Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: VML

Location: Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-23T15:52:25

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the conceptualization, definition, and execution of digital products, from initial ideation to iterative evolution, ensuring high-impact solutions.

• Champion visual consistency, accessibility, and user-centric design principles across all product deliverables.

• Optimize design processes and contribute to the development and maintenance of robust design systems to ensure product coherence and efficiency.

• Possess a holistic understanding of product strategy, aligning business objectives with user needs and technical feasibility.

• Act as a key client advisor, guiding product definition and fostering a collaborative environment between business, technology, and creative teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a creative agency that emphasizes a holistic approach to design, integrating business strategy, technology, and human behavior. The "Product Designer" title here encompasses strategic design thinking and execution for digital products, rather than purely UI/UX or product management. The emphasis on "designing for complex contexts" and "new forms of relationship between brands, people, and systems" suggests a role that goes beyond interface design to encompass service design and strategic product evolution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, define, and develop digital products, often from inception or by significantly enhancing existing offerings.

• Design high-impact digital solutions, rigorously ensuring visual consistency and adherence to accessibility standards.

• Optimize internal design processes and actively contribute to the growth and maintenance of the agency's design system, ensuring efficiency and coherence across various projects.

• Maintain a global perspective on product development, understanding the overarching challenges and opportunities within each project's context.

• Guide clients through the product definition process, skillfully balancing business objectives, user experience requirements, and empathetic design considerations.

• Proactively identify potential risks and opportunities within projects, activating necessary resources or personnel to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and strategic guidance. The expectation to "activate the levers or people necessary to solve" indicates a proactive, problem-solving approach beyond typical design tasks, suggesting a need for strong collaboration and project management skills within the design context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in digital product design and related methodologies is paramount.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in designing digital products, with a proven track record of delivering impactful solutions.

Required Skills:

• Expert Proficiency in Figma: Seamlessly navigate and leverage Figma for conceptualization, prototyping, and detailed design execution.

• Methodological Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of methodologies such as Service Design, Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Design Futures.

• English Fluency: Excellent command of English (written and spoken) to effectively participate in and contribute to international projects.

• Detail Orientation: A keen eye for detail and a commitment to high-quality execution in all design outputs.

• Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in dynamic, changing environments and effectively manage situations of uncertainty.

• Team Collaboration: Experience in managing and developing teams, coupled with a willingness to engage in hands-on design work ("bajar al barro").

• Passion for Design: A genuine enthusiasm for design excellence, with an obsession for well-crafted and impactful solutions.

• Curiosity and Drive: A strong desire to learn, grow, and excel in the field of product design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in managing and developing design teams.

• Familiarity with international project workflows and client management in a global context.

• Experience with iterative design processes and user feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "metodologías molonas" (cool methodologies) signifies a desire for designers who are not only skilled in execution but also well-versed in modern, strategic design frameworks. The dual requirement of team management experience alongside a willingness to perform hands-on work ("bajar al barro") indicates a mid-to-senior level role with leadership potential but also a strong operational focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Digital Product Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing the end-to-end design process for digital products, from initial problem definition to final solution.

• Methodology Application: Clearly articulate how Service Design, Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, or Design Futures were applied within your case studies, demonstrating strategic thinking.

• Figma Proficiency Showcase: Include examples of complex prototypes, component libraries, or design system contributions created in Figma.

• Visual Consistency & Accessibility: Provide evidence of how visual consistency and accessibility were prioritized and achieved in your designs.

• Client Engagement: Highlight instances where you guided clients through product definition and decision-making processes.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to optimize design workflows for efficiency and collaboration.

• Showcase contributions to or development of design systems, illustrating their impact on consistency and scalability.

• Present examples of how you have managed user experience and business objectives in tandem.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role in a consultancy, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just visual outputs and demonstrate a strategic approach, understanding of business impact, and proficiency in collaborative design methodologies. The "bajar al barro" aspect implies portfolio pieces should show both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Product Designers in Madrid, Spain, with 4+ years of experience and specialized skills in Figma and design methodologies, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between €45,000 - €65,000. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, international project exposure, and the agency's emphasis on continuous learning and development.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Hours: Adapt your schedule to better suit personal needs and optimize productivity.

• Generous Vacation: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, plus additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve if they fall on weekdays.

• Hybrid Work Model: Benefit from a flexible hybrid arrangement, typically requiring 4 days in the office per week, fostering collaboration and work-life balance.

• Personalized Career Development: Access a tailored career plan and continuous training opportunities to support professional growth.

• English Language Enhancement: Improve your English proficiency through dedicated training classes.

• Casual Work Environment: A relaxed dress code allows you to work comfortably.

• Exclusive Discounts: Access special discounts and opportunities for personal growth.

• Flexible Compensation: Utilize Cobee, a comprehensive flexible benefits system.

