Product Designer - VIE - Barcelona

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - VIE - Barcelona

Company: Papernest

Location: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Job Type: VOLUNTEER

Category: Product Design / UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-13T07:48:28

Experience Level: 2-3 Years Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on end-to-end product design, encompassing user research, iterative design, and collaborative development of user-centric digital products.

• You will be instrumental in translating user needs and business objectives into intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• The position requires a strong understanding of UX methodologies, coupled with hands-on proficiency in design tools like Figma.

• This is a VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise) contract, offering a unique international experience and professional development opportunity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title includes "Product Designer - VIE - Barcelona," indicating a specific type of international internship/early-career program (VIE) with a focus on product design located in Barcelona. The "VOLUNTEER" employment type in the raw data is likely a misclassification or refers to the VIE program's nature, which often involves a monthly allowance rather than a traditional salary. The role is clearly within the Product Design/UX Design domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to advise on design methodologies, challenge product concepts, and co-create user flows.

• Deliver high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes, ensuring a seamless user experience.

• Present design concepts to development teams, providing clear guidance and reviewing their implementation.

• Conduct thorough evaluations of existing product features and user interfaces to identify areas for improvement.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of the UI kit and design system.

• Prepare comprehensive user research guides to facilitate effective data gathering.

• Lead user interviews and analyze findings to deeply understand user pain points and behaviors.

• Design and conduct user tests to validate design decisions and gather feedback for iteration.

• Analyze user test results and implement necessary design iterations to enhance user satisfaction and product performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured around the full product design lifecycle, from initial collaboration and research to delivery, testing, and iteration. This implies a hands-on role requiring strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills. The emphasis on "co-create user flow," "present to developer mockups," and "review their work" highlights the collaborative nature of the role within a product development team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific degree requirements are not listed, but a background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for UX/Product Design roles.

Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience in UX Design or Product Design.

• Proven experience working with UX design methodologies, including research, design, user testing, and iteration.

• Experience conducting user interviews and usability tests.

• Experience with UX audits.

Required Skills:

• UX Design: Deep understanding and practical application of UX principles and methodologies.

• Product Design: Ability to design end-to-end product experiences that meet user needs and business goals.

• User Research: Proficiency in planning, conducting, and analyzing user research (interviews, surveys, etc.).

• User Testing: Experience in designing and executing usability tests and interpreting results.

• Figma: Advanced proficiency in Figma, including auto-layout, components, variants, and design systems.

• Prototyping: Ability to create interactive prototypes to demonstrate user flows and interactions.

• UI Kit Contribution: Experience in maintaining and contributing to UI kits and design systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience collaborating with Tech and Product teams.

• Familiarity with B2C product environments.

• Understanding of design systems principles and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 2-3 years, coupled with the "VIE" contract designation, suggests this role is targeted at individuals with foundational practical experience looking to gain significant international exposure and accelerate their career in product design. The emphasis on Figma and design systems indicates a need for modern design tool proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive UX/Product Design portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of design projects.

• Projects should demonstrate a strong understanding of the end-to-end design process, from problem identification to solution delivery.

• Include case studies that detail your role, the challenges faced, the methodologies employed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), and the outcomes achieved.

• Showcase your proficiency with design tools, particularly Figma, highlighting your ability to create efficient and scalable design systems.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured design processes, including how you approach user research planning and execution.

• Examples of how you document user interview findings and user test results.

• Documentation of your contribution to UI kits or design system components.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, and the measurable impact of your solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, a portfolio is critical. The enhancement here emphasizes that it should not just showcase final designs but the process behind them, especially showcasing the user-centric methodologies and iterative approach required for this position. Highlighting Figma proficiency and design system contributions is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a VIE contract, compensation is typically a monthly allowance defined by Business France and updated quarterly. For Spain, this allowance is specific and should be verified for the current quarter.

• Estimated Monthly Allowance (Spain - Q2 2026): Approximately €1,000 - €1,200 (This is an estimate based on typical VIE allowances in Spain, which are subject to change. Candidates should confirm the exact rate with Papernest or Business France for the relevant period.)

Benefits:

• Monthly Allowance: A fixed monthly allowance defined by Business France.

• Healthy Breakfast: Offered every Friday, fostering team well-being.

