Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead CMF Designer to join the Colour, Materials & Finishes team within Bentley Motors. Reporting into the Head of Colour and Trim, the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping future luxury vehicle programmes through innovative and forward-thinking CMF design solutions.
This position will lead the development and delivery of premium colour, material and finish concepts across future vehicle programmes, integrating Bentley brand values, craftsmanship, sustainability initiatives and emerging innovation trends into production-feasible design proposals.
The role requires a highly creative and commercially aware designer capable of leading projects, collaborating cross-functionally, managing supplier engagement, and presenting concepts confidently at senior leadership level.
The successful candidate will combine strong conceptual creativity with practical knowledge of automotive design feasibility, manufacturing methods, supplier collaboration and luxury material execution.
Key ResponsibilitiesCMF Design Leadership
- Lead the development of innovative CMF concepts for future vehicle programmes and bespoke projects.
- Create high-quality design proposals across 2D, 3D and digital media formats.
- Translate Bentley brand values and design strategy into premium luxury design solutions.
- Drive emotional and sensory design experiences through colour, materials and finishes.
Project Delivery
- Coordinate and deliver CMF activities across multiple concurrent programmes.
- Manage and track design proposals from concept through to feasibility and implementation stages.
- Support innovation-focused and coach-built vehicle projects.
- Ensure delivery against programme timing and design milestones.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Design, Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing and external suppliers.
- Participate in supplier reviews, benchmarking activities and innovation workshops.
- Present design proposals and recommendations to senior stakeholders and directors.
- Collaborate with external innovation and material partners.
Research & Innovation
- Conduct market research, trend analysis and competitor benchmarking.
- Identify emerging materials, sustainable solutions and future luxury trends.
- Support Bentley sustainability strategy through material innovation and responsible design thinking.
Problem Solving & Design Development
- Resolve complex design and feasibility challenges creatively.
- Balance innovation, craftsmanship, luxury perception and manufacturing practicality.
- Develop both formal and functional design solutions aligned to technical and ergonomic requirements.
Required Skills & ExperienceEssential
- Proven experience within CMF (Colour, Materials & Finishes) design.
- Automotive OEM or automotive supplier CMF experience preferred.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating both conceptual and production design projects.
- Experience leading projects and presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Strong understanding of materials, finishes and luxury product execution.
- Excellent visual communication and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Digital design tools
- Basic 3D CAD / visualisation tools
- VRED knowledge (working understanding)
Desirable
- Experience within luxury automotive design environments.
- Exposure to sustainability-focused material development.
- Product, interior or fashion design background with luxury product relevance.
- Supplier management and external collaboration experience.
- Understanding of advanced digital visualisation workflows.
Qualifications
- Degree in Design, Product Design, Automotive Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design or equivalent relevant experience.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong creative vision and innovation capability.
- Ability to influence and communicate at all levels of the business.
- Commercial awareness and professional maturity.
- High attention to detail and premium design sensitivity.
- Confidence working in fast-paced luxury automotive environments.
- Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to balance creativity with technical feasibility.
Pay: £36.00-£38.20 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Crewe CW1 3PL
