critiques, fostering a collaborative and growth-minded team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of project management, technical design system expertise, and team leadership, all critical components of a Design Operations function. The emphasis on "orchestrate," "translate complex brandbooks," "maintain Figma libraries," and "partner with strategy, product and engineering" points directly to operational management of the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, UX/UI Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience: 5-10 years of proven experience in leading digital design initiatives, with a strong emphasis on project coordination and workflow management, ideally within international or multi-market environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven international experience leading digital design initiatives, managing projects across different regions and time zones.
• Fluent English (written and spoken) for effective communication with global teams and clients.
• Expert proficiency in Figma, including advanced features like Auto-layout, variants, libraries, and token management.
• Strong command of Adobe Creative Cloud suite for design and asset creation.
• Deep understanding of UX/UI craft, including interaction patterns, responsive design principles, and accessibility standards (WCAG).
• Familiarity with front-end development basics (HTML/CSS concepts, breakpoints) for effective design handoff and collaboration.
• Experience with agile project management tools such as Jira, Asana, or Notion for task tracking and workflow management.
• Ability to interpret data from analytics platforms, heatmaps, and A/B tests to inform and iterate on design solutions.
• Confident and persuasive presentation skills, capable of engaging with C-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in team and project coordination under tight, multi-timezone deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the healthcare or other regulated industries, understanding the unique design challenges and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with Zeplin or similar tools for design-to-development handoff.
• Experience facilitating design workshops and user feedback sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills heavily lean towards operational management of design processes and technologies. Expertise in Figma, design systems, agile tools, and data interpretation are key indicators of an operations-focused role rather than a purely creative one. Healthcare experience is a plus, indicating the company's industry focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successfully orchestrated end-to-end design workflows for digital products across multiple markets.
• Case studies showcasing the development and maintenance of robust digital design systems, including Figma libraries and design tokens, with clear examples of scalability.
• Examples of elevated UX/UI craft, highlighting improvements in user flows, wireframes, and responsive layouts, with a focus on accessibility compliance.
• Projects that illustrate data-informed design iteration, showing how analytics, heatmaps, or user feedback influenced design decisions and outcomes.
• Evidence of successful client presentations and workshop facilitation, particularly for senior or international stakeholders.
• Documentation or examples of design handoff processes to engineering teams, including QA checks and adherence to specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should include documentation of process implementation, detailing how design workflows were structured, managed, and optimized for efficiency.
• Evidence of maintaining and evolving Figma libraries and design tokens as part of a scalable design system strategy.
• Examples of how accessibility standards (WCAG) were integrated into the design process and verified.
• Documentation of collaboration with product and engineering teams, including handoff procedures and quality assurance protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "orchestrated end-to-end design workflows," "development and maintenance of robust digital design systems," and "data-informed design iteration" strongly suggests that the portfolio review will assess operational capabilities in managing design processes and systems, not just creative output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a freelance/contractor position, compensation will likely be project-based or an hourly rate. For a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a major European city like Barcelona, and considering the international scope, an estimated freelance hourly rate could range from €40 - €70 (approximately $43 - $75 USD), depending on experience, project complexity, and specific contract terms.

Benefits: As a freelance contractor, traditional employee benefits are typically not provided. However, benefits may include:

• Flexible working hours and location (remote).
• Opportunity to work with a prestigious global healthcare advertising agency (Omnicom Health).
• Exposure to high-profile international clients and projects.
• Potential for ongoing work or future project opportunities.
• Professional development through exposure to diverse design challenges and teams.

Working Hours: The role is described as freelance, implying flexibility in working hours. However, the need to coordinate with international teams and clients suggests a requirement to be available during core business hours across different time zones, likely requiring approximately 40 hours per week for project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on freelance rates for experienced design professionals in Western Europe, considering the specialized skills required (Figma expertise, design systems, international project management). The "contractor" employment type is a key factor in benefit expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Advertising and Communications. Omnicom Health is a significant player in this sector, known for its specialized agencies and global reach. Company Size: Part of Omnicom Health, which has over 4,000 employees globally, indicating a large, established network. CDM Barcelona itself is likely a substantial agency within this network. This size implies robust processes and a structured environment for operations professionals. Founded: Omnicom Health is part of Omnicom Group, a major global advertising and marketing holding company. CDM Barcelona's founding date is not specified, but its affiliation suggests a long-standing presence and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The role requires leading and supporting "multi-market creative teams," indicating collaboration with designers located in different geographical regions.
• The Design Manager will likely report to a Creative Director, Head of Design, or a senior operations lead within CDM Barcelona or Omnicom Health.
• Close partnerships with Strategy, Product, and Engineering teams are explicitly mentioned, highlighting a cross-functional, integrated approach to project delivery.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "digital-first design" and translating "complex brandbooks into scalable digital design systems."
• Strong focus on UX/UI quality, accessibility (WCAG), and usability best practices.
• Data-driven decision-making is encouraged through analytics, heatmaps, and A/B tests.
• Agile methodologies are implied through the mention of tools like Jira/Asana/Notion and the need for quick iteration.

