At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative CMF design projects and create stunning proposals across various media.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking automotive company with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to lead projects and collaborate with top stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry with your creative design skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in CMF design and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Rate: Dependent on experience
Location: Crewe: Hybrid – 3 days onsite per week, with flexibility required in line with business needs
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Inside IR35 | Until 30th June 2027
Role Summary
We are seeking a Lead CMF Designer to join the Colour and Trim function, reporting directly to the Head of Colour and Trim. This role will support innovation-focused projects, including coachbuild activity, and will involve creating and leading CMF design solutions for new products across 2D, 3D and digital media.
As a Lead CMF Designer, you will develop creative, functional and brand-led design proposals that meet agreed technical, ergonomic and quality requirements. The role requires strong collaboration across internal departments, suppliers, cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders. This is a senior opportunity for a confident CMF designer with experience leading projects, presenting at director level and delivering innovative colour, material and finish solutions within an automotive environment.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead colour, materials and finishes design development activity across innovation-led projects.
- Create and deliver design proposals, concepts and solutions across 2D, 3D and digital media.
- Support coach build and future product projects through research, benchmarking and creative design development.
- Develop CMF solutions that reflect brand values, design strategy, innovation and creativity.
- Ensure design proposals meet agreed visual, technical and ergonomic requirements.
- Work collaboratively with internal departments, internal teams, external suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Attend online supplier meetings and support communication across project teams.
- Prepare and deliver design presentations, including to director-level stakeholders.
- Lead design development proposals in-house or in cooperation with external partners.
- Provide evidence-led creative direction and communicate confidently in a business-focused way with peers, colleagues and senior stakeholders.
- Contribute to project delivery, problem solving and the achievement of design objectives.
- Support continuous innovation across colour, materials and finishes, including sustainability-led thinking.
Requirements Of The Role
- Experience within a CMF, colour and trim, or wider design environment.
- Proven experience as a Lead CMF Designer, Senior CMF Designer, Lead Designer or Senior Designer within an automotive setting.
- Strong understanding of materials and their application within CMF design.
- Ideally experienced in an Automotive environment.
- Evidence of leading projects, taking responsibility and delivering successful outcomes.
- Ability to communicate and present design direction to suppliers, peers, cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
- Experience preparing and presenting design proposals at senior or director level.
- Design-based degree or equivalent experience, ideally in product design, interior design, fashion, materials, CMF or a related discipline.
- Understanding of feasibility and production methodology.
- Strong Photoshop skills.
- VRED knowledge is desirable; expert-level experience is not essential.
- 2D and 3D IT skills, including Photoshop and 3D CAD software.
Apply now for this Lead CMF Designer opportunity. Please note, this role is deemed inside IR35. The Umbrella Pay Rate offered is inclusive of the Assignment pay rate, holiday pay and Apex Recruitment’s contribution towards Employer Costs.
Lead CMF Designer in Cheshire employer: Apex Resource Management
Join a forward-thinking company in Crewe as a Lead CMF Designer, where innovation and creativity are at the heart of our culture. We offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with talented teams across the automotive industry. With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge design, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our products while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead CMF Designer in Cheshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive design world and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best CMF design work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your projects and how they align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s design philosophy and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience can contribute to their innovation-focused goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead CMF Designer in Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your CMF Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in CMF design. Talk about specific projects you've led and how you tackled challenges. We want to see your creativity and problem-solving skills shine through!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the job description. Mention how your background aligns with the role of Lead CMF Designer and how you can contribute to innovation-focused projects at our company.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for your achievements and experiences to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us you can do that right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apex Resource Management
✨Know Your CMF Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of colour, materials, and finishes. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led CMF design solutions, showcasing your understanding of how these elements impact the overall design and functionality.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with various teams and stakeholders, prepare examples that highlight your collaborative efforts. Think about times when you successfully communicated design proposals or navigated challenges with cross-functional teams.
✨Prepare for Director-Level Presentations
Practice presenting your design ideas as if you're in front of senior stakeholders. Focus on clarity and confidence, ensuring you can articulate your vision and the rationale behind your design choices effectively.
✨Stay Ahead with Innovation and Sustainability
Research current trends in CMF design, especially those related to sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how you can incorporate innovative and sustainable practices into your design proposals, aligning with the company's values and goals.
