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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: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with potential for career advancement and creative freedom.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry with your design expertise.
- 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
Please note, this role is deemed inside IR35.
Lead CMF Designer in Crewe employer: Ashby Finance
Contact Detail:
Ashby Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead CMF Designer in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry 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, having your portfolio ready can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and innovations. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute.
✨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 Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your CMF Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in colour, materials, and finishes design. We want to see how you've led projects and delivered innovative solutions in the automotive world, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Read through the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use the same language and keywords we’ve used to show that you understand what we’re looking for in a Lead CMF Designer.
Be Confident in Your Presentations: Since this role involves presenting to senior stakeholders, include examples of your past presentations. We love seeing how you communicate your design direction and engage with others, so share those experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashby Finance
✨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 Leadership Skills
As a Lead CMF Designer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead projects and collaborate with various teams. Think of specific instances where you've successfully led a project or presented to senior stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve navigated challenges in cross-functional environments.
✨Prepare for Design Presentations
Since you'll be presenting design proposals to director-level stakeholders, practice your presentation skills. Create a mock presentation of a past project, focusing on how you communicated your design direction and the impact it had. This will help you feel more confident during the actual interview.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Keep yourself updated on the latest trends in CMF design and sustainability within the automotive industry. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence your design proposals. Showing that you're forward-thinking and aware of industry shifts will impress your interviewers.