Company Website: https://omnicomhealthgroup.com/ (Omnicom Health)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's scale within Omnicom Health suggests a professional environment with established operational procedures. The focus on healthcare advertising implies a need for precision, compliance awareness, and often, a more structured approach to creative processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior level, akin to a Design Operations Manager or Senior Project Manager within a creative agency. It requires not only design craft but also significant operational, organizational, and leadership capabilities. The focus is on managing processes and teams to ensure efficient and high-quality design output. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior creative leader (e.g., Creative Director, ECD) or a Head of Production/Operations. They will manage or coordinate the work of other designers and collaborate closely with project managers, strategists, and technical leads. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the efficiency and quality of design delivery for global clients. By streamlining workflows, maintaining design systems, and ensuring adherence to brand and UX/UI standards, this position significantly contributes to client satisfaction, project success, and the agency's reputation for delivering high-quality digital solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Transition to a full-time Design Operations Manager role with greater strategic input and team management responsibilities.
• Specialize further in Design Systems management or UX/UI process optimization.
• Move into broader Project Management or Program Management roles within the agency, leveraging cross-functional coordination skills.
• Develop leadership expertise by mentoring and guiding creative teams on international projects.
• Gain deep expertise in healthcare marketing and communications, a specialized and valuable niche.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is typically towards more senior operational or program management positions, focusing on scaling processes and managing larger, more complex projects or portfolios within the agency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is "Remote OK," Omnicom Health and CDM Barcelona are large agencies, likely with physical office spaces in Barcelona and other locations. The freelance nature suggests the primary "workspace" will be the candidate's own remote setup. Office Location(s): The job is listed for Barcelona, ES, indicating a potential hub for operations. Omnicom Health has a global presence, so teams may be distributed across various international locations.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work Environment: Requires self-discipline, effective time management, and a reliable home office setup.
• Collaborative Digital Environment: Heavy reliance on digital collaboration tools (Figma, communication platforms, project management software) to connect with distributed teams and clients.
• Fast-Paced Agency Setting: Even remotely, the environment is likely dynamic and deadline-driven, typical of advertising agencies.
• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with diverse teams (strategy, account management, creative, technology) on a daily basis.

