Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: OLX

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: February 13, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote OK (within Spain)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the user experience and design strategy for OLX's Buyers and Sellers, focusing on intuitive and impactful product solutions.

• Drive AI-driven innovation within the design process, translating complex customer problems into user-centered designs.

• Lead and establish design practice rituals, standards, guidelines, and best practices for the product design team.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, researchers, and business partners, to deliver end-to-end user experience solutions.

• Champion a data-driven approach and a culture of experimentation to continuously improve product quality and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is Product Design, the role's emphasis on "AI-driven innovation," "data-driven" principles, and collaboration with "Data Scientists" suggests a strong connection to operations and analytics functions, particularly in understanding user behavior and optimizing platform performance. The "General Classifieds" context implies a need for understanding marketplace dynamics and user journeys in e-commerce.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end design process, from problem definition and concept development to high-fidelity visual design and implementation, ensuring a seamless user journey.

• Translate customer problems into innovative solutions by exploring multiple hypotheses and driving decision-making processes based on user feedback and business needs.

• Facilitate and lead co-creation workshops with product teams, collaborators, and business partners to foster alignment and gather diverse perspectives.

• Champion the values of experimentation, design excellence, and product experience quality across the organization and leadership teams.

• Mentor junior design members, sharing knowledge and guiding them in design processes and best practices to foster team growth.

• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in design and Artificial Intelligence to inform strategic design decisions.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality UX deliverables that meet business objectives.

• Present design work effectively to stakeholders, clearly communicating rationale and driving consensus on final UX decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution typical of a senior design role. The emphasis on "end-to-end design," "translating customer problems into solutions," and "driving decision-making" points to a need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills, aligning with operations-centric thinking.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 7+ years of professional experience in product design.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Proven ability to translate complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective product designs.

• Strong experience in designing for AI or data-driven products, demonstrating an understanding of how to leverage data for user insights and product enhancement.

• Proficiency in rapid prototyping and user testing to validate design concepts and iterate quickly.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to lead design practice rituals, establish design standards, and maintain design guidelines.

• A self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Service Design, with a focus on mapping and optimizing user journeys across multiple touchpoints.

• Experience working within the e-commerce or classifieds industry.

• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.

• Experience mentoring and guiding junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for experience in "AI or data-driven products" and a "data-driven" mindset directly links this design role to operations. Candidates will need to demonstrate how they use data to inform design decisions, a key aspect of revenue and sales operations. The emphasis on "cross-functional collaboration" with "Data Scientists" further underscores this connection.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, demonstrating your ability to solve complex user problems from initial concept to final implementation.

• Case studies that highlight your process, including problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and post-launch analysis.

• Examples of how you have leveraged user data and analytics to inform design decisions and measure the impact of your work.

• Demonstrations of your ability to establish and maintain design standards, guidelines, and best practices within a team setting.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in defining and documenting design workflows, from user journey mapping to interaction design specifications.

• Provide examples of how you have implemented and optimized design processes within a team or organization.

• Demonstrate your approach to user research, usability testing, and incorporating feedback into design iterations.

• Illustrate how you have collaborated with engineering and product management to ensure successful implementation of design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis here should be on showcasing not just visual design but also the process of design, particularly how data and user insights were integrated to drive impactful solutions. This aligns with the operational aspect of demonstrating efficiency and effectiveness in design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Product Designers in Barcelona, Spain, with 7+ years of experience and leadership responsibilities, the estimated annual salary range is €60,000 - €85,000. This range accounts for the COL in Barcelona, the seniority of the role, and OLX's position as a global company.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays.

• Budget for training and professional development, including conferences and certifications.

• Opportunities for international collaboration and travel.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• Potential for stock options or performance-based bonuses (if applicable).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility to work remotely within Spain, allowing for a more adaptable schedule.

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for critical project deadlines or international team syncs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on general market data for senior design roles in major European tech hubs like Barcelona, considering the specified experience level and leadership component. Actual compensation will depend on OLX's internal compensation structure, candidate experience, and specific negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Classifieds / E-commerce / Technology

Company Size: Large (OLX Group has thousands of employees globally)

Founded: 2006

OLX is a global online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, fostering a more sustainable world through trade. The company operates well-loved consumer brands across various verticals, including automotive, real estate, and general goods. OLX's mission to build a sustainable world through trade is deeply embedded in its operations and company values.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Product Designer will be part of the "General Classifieds" organization, acting as a central hub.

