At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative CMF design projects and create stunning proposals across various media.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking automotive company focused on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with potential for career advancement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in automotive design while working with cutting-edge materials and finishes.
- Qualifications: Experience in CMF design and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € 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 and 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.
Please note, this role is deemed inside IR35.
Lead CMF Designer in Crewe employer: TipTopJob
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 be part of a dynamic environment that values your contributions and supports your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead CMF Designer in Crewe
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases your best work. When you land an interview, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and decisions. We want to see your creativity and how you tackle challenges!
✨Practice Your Pitch
Before any interview, practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the role of Lead CMF Designer. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Follow Up After Interviews
Don’t forget to send a thank-you email after your interview! It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference in landing the job!
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:Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Lead CMF Designer role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit for our team.
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 ideas and lead discussions with confidence.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨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 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.
✨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 rationale behind your choices. Confidence is key!
✨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.
