CMF Design Freelancer

About the role

Phoenix is on the lookout for a freelance Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) designer to enhance our creative team in Shanghai. In this role, you will play a crucial part in defining the sensory aspects of our products, ensuring that they resonate with our target audience while seamlessly transitioning from innovative concepts to mass production.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Analyze and choose colors, materials, and finishes that are in line with our product vision and market trends.
• Craft compelling CMF narratives that reflect lifestyle trends and the latest technological advancements, adding distinctive value to our offerings.
• Produce tangible material samples and cultivate relationships with both local and global manufacturing partners to facilitate effective prototyping.
• Oversee projects from the initial design stage all the way through to final production, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals.
• Collaborate closely with industrial designers and research teams to transform innovative ideas into detailed technical specifications.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging materials to continuously inform and enhance our design approach.
• Conduct thorough research to support your design decisions, ensuring they are backed by data and market insights.
• Present your CMF concepts and prototypes to stakeholders, effectively communicating your vision and rationale.
• Assist in the development of guidelines and standards for CMF applications across various product lines.
• Provide feedback and insights during the production process to ensure the final product aligns with the intended design.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and workshops to foster a creative environment and generate new ideas.
• Maintain a portfolio of your work to showcase your design capabilities and contributions to the team.

Requirements

• A robust professional background in design and innovation, particularly in a CMF-focused role, with at least 3-5 years of experience.
• Proficiency in material forecasting and application across diverse sectors, including consumer electronics, interior design, and home decor.
• A comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes and the properties of various materials.
• Experience in coordinating with suppliers to establish production standards and create material samples.
• Capability to collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to refine prototypes for large-scale production.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, demonstrating reliability in both remote and in-office settings.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with team members.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with sustainable materials and eco-friendly design practices.
• Experience in working with digital design tools and software relevant to CMF design.
• Knowledge of global design trends and cultural influences on material choices.
• Previous experience in a fast-paced design environment or startup culture.
• A network of contacts in the manufacturing and material sourcing industries.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, or similar tools for visualizing CMF concepts.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market research and consumer insights effectively.
• Ability to create physical prototypes and samples using various materials and techniques.
• Familiarity with project management tools to track progress and deadlines efficiently.

Practical notes

• We offer a competitive freelance contract with regular payment schedules to ensure financial stability.
• You will become part of a collaborative and inclusive team of around 70 international professionals, fostering a vibrant creative atmosphere.
• Our studio culture values both professional excellence and the unique personalities of our team members, encouraging a balance between work and individual expression.
• This role provides an opportunity to contribute to innovative projects while enjoying the flexibility of freelance work.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in Shanghai and should be prepared for potential remote collaboration with team members across different time zones.

About the company

Founded in 2019, Phoenix is building the most trusted telehealth platform in Canada, making specialist healthcare accessible to every Canadian, wherever they are. Our platform breaks down barriers to care, empowering patients to take control of their health with personalized treatment options and the guidance of licensed providers.