Work Schedule: The role implies flexibility for a contractor, but the need to coordinate with international teams and clients across different time zones means the contractor will need to be available during overlapping business hours, likely requiring a commitment of approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote aspect is key, demanding strong self-management. The agency environment suggests a need for adaptability and responsiveness to client needs and project timelines, even when working remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and fit for a freelance Design Manager role.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: Likely involves a discussion about Figma proficiency, design system principles, UX/UI best practices, and experience with agile tools.
• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate workflow orchestration, design system management, and client presentation skills.
• Cross-functional/Client Scenario Discussion: May include hypothetical scenarios related to managing international teams, handling client feedback, or problem-solving design challenges.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, project alignment, and contractor terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Workflow Management: Clearly articulate the processes you followed for projects, highlighting your role in orchestrating timelines, resources, and deliverables across multiple markets.
• Highlight Design System Expertise: Include examples of Figma libraries, design tokens, and how you translated brand guidelines into scalable, reusable components. Demonstrate the impact of these systems on efficiency and consistency.
• Demonstrate UX/UI Craft and Accessibility: Select projects that clearly showcase your understanding of user-centered design, responsive layouts, and adherence to WCAG standards.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to show the results of your work, such as improvements in design consistency, reduced production time, or enhanced user satisfaction.
• Present Client Interaction: Include examples of client presentations, workshop facilitation, and how you managed feedback and revisions effectively.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing specific operational skills relevant to the JD.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with Figma's advanced features and how you've used them to create efficient design workflows.
• Think about specific examples of how you've managed design projects with distributed, international teams.
• Prepare to discuss how you approach translating brand guidelines into practical, scalable digital assets.
• Review common accessibility standards (WCAG) and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your designs.
• Familiarize yourself with Omnicom Health and CDM Barcelona's work and values to tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize operational capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just design skill, but proficiency in managing design processes, systems, and teams efficiently, especially in an international, remote context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for design, prototyping, and design system management (Auto-layout, variants, libraries, tokens). Advanced proficiency is a must.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Including Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially After Effects for design and asset creation.
• Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, Notion, or similar tools for task tracking, workflow management, and team coordination.
• Collaboration & Communication Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet for communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar for interpreting user behavior and performance data.
• Heatmap/User Session Tools: Hotjar, Crazy Egg, or similar for understanding user interaction on digital platforms.
• A/B Testing Tools: Optimizely, Google Optimize, or similar for data-driven design iteration.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) might be beneficial for understanding client data flows, though not a primary requirement for this design-focused role.
• Integration tools like Zeplin are mentioned for handoff, indicating a need for understanding how design tools connect with development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and design system management is paramount. Familiarity with project management and analytics tools is also crucial for fulfilling the operational aspects of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency and Precision: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality work on time and within scope, driven by well-managed processes.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members, regardless of location, can contribute and grow.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using insights from analytics and user feedback to guide design choices and process improvements.
• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting client needs through exceptional design and service.
• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to continuously improve design delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with strategy, product, and engineering teams to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and consistent communication across distributed teams and with clients.
• Constructive Feedback: Providing and receiving feedback constructively to foster growth and improve design quality.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identifying potential issues early and collaborating to find effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture described values both creative excellence and operational rigor, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and data-informed practices, which are hallmarks of effective Design Operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Distributed Teams: Coordinating design efforts across multiple international time zones and cultures requires strong communication and organizational skills.
• Translating Complex Brandbooks: Consistently ensuring that diverse digital outputs adhere to intricate brand guidelines across various platforms.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering high-quality, pixel-perfect designs under tight, multi-timezone deadlines requires efficient workflow management and prioritization.
• Client Presentation to C-Level: Effectively communicating design rationale and value to senior stakeholders who may have different priorities and perspectives.
• Healthcare Industry Nuances: Navigating the specific requirements and sensitivities of the healthcare sector if applicable.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Figma Mastery: Deepening expertise in Figma's evolving features and best practices for design systems.
• UX/UI Best Practices: Staying current with the latest trends and standards in user experience and interface design.
• Design Operations Strategy: Learning to build and scale design operations frameworks within a large agency structure.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Developing enhanced skills for effective collaboration with international teams.
• Healthcare Marketing Insights: Gaining specialized knowledge in a dynamic and impactful industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for international operations roles, requiring strong adaptability and process-oriented thinking. The growth opportunities align with career paths in design management and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you orchestrated a complex digital design project across multiple international markets. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on process, tools, team coordination, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you approach translating a detailed brandbook into a scalable digital design system, including the creation and maintenance of Figma libraries and tokens?" (Demonstrate technical understanding and systematic thinking.)
• "Walk us through a project where you used data (analytics, A/B tests) to inform and iterate on a design. What was the process, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight data-driven decision-making.)
• "How do you ensure accessibility (WCAG) and usability best practices are met throughout the design process for web and product design?" (Showcase commitment to quality and standards.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Omnicom Health and this specific freelance role?" (Research the company's values and recent work.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative and growth-minded culture within a remote design team?" (Align your approach with their stated values.)
• "Describe your experience working with clients at the C-level. How do you prepare for and conduct these presentations?" (Emphasize communication and stakeholder management skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the challenge, your process (operations/workflow), the solution (design), and the results (impact).
• Emphasize Operational Contributions: Don't just show the final designs; explain how you managed the project, the systems you used, and how you ensured efficiency and quality.
• Showcase Figma Expertise: Demonstrate your proficiency in Figma by showcasing library management, auto-layout, variants, and token implementation.
• Quantify Results: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced design cycle time, increased design consistency).
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, tool choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative oversight and strong operational management capabilities. Candidates need to articulate their process, tool proficiency, and ability to lead teams and projects effectively in a distributed environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in leading international digital design initiatives, managing design systems (especially in Figma), and your data-informed design approach. Ensure these examples highlight your organizational and process management skills.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities from the job description, focusing on project coordination, international team management, Figma expertise, UX/UI best practices, and any relevant healthcare industry experience. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio pieces, clearly articulating your role, the operational processes you implemented, the tools you used, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss how you would approach this freelance role.
• Research Omnicom Health: Understand their mission, values, and recent work in healthcare advertising. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.