Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: VML

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Experience

Date Posted: 2026-08-12T14:09:14

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design end-to-end digital products and UX-optimized email campaigns, balancing user needs with business objectives.

• Contribute to and manage multi-brand design systems, ensuring scalability and consistency across digital touchpoints.

• Conduct user research, benchmark analysis, and validation sessions to inform and validate design decisions.

• Collaborate closely with strategists, developers, and product owners to deliver high-quality, impactful digital experiences for global brands.

• Facilitate and co-lead workshops and brainstorming sessions, bringing strategic and innovative ideas to the table.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within WPP Enterprise Solutions, focusing on the intersection of brand, customer, commerce, and technology. The Product Designer will be a key player in creating "desirable digital products" by integrating user needs, business goals, and enterprise-grade technology. The emphasis on both digital products (apps/web) and email communications highlights a broad scope within the customer experience lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate user insights, brand values, and business requirements into comprehensive wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and polished user interfaces for both web/app platforms and email communications.

• Apply UX/UI best practices to design engaging, accessible, and responsive email marketing, newsletters, and transactional communication flows across various devices and email clients.

• Actively contribute to, maintain, and champion clients’ multi-brand design systems, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and visual integrity across all digital outputs.

• Lead and execute benchmark research, user validation sessions, and data analysis to rigorously support and refine design decisions.

• Foster seamless collaboration with front-end and email developers, ensuring smooth design handovers, pixel-perfect execution, and technical feasibility assessments.

• Proactively facilitate or co-lead ideation workshops and brainstorming sessions with internal teams and clients, contributing strategic concepts and driving creative solutions.

• Mentor and guide junior design talent, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a holistic approach to product design, encompassing both core digital product development and specialized email/lifecycle communications. The inclusion of "Design System Management" and "Research & Validation" indicates a mature design practice within the organization, requiring a candidate who can operate autonomously and contribute to process refinement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in design principles, user experience, and digital product development is expected. This could be demonstrated through formal education or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: 3-5 years of dedicated experience in digital design, UX design, or product design, gained within an agency setting or in-house.

Required Skills:

• Deep proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma.

• Comprehensive understanding of user-centered design principles, accessibility guidelines (WCAG), and responsive design methodologies.

• Proven ability to translate complex business requirements and user insights into intuitive wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Experience in designing for email clients, including an understanding of layouts, media queries, and email rendering limitations.

• Demonstrated experience in contributing to or managing design systems for scalability and consistency.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with cross-functional teams and clients.

• Ability to conduct and leverage user research and data validation to inform design decisions.

• Right to work in Spain and current residency in Barcelona. Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Dutch.

• Experience with AI and emerging design technologies.

• Familiarity with Salesforce, Braze, or similar marketing automation/CRM platforms.

• Experience in facilitating design workshops and brainstorming sessions.

• Mentorship experience with junior design talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "right to work in Spain" and current Barcelona residency is a critical qualification. Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable, and while email design experience is strongly preferred, the emphasis on understanding rendering limitations suggests a need for technical awareness in this area.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling portfolio that clearly articulates a strong design process, from initial problem identification through to final solution.

• Showcase of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and polished final UI designs for digital products (apps/web).

• Examples of high-performing, UX-optimized email designs and campaigns, demonstrating an understanding of email client constraints and responsiveness.

• Evidence of contribution to or management of design systems, illustrating principles of scalability, consistency, and efficiency.

• Demonstrations of how user insights and data validation were integrated into the design process. Process Documentation:

• Case studies detailing the end-to-end design journey for specific projects, highlighting problem-solving methodologies.

• Examples of how design decisions were informed by user research, competitive analysis, or A/B testing.

• Documentation of contribution to or creation of design system components and their application.

• Clear articulation of collaboration with development teams, including handover processes and problem-solving for technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, requiring a clear demonstration of process, not just final deliverables. Emphasis on the "problem to solution" narrative and the inclusion of both digital products and email design examples are key. The ability to show how data and user insights influenced design is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: A gross annual salary range of 35,000€ - 45,000€ is offered, commensurate with the candidate's experience level.

Benefits:

• A flexible benefits package managed through Cobee, allowing personalization to individual lifestyles and needs.

• Comprehensive private health insurance.

• Hybrid working flexibility with support for home office setup.

• Access to dedicated training budgets and certifications, including specialized platforms like Figma, Salesforce, and Braze.

• Robust wellbeing initiatives, including mental health support programs and wellness activities.

• Employee discounts and access to the broader WPP/VML global benefits ecosystem.

• Opportunities to participate in team events, agency gatherings, and cross-discipline workshops.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with hybrid working flexibility. The company generally expects team members to be in the office an average of four days a week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a mid-level Product Designer in Barcelona, considering the specified experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a particular emphasis on professional development and employee well-being, aligning with modern workplace expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising Technology, Digital Experience Design, Enterprise Solutions. VML operates within the dynamic agency landscape, part of the WPP network, serving a diverse portfolio of blue-chip clients across various sectors.