• Maternity Support & DEI: Benefit from initiatives supporting maternity and strong equality and diversity policies.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, with an emphasis on flexibility. While a typical work week might align with 40 hours, the flexible hours policy allows for adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location in Madrid, Spain, and the specified experience level, a salary range has been estimated. The benefits listed are directly extracted and organized for clarity, highlighting aspects particularly attractive to design professionals. The hybrid model with 4 office days is a key detail for work-life balance considerations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising / Digital Transformation Consulting. VML operates at the intersection of creative branding, customer experience, and commerce, leveraging technology and design to drive business growth. This role is within an agency that views design as a system connecting business, strategy, technology, and human behavior.

Company Size: VML is a large global agency, part of WPP, employing over 26,000 people across 55+ markets. "The Cocktail" appears to be a specialized unit or a significant office within VML, likely operating with a dedicated design team.

Founded: VML is a well-established agency with a history of innovation. The context provided suggests a forward-thinking culture focused on navigating rapid change, AI, and new relationship models.

Team Structure:

• The Design area is described as a core function, working closely with business, technology, marketing, and creativity teams.

• Designers are expected to be comfortable working in transversal teams, indicating a collaborative and cross-functional environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: While not explicitly stated for design, the broader VML/WPP context implies a data-informed approach to creative and strategic decisions.

• Holistic Design Process: Design is viewed as an integral system, not just an aesthetic layer, connecting strategy, technology, and human behavior.

• Agile & Iterative: The emphasis on evolving products and adapting to change suggests agile and iterative design practices are likely employed.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of VML and its design philosophy ("design is a way of understanding change") suggests a culture that values strategic thinking, adaptability, and a human-centered approach in a technologically evolving landscape. The mention of "The Cocktail" implies a specific, perhaps more specialized, team or division within VML, likely focused on cutting-edge design and transformation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior level. It requires significant prior experience (4+ years) in digital product design and implies a level of autonomy and responsibility in conceptualizing, defining, and executing digital products. The expectation to guide clients and manage risks elevates it beyond a junior or mid-level individual contributor role.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, the role likely reports to a Design Lead, Creative Director, or Head of Design within the Madrid office or the specialized "The Cocktail" unit. Collaboration is emphasized across business, technology, and marketing departments, suggesting strong cross-functional interaction.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the client's digital offerings, directly influencing customer experience, brand perception, and ultimately, business growth. By designing high-impact products and guiding clients strategically, this role contributes significantly to the agency's success and client satisfaction. The focus on "new forms of relationship between brands, people, and systems" indicates a strategic impact on how clients engage with their markets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to grow into senior design roles, potentially leading projects or teams, given the experience in team management and client guidance.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced methodologies like Design Futures or Systems Thinking, or specialize in specific product domains.

• International Exposure: Gain extensive experience working on diverse international projects, enhancing global perspective and client management skills.

• Continuous Learning: Access to ongoing training, English classes, and a personalized career plan supports continuous skill development and career advancement within the VML network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth from an experienced individual contributor to a strategic design leader, especially within an international agency network like VML. The blend of client-facing strategy and hands-on design execution provides a well-rounded development experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates a hybrid model, with teams expected to be in the office an average of four days a week. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster creativity, connection, and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Madrid, Spain. While the description mentions Barcelona for the hybrid model, the job posting explicitly lists Madrid. This might indicate a specific office or team location within VML. Further clarification on the exact office location and hybrid arrangement specifics for Madrid would be beneficial.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes spaces conducive to brainstorming, workshops, and team collaboration, supporting the hybrid model.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools, particularly Figma, is a given. The agency's focus on technology and AI suggests a modern tech stack.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The workspace is designed to facilitate interaction with teams from business, technology, marketing, and creativity, promoting integrated project execution.

Work Schedule: While a full-time commitment is expected, the company offers flexible working hours. The hybrid model means a portion of the week is spent in the office, balanced with remote work days, allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of Barcelona for the hybrid model while the job is in Madrid is a slight inconsistency. It's probable that VML has multiple offices and the hybrid policy applies broadly, with specific team days coordinated locally in Madrid. The emphasis on collaboration points to an office environment that supports in-person interaction for key design activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An opportunity to walk through your case studies, explaining your design process, methodologies, and impact. Expect questions about your approach to client guidance, risk management, and team collaboration.

• Methodology Deep Dive: Interviews may focus on your understanding and application of specific methodologies like Service Design, Design Thinking, and Systems Thinking.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Potential interviews with stakeholders from business, technology, or marketing to assess collaboration skills and strategic alignment.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations, cultural alignment, and overall fit for the agency and the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use your portfolio to clearly illustrate your design process, decision-making, and problem-solving skills for each case study.

• Highlight Methodology: Explicitly demonstrate how you applied Service Design, Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, or Design Futures.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or demonstrable outcomes that show the impact of your designs on business objectives or user experience.

