Product Designer & Developer – Physical Products

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer & Developer – Physical Products

Company: Boolanga

Location: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Development & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with occasional attendance at a coworking space)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role bridges the gap between user needs, technical execution, and commercial viability for physical products, requiring a blend of design, engineering, and operations acumen.

• Focuses on translating open-ended business requirements into actionable product development briefs and managing the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept to production readiness.

• Involves close collaboration with international suppliers, procurement, and internal teams to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality control.

• Requires strong analytical skills, structured problem-solving, and the ability to manage projects with limited supervision, emphasizing practical, well-documented, and commercially viable solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid between Product Design and Operations, focusing heavily on the practical, manufacturable aspects of physical products. The emphasis on "not a fashion-design focused role" and the need for "technical execution and commercial awareness" highlights a strong operational component. The target company clients (Uber Eats, Bolt Food, Carrefour) suggest a need for durable, functional, and scalable product solutions, aligning with GTM (Go-To-Market) operational support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate ambiguous business and user needs into precise product development briefs, defining project scope, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Develop innovative physical product concepts (e.g., delivery bags, workwear, protective equipment) that meticulously balance functionality, user requirements, cost targets, durability, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Create comprehensive technical specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), tech packs, and detailed supporting documentation essential for supplier engagement and production.

• Maintain and update accurate product information, specifications, and lifecycle data within the company's Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system.

• Manage and coordinate the prototyping, sampling, and pre-production development phases, acting as the primary liaison with international suppliers.

• Critically review supplier quotations, assess materials and components, evaluate manufacturing options, and analyze product costs to ensure commercial viability and margin targets.

• Conduct thorough assessments of prototypes and samples, diligently identify quality issues, and define precise corrective actions and improvements.

• Plan, support, and execute product testing, validation protocols, and pilot implementation phases to ensure product performance and reliability.

• Conduct structured user research, market analysis, and competitor benchmarking to inform product strategy and identify actionable insights.

• Compare alternative solutions, synthesize research findings into clear, data-driven recommendations, and develop robust product development plans.

• Take full ownership of assigned product development projects, proactively communicate progress, identify potential risks, and drive critical decision-making.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams, including Procurement, Supply Chain, Sales, IT, and Marketing, to ensure seamless product integration and market readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize a rigorous, process-oriented approach to physical product development, aligning closely with operational excellence. The need to manage BOMs, tech packs, PLM systems, and supplier negotiations points to a strong operational management aspect. The focus on "balancing functionality, user needs, cost, durability and manufacturing feasibility" requires a deep understanding of supply chain operations and cost optimization strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in physical product design and development, with a proven track record in roles such as Product Designer, Industrial Designer, Design Engineer, or similar.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in designing and developing physical products within categories such as soft goods, technical bags, workwear, uniforms, or protective equipment.

• Proven ability to manage the entire product development lifecycle, from initial research and concept ideation through prototyping, testing, and production-readiness, including hands-on experience with international suppliers and manufacturing partners.

• Proficiency in creating detailed technical documentation, including specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and tech packs, with a strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, costing, and quality control principles.

• Experience managing samples, prototypes, and iterative development cycles with a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle ambiguous challenges, weigh multiple options, and formulate practical, data-driven recommendations.

• Excellent organizational skills, a high degree of ownership and follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

• Business-level English proficiency (written and spoken).

• Solid skills in Adobe Illustrator, Excel (or Google Sheets), and Canva Pro for design, documentation, and analysis.

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or product data management tools.

• Experience conducting user research, market analysis, and competitor benchmarking. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with 3D modeling or visualization tools such as Blender.

• Experience with CLO3D for apparel and textile design.

• Familiarity with mobility, delivery, motorbike, or connected product ecosystems.

• Spanish language proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are specific to physical products and highlight the need for practical, hands-on experience rather than purely conceptual design. The emphasis on international suppliers and manufacturing partners suggests a need for strong cross-cultural communication and supply chain operational understanding. The required software skills are directly applicable to product development operations and documentation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a clear demonstration of your product development process, not solely final visual outputs.

• Include detailed case studies highlighting physical product research and comprehensive benchmarking activities.

