At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative colours and materials for future motorcycles.
- Company: Join an iconic British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Experience a vibrant culture with exciting team events and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of motorcycle design and work with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 10 years in CMF or product design with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us. Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers. Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success. And we want you to be a part of it! At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility. We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning. When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business. So if you're passionate about motorcycles and looking to join a team that's shaping the future of this legendary brand, we'd love to hear from you!
The Role
As Lead CMF Designer, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering Norton’s Colour and Material vision through strategic thinking, advanced research, and innovative execution. You will lead the development of future-facing CMF strategies, whitespace innovation projects, and concept programmes that align with both design ambition and business objectives. You will play a key role in identifying emerging trends, material technologies, and sustainable innovations that will influence the future of motorcycle design. A passion for visual quality, craftsmanship, responsible design, and material innovation is essential. This role requires a highly collaborative and influential creative leader with the ability to inspire teams, manage complex projects, and elevate the CMF discipline across the organisation.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Lead the development of Norton’s Colour, Material and Finish strategy across future vehicle programmes and concept projects
- Research customer insights, market shifts, emerging trends, and material technologies to identify opportunities for next-generation products
- Drive the creation and development of innovative colours, materials, finishes, and surface treatments
- Lead the creation of both digital and physical CMF assets to communicate strategic design direction
- Develop and implement CMF proposals for concept motorcycles, vision projects, and future production programmes
- Create compelling visual storytelling and multimedia presentations to communicate creative direction and strategic intent
- Manage and lead CMF-related concept and vision vehicle builds from ideation through to execution
- Produce high-quality renderings, documentation, and planning materials to support design development and asset creation
- Conduct competitor benchmarking and research across automotive, motorcycle, luxury, and analogous industries
- Translate innovative material concepts from 2D ideation into high-quality 3D product applications
- Collaborate closely with external suppliers and development partners to deliver innovative material solutions
- Provide mentorship, creative direction, and technical guidance within the wider design team
- Present work confidently to senior leadership, including the Head of Design
- Support customer clinics, product research activities, and feedback sessions where required
- Champion and elevate the CMF discipline both internally and externally
- Lead and support team development, recruitment, engagement, and wellbeing initiatives
Essential Experience
- Circa 10 years experience within CMF, product, automotive, or motorcycle design
- Expert understanding of colour, material, and finish development with strong aesthetic judgement and colour perception
- Proven experience leading strategic CMF programmes, innovation projects, and concept development
- Strong knowledge of automotive/motorcycle and analogous industry materials, technologies, processes, and suppliers
- Excellent visual communication and presentation skills
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, alongside Microsoft Office
- Strong awareness of contemporary luxury brands, emerging technologies, and digital research platforms
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing creative content and people
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver to demanding timelines
- Agile, adaptable, and highly collaborative working style
- Relevant degree or equivalent industry experience
Desirable Experience
- Experience adapting to evolving design, feasibility, and cost constraints
- Global studio or international design experience
Rewards of working for Norton
We like to take care of our Nortoneers and we think we offer some pretty decent rewards. Here's what you'll get when you join the team:
- Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience
- 33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge
- Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.
- Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best
- Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what
- FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!
- WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme
- Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.
- Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!
- A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!
- Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire
- Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points
We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan. Join us and see for yourself!
Lead CMF Designer: Shaping Future Motorcycle Materials in Solihull employer: Norton Motorcycles
At Norton, we pride ourselves on being an iconic British motorcycle brand with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull foster a collaborative and innovative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to shaping the future of motorcycle design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead CMF Designer: Shaping Future Motorcycle Materials in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the motorcycle and design industries. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to express your love for motorcycles and design. Share your ideas and insights about CMF trends and innovations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s history and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their design philosophy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision. This shows that you’re not just another applicant, but someone who’s genuinely interested in shaping the future of Norton.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. So, get your portfolio ready and let’s make some magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead CMF Designer: Shaping Future Motorcycle Materials in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for motorcycles shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and how it aligns with our iconic brand. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Lead CMF Designer role. Highlight relevant experience in CMF, product design, and any innovative projects you've led. We’re looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas to the table, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Norton. Be sure to connect your skills and experiences directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love a good story, so make it engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and being part of our exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norton Motorcycles
✨Know Your CMF Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF). Familiarise yourself with the latest trends, technologies, and sustainable innovations in the motorcycle industry. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied this knowledge in past projects will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Visual Communication Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in CMF design. Include high-quality renderings, multimedia presentations, and any innovative projects you've led. This is your chance to visually communicate your creative direction and strategic intent, so make sure it’s polished and professional.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Norton values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve inspired others and managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to mentor and guide team members, as this will resonate well with their emphasis on personal development.
✨Understand Their Brand and Vision
Research Norton’s history, values, and future goals. Be ready to articulate how your vision for CMF aligns with their brand identity and ambitions. Showing that you understand their unique position in the market and are excited about contributing to their legacy will set you apart from other candidates.