• This team collaborates closely with existing vertical and horizontal service teams to deliver end-to-end user experience solutions.

• The role involves working within a multicultural and cross-disciplinary team, including Software Engineers, Product Managers, Product Analysts, and Data Scientists.

Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on user-centered design, translating customer problems into tangible solutions.

• Data-driven decision-making is a core principle, leveraging analytics to inform product strategy and design iterations.

• Experimentation is encouraged to test hypotheses and optimize user experiences.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving, with cross-functional teams working together to achieve shared goals.

• Commitment to establishing and maintaining high design standards and best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: OLX's mission resonates with operational efficiency and resource optimization, aligning with the principles of sustainability. The company's global presence suggests a need for adaptable design solutions that can cater to diverse markets, a common challenge in operations management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead / Senior Individual Contributor with Leadership Influence

This role represents a significant step in a product design career, moving into a leadership position. It's not just about individual design contribution but about shaping the design function, setting standards, and mentoring others. This level requires strategic thinking, the ability to influence stakeholders, and a deep understanding of how design impacts business objectives, especially within an e-commerce context.

Reporting Structure:

The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a Director or VP of Product Design or a Head of Product for the General Classifieds division. They will work closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially Heads of Data Science within their product area. The role also involves mentoring and guiding junior designers, establishing a mentorship dynamic.

Operations Impact:

The Lead Product Designer's work directly impacts customer acquisition, retention, and transaction volume by creating seamless, intuitive, and trusted experiences for buyers and sellers. By improving the user journey, they contribute to increased conversion rates, higher user engagement, and ultimately, revenue growth for OLX's classifieds platforms. Their focus on AI and data-driven design ensures that user experience is optimized for efficiency and effectiveness, aligning with operational goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into a Group Lead or Head of Product Design role, managing larger teams and broader product portfolios.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to directly influence product strategy and contribute to the company's sustainability and circular economy mission through design.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in AI-driven product design, service design, and cross-functional leadership through hands-on experience and company-provided training.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas of the classifieds business or to lead design initiatives for new product ventures.

• Mentorship: Develop strong leadership and mentorship skills by guiding and developing junior design talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within product design leadership. The emphasis on "operations impact" is key here, as senior designers are expected to demonstrate how their work drives business metrics, a critical skill in operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (Option to work remotely within Spain or from the Barcelona office)

Office Location(s): Barcelona, Spain

The role offers flexibility, allowing designers to work remotely within Spain or leverage the collaborative environment of the Barcelona office. This hybrid model aims to balance autonomy with opportunities for in-person collaboration and team building.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Barcelona office is likely designed to foster collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas suitable for brainstorming and team syncs.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools, collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Jira), and internal company systems will be provided.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Researchers, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule:

• While the role is full-time, the remote flexibility within Spain allows for some autonomy in structuring the workday.

• Core working hours will likely be established to ensure team synchronization and availability for meetings, especially with international teams.

• The overall schedule is designed to support productivity and work-life balance while meeting project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement and the emphasis on collaboration with diverse functional teams (including Data Scientists) highlight a modern work environment that mirrors the integrated nature of operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Design Lead or Head of Product) focusing on experience, leadership style, and strategic thinking.

3. Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects and their design process. This is often followed by a design challenge, either take-home or live, to assess problem-solving skills, creativity, and approach to specific design scenarios.

4. Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and/or Data Scientists to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to work within a cross-functional team.

5. Final Round/Leadership Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic impact and alignment with company vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, highlighting how you identified problems, conducted research, ideated solutions, tested, and iterated.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design solutions (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced support tickets, improved user satisfaction scores). This is crucial for operations roles.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've influenced design direction, mentored junior designers, or established design standards.

• Tailor to OLX: Understand OLX's business model (classifieds, circular economy) and tailor your case studies to show how your skills are relevant to their challenges.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design decisions, trade-offs made, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly research OLX and the specific problem area.

• Structure Your Approach: For live challenges, outline your thought process before diving into solutions. Focus on problem definition, user needs, and potential constraints.