• Partnerships: Access to partnerships with various services in Barcelona including restaurants, sports, leisure, and care centers.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plan (April) with 100% reimbursement for healthcare expenses.

• Round-trip Transportation: 100% coverage of round-trip transportation costs for relocation.

• Luggage Fees: 100% coverage of luggage fees (up to 150kg) for relocation.

• Career Development: Support for professional development and learning throughout the VIE contract.

• Home Office: 2 days of home office per week, allowing for flexibility and focus.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility of 2 days of home office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure for a VIE contract is unique and governed by Business France. The estimate provided is a benchmark, and candidates must verify the exact current rate. The benefits package is substantial, particularly for relocation and ongoing well-being, which is a significant draw for international candidates. The hybrid work model is a key benefit for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, SaaS, Fintech (Subscription Management)

Company Size: Over 900 employees. This indicates a well-established scale-up with significant resources and a structured but dynamic environment. For operations professionals, this means established processes but also opportunities for impact and improvement.

Founded: 2015. Founded relatively recently, Papernest is a rapidly growing company that has achieved scale quickly, suggesting a culture of innovation, agility, and ambition.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a broader Product department, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially Marketing.

• As a scale-up, cross-functional collaboration is essential. Expect to work with diverse teams to bring product ideas to life.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the emphasis on user research, user testing, and iteration.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed, fostering iterative development and continuous improvement.

• A strong focus on user-centric design principles guides product development.

Company Website: https://careers.papernest.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Papernest's rapid growth from 2015 to over 900 employees indicates a vibrant, fast-paced, and innovation-driven culture. For operations roles, this implies a need for adaptability, a proactive approach to process improvement, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. The international aspect (46 nationalities) suggests an inclusive and multicultural workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level Product Designer, specifically within the VIE program. It's an accelerated learning and development opportunity designed to build foundational skills and provide international work experience.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will report to a future manager, likely a Lead Product Designer or Head of Design, and will work closely with Product Managers. The hiring process involves interactions with the Talent Acquisition Partner, future manager, and the CPO, indicating visibility within the product leadership.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Product Designer's work has a direct impact on the user experience, customer acquisition, retention, and ultimately, the company's revenue and market position. By creating intuitive and effective products, the designer contributes to operational efficiency for users and the business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX research, interaction design, UI design, and design systems.

• International Experience: Gain invaluable experience working in a European scale-up based in a vibrant city like Barcelona.

• Career Advancement: The VIE contract is explicitly positioned as a "stepping stone into professional life," with support for career ambitions and potential for future roles within Papernest or the broader tech industry.

• Networking: Build a professional network within an international team and across various departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The VIE contract is a key differentiator, offering a structured path for early-career professionals. The focus is on rapid skill development and gaining international exposure, which are significant career accelerators. The role provides a strong foundation in product design principles and cross-functional collaboration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description implies a modern office environment in Barcelona, facilitating both focused work and collaborative interactions. The company emphasizes an "international and inclusive environment."

Office Location(s): Carrer de Ramon Turró, 200, Barcelona, 08005, Spain. This location places the office in a dynamic area of Barcelona.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: The hybrid model (2 days home office, 3 days in office) is designed to balance individual focus with team collaboration. Expect opportunities to work closely with designers, PMs, and engineers.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma is provided. The company also emphasizes its "smart, intuitive platform," suggesting a tech-forward environment.

• Team Interaction: Regular interactions with the design team, product teams, and potentially other departments are expected, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (likely 40 hours/week) with the benefit of 2 days of home office per week. This offers a structured yet flexible arrangement that supports productivity and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a significant aspect of the work environment, catering to modern professional expectations. The Barcelona location offers a desirable lifestyle for international candidates, complemented by the company's support for relocation and local integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• First Call (30'): Initial screening with Eva, the Talent Acquisition Partner, to assess general fit, motivation, and basic qualifications. Be prepared to articulate your interest in the VIE program and Papernest.

• Portfolio Presentation (1h): A deep dive into your UX/Product Design portfolio with Margaux, your future manager. Focus on showcasing your design process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with Figma. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions to each project.

• Case Study (1h): A practical exercise with Margaux and Valentin (CPO) to assess your design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach a real-world design challenge. Prepare to present your approach and potential solutions.