• Present examples of concept development, including ideation sketches, mood boards, and initial prototypes.

• Provide examples of technical documentation created, such as detailed specifications, BOMs, and tech packs.

• Detail your decision-making process for materials and component selection, explaining the rationale based on performance, cost, and manufacturability.

• Illustrate your collaboration experience with suppliers or manufacturing partners, outlining communication methods and problem-solving approaches.

• Document your involvement in testing, iteration, and problem-solving throughout the development cycle, showing how feedback was incorporated. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your ability to document complex workflows for product development, from initial brief to final production.

• Provide examples of how you translate user needs and business requirements into actionable technical documentation.

• Showcase your methods for managing and updating product data within PLM systems or similar platforms, ensuring data integrity and version control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific to demonstrating a structured, process-driven approach to physical product development. This aligns with operations' need for clear documentation, traceable decisions, and demonstrable project management skills. The emphasis on "process, not only final visuals" is critical for operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 1,450 - 1,900 EUR net per month.

Based on current market data for Barcelona, Spain, this range is competitive for a mid-level Product Designer & Developer role with 3-5 years of experience, particularly within a high-growth tech-enabled company. The net salary indicates that taxes and social contributions are deducted before payment.

Benefits:

• Performance Bonus: Paid twice annually (August and February), directly tied to individual and company performance, reflecting a results-driven culture.

• Remote Work Flexibility: Ability to work remotely, offering a significant advantage for work-life balance and geographical flexibility.

• Extra Birthday Time Off: An additional paid day off to celebrate birthdays, contributing to employee well-being.

• Occasional Travel: Potential travel to Budapest for onboarding, training, and team collaboration, facilitating in-person connection and knowledge transfer.

• Coworking Space Access: Occasional attendance at a coworking space in Barcelona, providing an optional professional environment for focused work and networking.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with a high-performance culture that also emphasizes flexibility, allowing employees to manage their work effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is specified as net, which is crucial information for candidates. The benefits package, particularly the performance bonus and remote work flexibility, aligns with modern operational roles that value results and employee well-being. The mention of occasional travel to Budapest is a practical detail for remote employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce Services, Supply Chain Management, Workwear Solutions. Boolanga operates in a dynamic space, providing essential operational support and customized physical products to leading international brands in the logistics and delivery sectors. This context suggests a need for adaptable, scalable, and efficient operational processes.

Company Size: High-growth, international team. While the exact number isn't specified, "high-growth" implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving roles and opportunities. This size is ideal for individuals seeking impact and direct contribution.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's growth and established client base suggest a mature yet expanding organization.

Team Structure:

• Product Design & Development Team: This role is part of a dedicated team focused on creating and refining physical products. The team likely comprises individuals with diverse skill sets in design, engineering, and product management.

• Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on ownership and limited supervision suggests a relatively flat hierarchy within the team, with direct reporting to a Product Lead or Head of Product.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with Procurement, Supply Chain, Sales, and IT teams, indicating a highly integrated operational model where product development is closely tied to business functions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on user research, market analysis, and structured recommendations points to a data-driven approach to product development.

• Process Optimization: The focus on manufacturing feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and quality control highlights a commitment to optimizing operational processes for efficiency and scalability.

• Agile Development Principles: While not explicitly stated, the iterative nature of prototyping, testing, and supplier collaboration suggests an adoption of agile principles in product development.

Company Website: https://boolanga.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on empowering organizations through physical products and services for distributed workforces positions it as a B2B operations enabler. The "high-growth" and "international team" aspects suggest a need for adaptable processes and individuals who can contribute to scaling operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience) Product Designer & Developer. It requires a solid foundation in physical product development principles and the ability to work independently on projects, moving beyond junior-level execution to strategic contribution and project ownership. The scope includes end-to-end product lifecycle management.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Senior Product Manager, Head of Product, or a similar leadership position within the product development function. The emphasis on "limited supervision" suggests a degree of autonomy in managing day-to-day tasks and project progression.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer & Developer plays a crucial role in the company's value proposition by ensuring that the physical products Boolanga offers are functional, durable, cost-effective, and meet the rigorous demands of large international clients like Uber Eats and Carrefour. Successful product development directly impacts client satisfaction, operational efficiency for clients, and Boolanga's competitive positioning in the market. This role contributes significantly to the company's ability to scale its service offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., smart delivery products, advanced protective gear) or in areas like supply chain integration for product development.