Company Size: VML is a large global organization with 26,000+ employees worldwide, indicating a robust structure, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: VML has a history of innovation and growth, being a significant entity within WPP. While the exact founding date of VML itself isn't directly stated, its presence as a leading creative company implies a well-established operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Experience Design team is a specialized unit within WPP Enterprise Solutions, focusing on creating connected brand, customer, and commerce experiences.

• The team likely operates in a matrixed structure, collaborating closely with strategists, developers, product owners, and client teams.

• Reporting lines will likely involve a Design Lead or Director, with opportunities for designers to work on multiple client projects concurrently. Methodology:

• A human-first, user-centered approach to design, prioritizing empathy and user needs.

• Integration of brand, customer experience, and commerce through technology-driven solutions.

• Emphasis on data-driven design decisions, supported by research and validation.

• Commitment to creating "desirable" and "meaningful" digital products that drive growth.

• Collaborative and iterative design processes, involving cross-functional teams and client stakeholders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's culture is characterized by a blend of creativity, human-centricity, and technological innovation. As part of WPP, it offers the resources and reach of a global powerhouse while fostering a collaborative team environment focused on delivering impactful digital experiences for major clients. The "Enterprise Solutions" division suggests a focus on complex, large-scale projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Product Designer role is classified as "Medior" (Mid-Level). It signifies an independent craftsperson who can own end-to-end design processes, translate complex requirements, and contribute strategically. This level implies a solid understanding of design principles and a capacity for both execution and collaborative ideation.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Director within the Experience Design team. They will also work closely with Project Managers, Strategists, Developers, and Product Owners on specific client engagements.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts client growth by creating desirable, functional digital products and communications that enhance user engagement, drive conversions, and strengthen brand perception. Their contributions are crucial in bridging the gap between business objectives and customer needs in the digital realm.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, email design, and design systems. Opportunities to explore AI and emerging design technologies. Access to specialized training and certifications in tools like Figma, Salesforce, and Braze.

• Leadership Potential: Develop skills in workshop facilitation, client interaction, and mentoring junior designers, paving the way for senior or lead design roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse client portfolios and collaborating with a wide range of disciplines (strategy, development, marketing), broadening overall industry knowledge.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into Senior Product Designer, Lead UX Designer, or specialized roles within experience design or related fields within VML/WPP.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Medior" designation suggests a role that balances execution with growing strategic input. The emphasis on mentorship indicates an expectation for contribution to team development. Growth opportunities are clearly linked to both technical skill enhancement and leadership development, providing a clear path for career progression within a large organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with an average of four days per week expected in the office. This suggests a collaborative office space designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and client engagement, complemented by remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Barcelona, Spain. The hybrid model implies that while the office is central to operations, there is flexibility for remote work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is designed to encourage interaction, brainstorming, and team cohesion, essential for a design-centric agency.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools, particularly Figma, is standard. The company also offers training budgets for other relevant technologies like Salesforce and Braze, indicating a tech-forward environment.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with design peers, strategists, developers, and other team members, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility of a hybrid arrangement. The emphasis is on achieving project goals and client satisfaction, with a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule within the hybrid framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. The mention of "support for home office setup" further emphasizes this flexibility. The Barcelona location provides a vibrant European base for operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and crucially, the portfolio to assess experience, skills, and design process.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, walking through selected case studies to demonstrate their design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and execution. Expect questions about their role in projects, design decisions, and collaboration.

• Skills-Based Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study may be given to evaluate problem-solving skills, design approach, and proficiency with tools like Figma. This might involve designing a component, flow, or solving a specific UX challenge.

• Team & Culture Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and hiring managers to assess cultural alignment, collaboration style, and communication skills. Questions might focus on how candidates handle feedback, collaborate with developers, and approach challenges.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with the company's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that showcase a diverse range of skills, particularly end-to-end product design and email design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process undertaken (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), key decisions made, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design methodology, user-centered approach, and how you incorporated user feedback and data. Show roughs, wireframes, and iterations, not just final polished screens.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your mastery of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Email Design Nuances: If including email designs, highlight your understanding of responsive layouts, client limitations, and conversion optimization.

• Be Prepared to Defend: Articulate why you made specific design choices and how you handled challenges or disagreements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Scope: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the brief, objectives, and constraints.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, design, and presentation.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your approach to the challenge, demonstrating your systematic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Focus on User & Business: Ensure your solutions address both user needs and business objectives.

• Present Clearly: Prepare a concise and well-structured presentation of your solution, highlighting key features and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their design process, decisions, and the impact of their work. The inclusion of email design and design systems within the portfolio is highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Deep proficiency is required for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. This is the core design tool.

• Prototyping Tools (within Figma or similar): For creating interactive user flows and testing design concepts.

• Design System Management Tools (potentially integrated within Figma or separate platforms): For contributing to and leveraging client design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts analytics and reporting is beneficial. Familiarity with tools used to track user behavior and campaign performance (e.g., Google Analytics, email analytics platforms) would be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Email Marketing Platforms: Experience with platforms used for sending newsletters and transactional emails.

