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- Tasks: Lead innovative design solutions for colour, materials, and finishes in exciting products.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking design team in a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression in the automotive industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on future-focused design while driving creativity and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in CMF design, strong portfolio, and proficiency in design tools.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Lead CMF (Colour, Materials & Finishes) Designer to join a forward-thinking design team. Reporting to the Head of Colour and Trim, you will lead the creation and development of innovative design solutions across future products. This is an exciting opportunity to play a senior role within a collaborative, design-led environment—driving creativity, innovation, and high-quality design execution across a dynamic product portfolio.
What's on offer:
- You’ll join a collaborative CMF & Bespoke team working closely with design, engineering, and supplier partners.
- The team focuses on bringing surfaces to life through colour, material innovation, and craftsmanship while embedding sustainability and future-focused design thinking.
- Contract: ASAP start to 30 June 2027 PAYE / umbrella (inside IR35)
- Hybrid - 3 days onsite per week (flexible based on business needs) with occasional UK travel to suppliers and trade shows
- 37 hours per week
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of CMF design proposals from concept through to production
- Deliver innovative, forward-thinking design solutions aligned to brand and product strategy
- Develop and present design concepts in 2D, 3D, and digital formats
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers
- Support problem solving and feasibility within design and production constraints
- Present ideas and concepts to senior stakeholders, including at director level
- Conduct research, benchmarking, and trend analysis
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience within a CMF design role, ideally within automotive (OEM or supplier)
- Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual and/or production design work
- Experience leading or managing design projects
- Degree in Design (Product, Automotive, Interior, Fashion or similar) or equivalent experience
- Proficiency in Photoshop and familiarity with 3D CAD tools
- Knowledge of tools such as VRed (preferred, not essential)
- Strong digital and visualisation skills
What Next?
Apply below to share your CV or call our offices for full details - 01277 354469. Tiro is a specialist Employment Agency & Employment Business assisting with both contract and permanent opportunities in high performance cars, motorsport, software, electronics, engineering & manufacturing.
Lead Designer - Colour, Materials & Finishes employer: Tiro Contracts - Contract & Interim Solutions
Contact Detail:
Tiro Contracts - Contract & Interim Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Designer - Colour, Materials & Finishes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design world, especially those in CMF. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for colour, materials, and finishes.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work in CMF design. When you get the chance, present your concepts in a way that tells a story about your design journey and thought process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s design ethos and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their innovative design solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our collaborative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Designer - Colour, Materials & Finishes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Make sure to include a strong portfolio that showcases your best CMF design work. We want to see your creativity and how you've brought surfaces to life with colour and materials!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in CMF design, especially if you've worked in automotive. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your ideas shine without unnecessary fluff.
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 this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tiro Contracts - Contract & Interim Solutions
✨Know Your CMF Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in colour, materials, and finishes. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, highlighting how your past work aligns with innovative design solutions. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think about specific projects where you led cross-functional teams or worked with suppliers to bring a design concept to life.
✨Present Like a Pro
Practice presenting your design concepts in both 2D and 3D formats. Use clear visuals and be ready to explain your thought process. Remember, you’ll be presenting to senior stakeholders, so confidence and clarity are key!
✨Research and Trend Analysis
Stay ahead of the game by conducting thorough research on current and future trends in CMF design. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence your design proposals and align with the brand's strategy during the interview.