Lead CMF Designer
Experience fair hiring! We prioritise equality with our anonymous screening process. Your skills shine, not your personal info. Apply now and let your abilities speak for themselves!
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!
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT AGENCY APPLICATIONS
- Department
- Design
- Role
- Lead Designer
- Locations
- Head Office
- Employment type
- Full-time
About Norton Motorcycles
Join one of the most iconic brands in the motorcycle industry. We are in a pivotal moment of our history, and therefore the right candidates will be able to help us secure future success, drive value from innovation, and create a quality-driven, indomitable legacy.