• Communicate Clearly: Articulate your rationale and assumptions throughout the challenge. The process and communication are as important as the final output.

• Consider Data & AI: Given OLX's emphasis, think about how data or AI could inform your solution, even if it's not the primary focus of the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just design skills but also the ability to demonstrate impact through data and to collaborate effectively with operations-adjacent roles like Product Analysts and Data Scientists. This is a key differentiator for candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), InVision, Axure RP.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack.

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Hotjar, Maze.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (or internal BI tools).

• Product Analytics: Mixpanel, Amplitude.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, familiarity with how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation tools integrate with user experience platforms can be beneficial for understanding the broader business context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design tools is expected, but familiarity with analytics and data visualization tools is increasingly important for product designers, especially in roles that emphasize data-driven decision-making and impact measurement, aligning with operations functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability Through Trade: A core value that drives the company's mission, encouraging efficiency and resourcefulness in all operations.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of buyers and sellers, ensuring a positive and trustworthy experience.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Reliance on data and analytics to guide strategy, measure success, and optimize performance across all functions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief that the best solutions emerge from diverse teams working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other.

• Innovation & Experimentation: A culture that encourages taking calculated risks, exploring new ideas, and continuously seeking improvements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Design is seen as an integral part of the product development lifecycle, working hand-in-hand with Product Management, Engineering, and Data Science.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of candid feedback and constructive dialogue to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where team members are encouraged to share insights, best practices, and learnings through workshops, presentations, and informal discussions.

• Agile Methodologies: Likely adherence to agile principles, involving iterative development, frequent check-ins, and adaptability to changing requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Sustainability Through Trade," "Data-Driven Decisions," and "Collaboration" directly reflects operational efficiency and strategic alignment. Designers are expected to contribute to these values through their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively integrating user experience with the commercial objectives of a large classifieds platform.

• Scaling Design Practices: Ensuring design standards and processes remain consistent and high-quality as the company and its teams grow.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working in a dynamic environment with evolving product roadmaps and potentially unclear boundaries, requiring strong problem-solving skills.

• Integrating AI Ethically and Effectively: Designing AI-powered features that are helpful, trustworthy, and do not alienate users, while ensuring they align with business KPIs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like service design, AI-driven design, and complex system design.

• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on mentorship, team management, and strategic influence.

• Industry Exposure: Access to conferences, workshops, and webinars covering the latest trends in UX/UI, AI, and e-commerce.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gaining a deeper understanding of product management, engineering, and data science principles through daily collaboration.

• Global Impact: Contributing to a product used by millions worldwide, offering a unique perspective on international user behavior and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges faced in this role are deeply intertwined with operational effectiveness—scaling processes, managing ambiguity, and ensuring data-driven, ethical implementation of new technologies. Growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing these operational and leadership competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting priorities between user needs and business objectives. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your decision-making framework and ability to find win-win solutions.)

• "How have you leveraged user data or AI insights to significantly improve a product's user experience or business metrics?" (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating your data-driven approach and impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about OLX's mission to build a sustainable world through trade, and how do you see design contributing to this?" (Connect your values and design philosophy to OLX's core mission.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers, and what is your philosophy on establishing design standards within a team?" (Highlight your leadership and team-building capabilities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative, starting with the problem, detailing your journey, and ending with the impact and learnings.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals, mockups, and prototypes to illustrate your design solutions effectively. Keep slides clean and uncluttered.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your role, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., % increase in conversion, user satisfaction scores).

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process, explaining your rationale behind key decisions, methodologies used, and any trade-offs made.

• Engage Your Audience: Anticipate questions and be ready to discuss your design choices, challenges, and future considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating not just design craft but also strategic thinking, data literacy, and collaborative skills – all hallmarks of successful operations professionals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.eu.lever.co.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best showcase your end-to-end design process, leadership experience, and impact on user experience and business metrics. Ensure they highlight your ability to work with data and AI.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords related to product design, UX/UI, user-centered design, AI-driven products, leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and any quantifiable achievements.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your career journey, design philosophy, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail during interviews.

• Research OLX: Gain a deep understanding of OLX's business model, its mission of sustainability through trade, its key products, and its target audience. Familiarize yourself with its current user experience and identify potential areas for improvement.

⚠️ 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.