• Marketing Automation/CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Braze): Familiarity is a plus, especially for understanding how designed elements integrate into broader customer journeys and campaigns. Training is offered in these areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the non-negotiable tool. The mention of Salesforce and Braze, alongside training availability, indicates a potential for designers to work within integrated marketing technology stacks, requiring an awareness of how design fits into larger campaign and customer lifecycle management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-First & Empathy: A core value focused on placing users at the center of all design decisions and understanding their needs deeply.

• Collaboration & Joyful Interaction: A preference for teamwork, positive communication, and a supportive environment where ideas are shared freely.

• Craftsmanship & Detail: A dedication to producing high-quality, strategic, and meticulously executed work, paying close attention to detail.

• Curiosity & Courage: An encouragement to explore new design territories, ask challenging questions, defend design decisions, and embrace innovation.

• Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning and professional development, both individually and as a team.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with strategists, developers, product owners, and client teams, fostering a cohesive approach to project delivery.

• Open Communication: A culture that values clear, honest, and constructive communication, including feedback exchange and transparent discussions about design challenges.

• Workshop-Driven Ideation: Active participation in and facilitation of workshops to generate ideas, solve problems, and align stakeholders.

• Mentorship: A supportive environment where experienced designers mentor junior talent, fostering knowledge transfer and team growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Heart, Brains, Courage" framework highlights a holistic approach to professional conduct, emphasizing emotional intelligence, intellectual rigor, and proactive engagement. This points to a culture that values well-rounded individuals who are not only skilled but also collaborative and courageous in their approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Complex Business/Tech Requirements: A common challenge in enterprise solutions, requiring designers to find elegant solutions within technical constraints and diverse stakeholder demands.

• Designing for Diverse Clients and Brands: Managing multiple brand identities, design systems, and client expectations simultaneously, requiring adaptability and strategic thinking.

• Ensuring Pixel-Perfect Execution Across Various Platforms/Clients: Maintaining design integrity and consistency, especially with email clients, which present unique rendering challenges.

• Staying Ahead of Emerging Design Technologies: Integrating new tools and methodologies (like AI) into existing workflows effectively and strategically.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to budgets and platforms for learning advanced Figma techniques, CRM/marketing automation tools (Salesforce, Braze), and other relevant technologies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to strategy, technology, and commerce aspects of client solutions, broadening understanding of the full business ecosystem.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and lead initiatives, developing leadership and project management skills.

• Industry Exposure: Working with leading global brands and potentially participating in industry events or conferences that VML supports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a mid-level designer in a large agency setting, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are well-defined, with a clear emphasis on both technical upskilling and the development of soft skills essential for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Walk me through a project where you had to balance conflicting user needs and business objectives. How did you arrive at a solution?" (Focus on problem-solving, user-centricity, and strategic thinking).

• "Describe a time you contributed to or managed a design system. What were the key challenges and how did you ensure consistency?" (Assess understanding of design systems and scalability).

• "How do you approach designing for email clients, considering their unique limitations?" (Evaluate technical understanding of email design and responsiveness).

• "Tell me about a time you had to defend a design decision to stakeholders or developers. What was your approach and the outcome?" (Assess communication, persuasion, and confidence). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about VML and this specific Product Designer role?" (Demonstrate research into the company and alignment with its mission).

• "How do you approach collaboration with developers and strategists?" (Highlight teamwork and cross-functional communication skills).

• "Describe your understanding of 'desirable digital products' and how you aim to achieve that." (Connect to VML's stated mission).

• "How do you stay updated on emerging design technologies and trends, such as AI?" (Show curiosity and a proactive learning attitude). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your specific contributions, the solutions, and the impact. Use visual aids effectively.

• Highlight Figma Use: Explicitly mention and demonstrate how you used Figma for key stages of your design process (e.g., wireframing, prototyping, component creation).

• Quantify Impact Where Possible: If you have metrics on user engagement, conversion rates, or efficiency gains resulting from your designs, present them clearly.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with cross-functional teams, gathered feedback, and iterated on designs based on input.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific design choices, trade-offs made, and alternative solutions you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating one's design process, demonstrating problem-solving skills, and showcasing how one embodies VML's core values of "Heart, Brains, and Courage." A strong portfolio presentation is key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the VML careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio specifically highlights projects demonstrating end-to-end digital product design and UX-optimized email campaigns. Tailor the case studies to emphasize your process, problem-solving approach, and Figma proficiency.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly reflect 3-5 years of relevant experience in digital/UX/product design. Use keywords such as "UX/UI Design," "Figma," "Prototyping," "Design Systems," "WCAG," and "Responsive Design." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and decisions. Prepare to present your portfolio, discuss your experience with email design and design systems, and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VML's work, its mission, and its culture. Understand the role of WPP Enterprise Solutions and how this position contributes to creating "desirable digital products."

⚠️ 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.