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer & Developer role, leading more complex projects, mentoring junior team members, or managing specific product lines.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Exposure to Procurement, Supply Chain, and Sales operations provides pathways to transition into roles focused on supply chain management, sourcing, or product strategy.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through challenging projects, exposure to new materials and manufacturing techniques, and potential training in advanced design or visualization tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis emphasizes the unique blend of design and operational skills, highlighting how this role can be a stepping stone into various operational leadership tracks within a growing company. The focus on impact for large clients underscores the strategic importance of this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with the option for occasional attendance at a coworking space in Barcelona. This offers flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person collaboration and access to professional amenities. The company also mentions occasional travel to Budapest for team events.

Office Location(s): Primarily remote, with a designated coworking space option in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. This provides a local touchpoint for employees in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and occasional team meetups (Budapest, coworking space) are designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion, essential for complex product development projects.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design and documentation software (Adobe Illustrator, Excel/Google Sheets, Canva Pro, PLM system) is implied, supporting efficient workflow and data management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction with a diverse, international team, encouraging knowledge sharing and exposure to different perspectives in product development and operations.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with an emphasis on flexibility. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively while meeting project deadlines and operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with specific mentions of coworking and team travel, paints a picture of a modern, flexible work environment that balances remote autonomy with necessary in-person interaction for team building and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on product development methodologies, technical documentation skills, material knowledge, manufacturing processes, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions related to specific projects from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Focus on demonstrating your structured approach and impact.

• Cross-functional/Team Interview: Conversation with potential colleagues from Procurement, Supply Chain, or other relevant departments to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Discussion with a hiring manager or senior leader to cover strategic alignment, ownership, career aspirations, and confirmation of fit with Boolanga's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Process-Oriented: Clearly articulate your thought process, research methods, decision-making criteria, and iterative development steps for each project. Use diagrams, flowcharts, and annotations to illustrate your workflow.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results where possible. Highlight how your design and development decisions led to cost savings, improved durability, enhanced user experience, or successful production. Use metrics and KPIs relevant to product development and operations.

• Technical Documentation Examples: Showcase your ability to create clear, concise, and comprehensive technical specifications, BOMs, and tech packs. Ensure these are well-organized and easy for manufacturing partners to understand.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Select projects that involved significant challenges. Clearly outline the problem, your approach to solving it, the alternatives considered, and the final solution implemented.

• Company Alignment: Tailor your presentation to highlight experience relevant to Boolanga's client base and product categories (e.g., delivery logistics, workwear).

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios where you'll need to outline your approach to a new product brief, troubleshoot a manufacturing issue, or negotiate with a supplier.

• Technical Knowledge: Brush up on common materials, manufacturing processes for soft goods and technical products, and basic costing principles.

• Documentation Practice: Familiarize yourself with the structure and content of typical tech packs and BOMs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess not just design skills but also the operational capabilities and structured thinking required for physical product development in a B2B context. The portfolio review is central and requires a deep dive into the candidate's process and problem-solving abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical drawings, vector graphics, and detailed product illustrations. Proficiency is required for creating tech packs and specifications.

• Excel / Google Sheets: Crucial for BOM management, cost analysis, data tracking, research synthesis, and creating comparative reports. Advanced functions for data manipulation and analysis are highly beneficial.

• Canva Pro: Useful for creating presentations, mood boards, and initial concept visualizations, particularly for communicating ideas to a broader audience.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as analytical tools, strong skills in Excel/Google Sheets will be used for analyzing research data, cost breakdowns, and performance metrics of prototypes and samples. CRM & Automation:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) System: Experience with PLM software is required for managing product data, specifications, and version control throughout the development lifecycle. The specific system is not named, but proficiency in the concept of PLM is key.

Other Potential Tools (Nice-to-Have):

• Blender (or similar 3D modeling/visualization tool): For creating realistic product renders, virtual prototypes, and concept visualizations.

