Lead, Color Material & Finish Designer

Newell Brands; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Newell Brands is seeking a Lead CMF Designer to drive color, material, and finish strategy across its global brands. You will influence product direction with trend insights, mentor junior designers, and collaborate with Design, Graphics, Marketing, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure manufacturability and scalability.

The role requires senior CMF experience, strong visualization skills, and the ability to communicate across global teams to elevate brand identity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CMF or related field.
• 4–7 years CMF experience in consumer products or related industries.
• Proven CMF storytelling across product categories.

Responsibilities

• Lead global CMF strategy across brands.
• Forecast color, material, finish trends globally.
• Create mood boards and digital renderings.
• Develop CMF specs for manufacturers and vendors.

Skills

CMF experience

Presentation skills

Visual storytelling

Vendor collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CMF or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

KeyShot

Video editing

Job description

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

Location:

Atlanta, GA

Position Overview:

As a Lead, Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) Designer, you will be a creative leader driving CMF strategy across Newell’s diverse portfolio of global brands. This role blends trend forecasting, innovation, and market insights to deliver compelling CMF directions that strengthen brand identity and delight consumers worldwide. You will collaborate across Industrial Design, Graphics, Marketing, Engineering, and Supply Chain, ensuring that CMF strategies are not only trend-forward but also technically feasible and manufacturable. The ideal candidate brings a global perspective, mentors junior designers, and influences stakeholders to position CMF as a competitive advantage for Newell.

Responsibilities:

CMF Strategy & Trend Forecasting

• Lead global CMF strategy development, translating macro and micro trend insights into actionable brand-specific directions.

• Forecast global color, material, and finish trends across fashion, consumer, automotive, and cultural influences.

• Present trend and inspiration reports to senior leadership.

• Leverage market data and consumer insights to align CMF innovation with brand growth opportunities.

Design Development & Implementation

• Apply advanced CMF expertise across multiple product categories, from concept through production.

• Create mood boards, visual stories, and digital renderings (2D/3D, Keyshot, Adobe Creative Suite, video applications, AI).

• Develop detailed CMF specification sheets for manufacturing partners and vendors.

• Maintain and expand Newell’s color standards library, including light box and lab validation.

• Champion new materials, coatings, and finishes that support brand differentiation.

• Partner with global suppliers to ensure color accuracy, durability, and scalability in mass production.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges around color, gloss, and finish quality during pilot and production stages.

• Present CMF strategies and concepts to internal stakeholders, influencing product and brand decisions.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in CMF, Industrial Design, Textile, Fashion, Graphic Design, or related field.

• Experience: 4–7 years of CMF experience in consumer products, automotive, fashion, or related industries.

• Design Expertise: Proven track record of global CMF conceptualization and implementation across product categories.

• Visual Communication: Excellent presentation skills across digital, physical, and video formats; ability to influence and inspire.

• Technical Skills: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, Keyshot, video editing, and CMF visualization tools.

• Manufacturing Knowledge: Strong understanding of color development, finishes, coatings, and vendor implementation across domestic and international supply chains.

• Sustainability Knowledge: Experience with eco-friendly materials and sustainable sourcing practices.

• Portfolio: Demonstrated CMF storytelling, conceptualization, and production execution.

#LI-DF1

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.