Head of CMF (Colour, Materials and Finishes)
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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
At Norton Motorcycles, we're redefining what a modern luxury motorcycle can be.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of CMF (Colour, Material & Finish) to create and lead the future sensory expression of the Norton brand. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of Britain's most iconic marques is experienced through colour, materials, finishes, textures, detailing and craftsmanship.
This is not a traditional motorcycle CMF role.
We're looking for a visionary leader who understands that luxury is communicated through every surface, every touchpoint and every detail. Someone who can create products that customers instantly recognise, emotionally connect with and aspire to own.
Working closely with the Head of Design, you will define and lead Norton's CMF strategy across current and future product programmes, creating a distinctive design language that balances innovation, craftsmanship and manufacturability. Collaborating with designers, engineers, suppliers and manufacturing partners across the globe, you will establish a world-class CMF vision that enhances brand perception and elevates every customer interaction.
Your influence will extend beyond the motorcycles themselves, helping define how Norton is seen, felt and experienced around the world. If you're passionate about materiality, craftsmanship, innovation and creating unforgettable product experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Duties/Responsibilities
Define Norton's CMF Vision
Develop and lead Norton's long-term CMF strategy
Create the principles that guide colour, material and finish decisions across the portfolio
Build a distinctive luxury design language that reflects Norton's evolving brand identity
Ensure every motorcycle feels unmistakably Norton while allowing individual products their own character
Lead and Build the CMF Function
Establish and grow Norton's CMF capability
Create CMF processes, standards, material libraries and best practices
Lead, mentor and develop CMF talent across multiple locations and cultures
Build strong partnerships with suppliers and manufacturing partners
Represent CMF within the wider Design Leadership Team
Shape the Future of Luxury Motorcycling
Identify emerging material innovations, finishes, technologies and manufacturing techniques
Draw inspiration from luxury automotive, fashion, architecture, consumer technology, aviation and beyond
Introduce unexpected ideas that redefine customer expectations
Create Emotional Product Experiences
Use colour, texture, materiality and detail to tell compelling stories
Create products that resonate emotionally with customers
Ensure CMF becomes a key differentiator of the Norton ownership experience
Champion Craftsmanship and Quality
Drive exceptional attention to detail throughout the design process
Work closely with engineering and suppliers to deliver premium execution
Protect design intent from concept through to production
Ensure craftsmanship is evident in every visual and tactile interaction
Drive Material Innovation
Identify sustainable, innovative materials that enhance both performance and perception
Balance innovation with authenticity and luxury
Explore new opportunities to elevate the customer experience through materiality
Personal Specification
We're deliberately looking beyond traditional motorcycle experience. You may come from luxury automotive, premium transportation, consumer technology, fashion, furniture, architecture, lifestyle products, or another industry where colour, materials and finishes are fundamental to brand perception and customer experience.
You understand that true luxury is communicated through restraint, precision and obsessive attention to detail. You naturally notice what others miss and recognise that every surface, material and tactile interaction tells a story. Most importantly, you're able to translate brand strategy into products that create emotional connections and lasting impressions.
You will bring:
An outstanding portfolio demonstrating world-class CMF thinking and execution
Experience creating premium or luxury products where materiality is central to brand value
Deep understanding of colours, materials, finishes and manufacturing processes
Strong aesthetic judgement and a highly refined creative vision
Expert knowledge of colour theory and material behaviour
The ability to translate brand strategy into a distinctive and recognisable design language
Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional teams
Strong supplier management and collaboration skills
Curiosity for emerging trends, technology, culture and innovation
Confidence presenting creative vision and concepts to senior leadership
- Department
- Design
- Locations
- Italy 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.