Chief Designer Cmf

Join Ford’s design team in Cologne as CMF Lead, shaping the colors, materials and finishes that define our vehicles. Use creative leadership and technical expertise to turn trends and new technologies into production-ready, high-quality material experiences.
- Compelling portfolio demonstrating standout work in Colour, Material, Finish and perceived-quality design — preferably from automotive, consumer electronics, or furniture.
- Strategic thinker who converts market trends and brand stories into tangible, manufacturable material and finish solutions.
- Proven international experience delivering CMF strategies that resonate across regions and cultures.
- Confident negotiator and storyteller — excellent at presenting, influencing stakeholders, and aligning suppliers, engineering and business partners.
- Inquisitive, experimental mindset with hands-on interest in new materials, coatings and sensory technologies.
- Solid track record in Design Quality execution: appearance approvals, master-sample governance and material implementation.
- Excellent organizational skills — experienced at managing multiple programs, priorities and delivery milestones.
- Highly collaborative leader who develops talent, fosters cross-functional teamwork and elevates studio culture.Business‑fluent in English (written and spoken).

**Additional information**
- The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favorable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability. _

LI-AH2

**CMF Strategy & Concept Development**:

- Co-create innovative CMF design concepts & strategies in close collaboration with Interior & Exterior Design team.
- Develop new materials and define CMF standards that align with product definitions and reflect a deep understanding of regional customer expectations.
- Drive strategic innovation in materials, finishes, and sensory experiences to enhance brand recognition and product appeal.
- **Design Implementation & Quality Assurance**:

- Act as the key interface with cross-functional partners (Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchase) and external suppliers to ensure the design vision is accurately translated into production.
- Ensure technical feasibility, cost targets, and production constraints are met while upholding the highest standards of perceived quality.
- Lead the Design Quality (DQ) workstream, focusing on material implementation, perceived quality standards, and master sample acceptability.
- Manage and track all appearance approvals for products (specifically for the European market, or adapt as needed).
- Establish and maintain robust mastering processes to meet CMF standards.
- Oversee the creation process for exterior and interior paint finishes.Contribute to product development processes with focus on CMF innovation and technology readiness.
- **Process Management & Team Leadership**:

- Manage CMF implementation processes, identifying and driving efficiencies and best practices.
- Develop and deliver training plans for the CMF team and identify opportunities to bring in new talent and skill sets.Actively contribute to the Design studio culture, nurturing design talent, fostering a professional and creative environment, and championing design excellence.
- **Global Collaboration**:

- Interface effectively at a global level with other CMF chiefs and cross-functional partners to leverage scale benefits and ensure aligned strategies and points of view.