Colour & Materials Manager

Our Automotive OEM Client based in Coventry, UK is searching for a Colour and Materials Manager on a permanent basis. This is a rare and fantastic opportunity to join a highly creative and innovative design studio.

Job Purpose

To support the Colour and Materials Director in the creation and delivery of a complete design proposal/s and their strategic plan, according to the design brief requirements. To take a hands-on and active role in the organisation and planning of the work streams and priorities within the Colour and Materials department.

Role and Responsibilities

• Create and deliver complete design proposals according to design brief and project constraints in assigned programs.

• Analysing and forecasting colour and material trend

• Create colour design concept for all projects

• Coordinate and organise multiple projects and tasks in a quick and dynamic environment

• Provide Cover for the CMF Director for periods of absence and/or busy periods, which includes the line management of employees

• Produce creative and detailed design solutions fulfilling complex technical criteria.

• Develop concepts, which are translated into practical solutions in cooperation with external suppliers.

• Prepare presentation material for reviews as well participate in design reviews.

• Attend in project and engineering meetings

• Drive tasks and activity to completion in a timely and organised manner

• Work closely with other internal stakeholders such as Operations and Procurement to set up a C&M supplier base that is fit for purpose

• Represent colour & material in project related forums

• Work closely with other Departments, including but not limited to Digital and Visualisation designers, Studio Engineers and modelling team/trim shop.

• Collaborate and maintain good relationship with other stakeholders

• In conjunction with the Director, help to build a positive ‘brand’ and excellent customer service approach for the Colour and Materials Department

Competencies Required

Adaptive Thinking

Understands problems, situations and issues. Applying this analysis to improve business performance.

Continuous Improvement through creative solutions

Solves problems in creative ways. Is willing to question established ways of doing things.

Engaging Teams

Delivering high performance through effective team working. Supports a culture where the input of all is valued.

Focused Development

Builds the skills and competencies of self and others. Contributes to improving organisational capability.

Influencing

Successfully builds support for ideas through effective and appropriate communication strategies.

Organised

Undertakes work in a well thought out, timely manner.

Liaising/Networking

Builds internal/external networks in order to deliver business objectives.

Drive and Accountability

Demonstrates drive and persistence to meet or exceed goals for self and others.

Commercial Acumen

Understands the markets within which the Company operates. Strives to deliver outstanding business performance.

Essential Criteria

• Extensive’ experience from automotive/transportation design ideally in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record from other OEM’s is an advantage, with production experience
• Deep knowledge about colour & material development.
• University degree within Design and/or Fine Arts
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite with ability to visualise and communicate ideas effectively in 2D and 3D
• An eye for detail and an interest in the development of colour and materials and the research and development of future trends
• Strong drive, independent and confident as well as a good team worker.
• Structured, methodical and analytical with good planning skills.
• Understanding of complete car development process.
• Strong drive, independent and confident as well as a good team worker.
• Flexible and able to work under constrained time schedules and frequently revised priorities
• The ability to plan and prepare in advance, in an environment that is constantly changing and evolving.
• A passion to deliver their best work and to strive to be the very best
• Resilient and used to managing multiple projects and work streams at any one time

Desirable Criteria

• Used to working in a ‘Hands on’ creative role, but is also capable of coordinating activity via the wider colour and materials team
• Experience of having worked in a Leadership role or a senior role within the same field
• Ability to speak Mandarin is an advantage
• Experience in Substance Designer, After Effects and Premiere is an advantage.
• Where required, the ability to travel, mainly to China, to visit suppliers as well as other facilities.
• Established network of contacts in the industry.