• Final Interview (30'): A concluding discussion with one of their designers to assess cultural fit, team dynamics, and further technical alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each, outline the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, design, testing), key decisions, and outcomes.

• Figma Showcase: Highlight your Figma skills, including auto-layout, component usage, and design system contributions. This is a specific requirement.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your UX methodologies. Show how you use user research and testing to inform your designs and iterate effectively.

• Storytelling: Present your projects as compelling stories that highlight your problem-solving approach and impact.

• Conciseness: Be ready to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant projects for this role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself with Papernest's platform and its target audience.

• Design Thinking: Be ready to articulate your approach to problem-solving, user empathy, and iterative design.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your thoughts clearly and concisely, as if explaining your design rationale to stakeholders.

• Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about Papernest's product challenges, design culture, and team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate both technical skills (portfolio, case study) and cultural fit. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and a case study indicates a strong preference for candidates who can demonstrate their practical design capabilities and thought process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a key requirement. Proficiency in core Figma features like auto-layout, components, variants, and design systems is essential for creating scalable and maintainable designs.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, designers at Papernest will likely interact with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and measure the impact of design changes.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core Product Designer role, but understanding the broader user journey and how design impacts CRM data or automated workflows can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, auto-layout, components, variants, and design systems points to a modern, efficient design workflow. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their mastery of these specific Figma features.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value, evident in the emphasis on user research, interviews, and testing to understand and address user pain points.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working with Product Managers, developers, and other designers, fostering a team-oriented environment.

• Iteration & Improvement: A culture that encourages continuous refinement of designs based on feedback and data.

• Innovation: As a scale-up, Papernest likely values innovative solutions and a proactive approach to product development.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Explicitly stated as a core value, with a commitment to creating an environment where everyone has a place.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with Product Managers and Tech teams, bridging the gap between user needs and technical implementation.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement for designers to share insights, best practices, and contribute to the collective design knowledge within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on inclusivity and diversity is a significant cultural aspect, making Papernest an attractive employer for candidates who value such environments. The collaborative and iterative approach is crucial for success in a fast-paced product development setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating user pain points into product features that also align with business objectives.

• Managing Multiple Products: The ability to work on and switch between different product lines simultaneously requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Staying Updated: The fast-paced nature of the tech industry and design trends requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• International Relocation: Adapting to a new country and work culture as part of the VIE program.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Intensive Design Practice: Hands-on experience across the full product design lifecycle in a real-world B2C environment.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced designers and product leaders within Papernest.

• International Exposure: Gaining experience in a European tech scale-up, which is highly valued in the global job market.

• Skill Enhancement: Deepening proficiency in Figma, design systems, and user research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth. The VIE contract is specifically designed to foster professional development, making this a role where learning and skill acquisition are central.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to challenge a Product Manager's initial idea. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses collaboration, communication, and design advocacy skills.)

• "Walk me through a complex user flow you designed. What were the key considerations and trade-offs?" (Evaluates process, problem-solving, and clarity of thought.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and accessible?" (Tests understanding of modern design principles and empathy.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in the VIE program, and why Papernest specifically?" (Assesses motivation and cultural alignment.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest UX/Product Design trends and tools?" (Indicates proactivity and commitment to growth.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate the "why" behind your decisions, not just the "what."

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction scores).

• Figma Demos: Be prepared to show specific examples of your Figma work, such as complex components, auto-layout usage, or interactions within a design system.

• Storytelling Arc: Structure your portfolio presentations like a narrative – introduce the problem, explain your solution journey, and conclude with the results.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skills but also the ability to collaborate effectively, adapt to feedback, and articulate a clear, user-centered design process, with specific emphasis on Figma proficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer - VIE position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Papernest careers site.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your 2-3 years of UX/Product Design experience, with a strong emphasis on Figma proficiency, auto-layout, components, and design systems. Showcase at least one B2C project if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with UX methodologies, user research, user testing, and your ability to collaborate with product and tech teams. Use keywords like "UX Design," "Product Design," "Figma," "Prototyping," and "User Research."

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your motivations for pursuing a VIE contract in Barcelona.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Papernest's mission, platform, and target market. Understand their emphasis on user experience and their growth trajectory as a scale-up.

⚠️ 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.