Lead CMF Designer

Lead CMF Designer
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

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