• Figma Mastery: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflows, component usage, and any contributions to design systems.

• Client Collaboration: Showcase how you managed client expectations, presented solutions, and incorporated feedback.

• Conciseness: Tailor your portfolio to this role, highlighting the most relevant projects and skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential design exercise, either pre-interview or during the process, which might involve a brief to conceptualize a digital product or solve a specific design problem.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating your strategic rationale behind design decisions, especially concerning business goals and user needs.

• Communication Skills: Prepare to communicate complex design concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and visually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical application of design methodologies and strategic thinking. A well-curated portfolio that clearly articulates the "why" behind design decisions and showcases impact is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is a mandatory and core tool for this role. Expect to use it extensively for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design sessions.

• Design Systems: Experience with building, maintaining, or contributing to design systems is crucial for ensuring consistency and efficiency.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design integrates with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation tools can be advantageous for understanding the broader product ecosystem, though not a core requirement for this design role.

• Service Design Tools: Tools for journey mapping, user flow diagrams, and workshop facilitation (e.g., Miro, Mural) are likely to be used.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, other advanced prototyping tools might be leveraged for specific project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the standout tool requirement. The emphasis on design systems and methodologies like Service Design implies proficiency with collaborative whiteboarding and journey mapping tools is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and designing for human needs, behaviors, and emotions, even within a technology-driven environment.

• Curiosity & Continuous Learning: A culture that encourages asking questions, challenging the status quo, and a drive to constantly learn and improve.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A deep appreciation for well-executed, high-quality design and a commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes.

• Collaboration & Transversality: Valuing teamwork across disciplines (business, tech, creativity) and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are integrated.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Embracing change, navigating uncertainty, and finding innovative solutions in a fast-paced world.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers work closely with business strategists, technologists, marketers, and creatives, fostering a truly integrated approach to problem-solving.

• Client Partnership: A consultative approach to client relationships, guiding them through complex decisions and co-creating solutions.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback and iterative improvement, both internally and with clients.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing learnings, best practices, and insights across the team and agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The agency culture appears to be a blend of creative agency dynamism with a strategic consulting mindset. The values emphasize a forward-thinking, collaborative, and human-focused approach to design in a complex digital landscape.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working on projects that may start with undefined problems or evolving client needs, requiring strong strategic thinking and adaptability.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively mediating between diverse client interests (business, technical, user) and translating them into cohesive design solutions.

• Global Project Complexity: Adapting designs and processes for international markets, considering cultural nuances and varying technological landscapes.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously integrating emerging technologies (like AI) and design methodologies into practice to maintain relevance and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Deepen expertise in Service Design, Systems Thinking, Design Futures, and AI-driven design.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain hands-on experience and understanding of business strategy, technology implementation, and marketing principles through integrated project work.

• Global Project Leadership: Develop skills in managing and leading design efforts on international campaigns and product launches.

• Mentorship: Benefit from potential mentorship from senior designers and leaders within the VML network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a high-impact design role within a global consultancy, emphasizing strategic problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with developing a well-rounded, strategic design leader with international experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a digital product from scratch. What was your process, and how did you balance business goals with user needs?" (Focus on your conceptualization, methodology, and client guidance.)

• "How do you ensure visual consistency and accessibility across complex digital products, especially when working with evolving design systems?" (Prepare examples of your approach to design systems and quality assurance.)

• "Walk us through a project where you faced significant uncertainty or ambiguity. How did you navigate it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your adaptability, problem-solving, and risk management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'design as a system connecting business, strategy, technology, and human behavior' mean to you?" (Showcase your understanding of VML's philosophy.)

• "How do you see AI impacting product design in the next few years, and how do you prepare for it?" (Demonstrate your forward-thinking and curiosity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your case study presentations with a clear beginning (problem), middle (process/solutions), and end (outcome/impact).

• Focus on 'Why': For each design decision, explain the rationale behind it, linking it to user needs, business goals, or strategic principles.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be prepared to demonstrate specific Figma features or workflows that were critical to your project, such as complex prototyping or component management.

• Methodology in Action: Clearly articulate which methodologies you used and how they guided your process and decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Present any metrics or KPIs that demonstrate the success of your designs. If not available, discuss anticipated impact or learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of modern design methodologies and their application in a client-facing, consultancy environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the VML careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best showcase your experience in conceptualizing digital products, applying methodologies like Service Design or Design Thinking, and demonstrating Figma proficiency. Focus on case studies that illustrate client guidance and strategic impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly emphasizes your 4+ years of digital product design experience, your expertise with Figma, and familiarity with the required methodologies. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and client management skills. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer questions about your approach to innovation and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VML's work, its philosophy on design, and its client partners. Understand their approach to digital transformation and how this role contributes to it.

⚠️ 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.