• CLO3D: Specialized software for 3D fashion and apparel design, useful for soft goods development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific design and data management software highlights the need for practical, hands-on technical skills directly applicable to product development operations. PLM system experience is a critical operational requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Zero-Bullshit, Trusting Culture: Emphasizes direct, honest communication and a high degree of autonomy. Operations professionals are expected to be self-starters who can manage their work transparently.

• Transparency & Ownership: Individuals are encouraged to take full responsibility for their projects and communicate openly about progress, challenges, and decisions, fostering accountability.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A core focus on building scalable solutions and raising the bar in operational performance, meaning processes and products must be designed for efficiency and growth.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions are informed by research, analysis, and measurable outcomes, reflecting a pragmatic and objective methodology.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with internal teams and external partners to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with teams across Procurement, Supply Chain, Sales, and IT, requiring excellent communication and coordination skills to ensure seamless product integration and market readiness.

• Proactive Communication: Given the remote and international nature of the team, proactive and clear communication is essential. This includes regular updates, risk assessments, and seeking input when necessary.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to drive continuous improvement in products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Boolanga's culture prioritizes directness, ownership, and efficiency, which are crucial for operations roles. The "Zero-Bullshit" ethos suggests a preference for pragmatic, results-oriented individuals who can navigate ambiguity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Successfully integrating user needs, technical feasibility, cost constraints, and manufacturing realities into a single product solution requires navigating complex trade-offs.

• Managing International Suppliers: Working with overseas manufacturers involves potential challenges in communication, quality control, lead times, and cultural differences, requiring strong negotiation and project management skills.

• Ambiguity and Limited Supervision: The role requires comfort with open-ended problems and the ability to define and structure your own work, which can be challenging for those accustomed to highly defined tasks.

• Rapid Growth Environment: As a high-growth company, processes and priorities may evolve quickly, requiring adaptability and a willingness to embrace change.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Category Expansion: Gaining exposure to and expertise in a wide range of physical product categories, from technical bags to smart devices.

• Supply Chain & Manufacturing Insights: Deepening understanding of global supply chains, material science, and advanced manufacturing techniques through practical application.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Enhancing collaboration and communication skills by working closely with diverse departments like Procurement and Sales.

• Tool Proficiency: Potential to become proficient in advanced design and visualization tools like Blender or CLO3D, expanding technical capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles bridging design and operations in a fast-paced, international environment. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for significant skill acquisition and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a vague business requirement into a concrete product specification. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on structuring ambiguity, stakeholder alignment, and documentation.)

• "How do you balance user needs with manufacturing constraints and cost targets in product development? Can you provide an example from your portfolio?" (Highlight your systematic approach to trade-offs and your understanding of operational realities.)

• "Imagine a supplier has delivered a batch of prototypes with significant quality issues. How would you assess the problem, communicate with the supplier, and ensure corrective actions are taken?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation, and quality control process.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company description and client list, what type of operational challenges do you think our clients face with their distributed workforces, and how can our physical products help solve them?" (Show research and understanding of Boolanga's market position and value proposition.)

• "Our culture is described as 'Zero-Bullshit.' What does this mean to you in a professional context, and how do you embody this value in your work?" (Prepare to discuss transparency, direct communication, and accountability.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with teams like Procurement or Supply Chain, who may have different priorities than product development?" (Focus on cross-functional communication, empathy, and shared goals.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you developed, the challenges encountered, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Highlight Process Over Polish: Emphasize your thought process, research, iterations, and decision-making. Show sketches, early prototypes, and technical documentation examples.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., cost savings achieved, durability improvements, user satisfaction metrics).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, material selections, manufacturing considerations, and supplier interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a systematic, data-driven, and collaborative approach to physical product development, with a strong understanding of operational constraints and client needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Boolanga career site.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and achievements directly relevant to physical product design, development, technical documentation, PLM systems, and supplier management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your process, problem-solving skills, technical documentation capabilities, and impact. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your journey from concept to production-readiness.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on your process, decision-making, and quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss your approach to manufacturing feasibility and cost optimization.

• Research Boolanga: Understand their clients, product categories, and company values. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission and culture, particularly concerning operational efficiency for their clients.

⚠️ 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.