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- 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: Exciting role with potential for career advancement and involvement in sustainability initiatives.
- 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.
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 employer: Apex Resource Management
Contact Detail:
Apex Resource Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead CMF Designer
✨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 the inside scoop on a Lead CMF Designer role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to bring along your best work. Highlight projects that showcase your CMF design skills and how you've led innovative solutions in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you approach collaboration, and your experience presenting to senior stakeholders. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel like a rockstar!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team as a Lead CMF Designer.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead CMF Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your CMF Skills: When you're putting together your application, make sure to highlight your experience in CMF design. We want to see how you've led projects and delivered innovative solutions in the automotive world. Don't hold back on showcasing your creative flair!
Tailor Your Presentation: Craft your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Lead CMF Designer role. Use the job description as a guide to align your skills and experiences with what we're looking for. This shows us that you understand the role and are genuinely interested.
Be Confident in Your Communication: Since you'll be presenting to senior stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated design proposals in the past. We love seeing candidates who can confidently convey their ideas!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
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 how you've applied these in past projects, especially in an automotive context. Prepare examples that showcase your innovative design solutions and how they align with brand values.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with various teams and stakeholders, be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight any instances where your communication skills helped bridge gaps between design and production.
✨Present Like a Pro
You’ll need to present your design proposals to senior stakeholders, so practice your presentation skills. Use clear visuals and be ready to explain your design choices confidently. Consider doing a mock presentation to a friend or colleague to get feedback.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
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 designs. Showing that you’re forward-thinking will impress your interviewers.