Senior Designer

About Macy's

Macy's is more than just a store—we're a story that's captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions, inspiring stores and irresistible products, the excitement of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. That legacy is what makes this such a special place to work.

The Role

The Senior Designer is a highly skilled designer and category expert who demonstrates strong leadership abilities. You'll be at the intersection of creative vision and strategic business thinking, driving product design and seasonal direction while leading a design team.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Design to conduct trend and category research, analyzing the retail market relevant to your area of responsibility.
• Establish the brand's seasonal fashion direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity across all product lines.
• Research and interpret seasonal trends, fashion direction, and cultural influences, sourcing inspiration from runways, museums, and tradeshows.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision that prioritizes customer needs while meeting sales and profit objectives.
• Leverage technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop assortments that resonate with our customers.
• Lead the design team in the development and execution of product designs, collaborating with the Director/Senior Director on fabric and material selection.
• Interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for each season, selecting and approving styles, materials, trims, and colors that align with overall product strategy and SKU plans set by merchants.
• Create seasonal palettes and support fabric optimization.
• Partner with the Product Development team to ensure designs meet cost guidelines and collaborate with Strategic Sourcing for vendor allocation.
• Lead fit sessions with Tech Design and Product Development teams throughout the season to ensure clear communication and alignment on fit standards.
• Create cohesive product presentations—boards, tear sheets, and samples—to effectively communicate design concepts to merchants.
• Monitor product selling performance based on customer feedback and sales results, and incorporate learnings into future designs, staying responsive to market signals.
• Adhere to seasonal timelines and action calendars.
• Demonstrate comfort and effectiveness in leading through complexity, combining visionary thinking with a focus on speed.
• Maintain an industry presence to foster connections and explore new business opportunities while representing the Macy's brand.
• Cultivate relationships with technical designers, merchants, and sourcing divisions to exchange ideas and streamline processes.
• Serve as the primary contact with the Vendor Community (Overseas/Domestic) and communicate regularly with overseas offices to share line development direction.
• Collaborate closely with Omni partners to gather input and align online development direction.
• Anticipate potential obstacles and actively seek solutions while providing context and rationale for decision-making.
• Practice open and clear communication, keeping stakeholders informed and making decisions confidently and succinctly.
• Foster a collaborative environment, building trust and relationships across all levels of the organization to influence decision-making effectively.
• Coach and motivate design staff while identifying and nurturing talent for growth.
• Embrace risk-taking and encourage innovation regardless of outcome, while tracking and coaching team development.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and implement solutions, mentoring others outside direct reports to foster their growth.
• Demonstrate resilience, tenacity, and high energy, bouncing back rapidly from adversity.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.

What You'll Need

Experience and Education:

• Candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
• You'll need 5-7 years of industry experience.

Design Expertise:

• Possess advanced design skills and expertise within your designated category, demonstrating proficiency in conceptualizing and executing product designs.

Leadership Abilities:

• Exhibit strong leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with the Director of Design, lead design teams, and influence decision-making processes.
• Develop and motivate design teams, fostering engagement and high performance while identifying and nurturing talent for future growth.

Trend Analysis:

• Conduct thorough trend and category research, analyze retail market trends, and interpret seasonal fashion directions.

Creative Vision:

• Demonstrate a creative vision that aligns with the brand's seasonal fashion direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.

Strategic Thinking:

• Develop and execute strategic visions that prioritize customer needs while achieving sales and profit objectives, leveraging technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop assortments.

Color and Print Sense:

• Possess a strong sense of color and print, with the ability to interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for each season.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in design software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and PLM, as well as Microsoft Office and Excel for communication and organization.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey design concepts, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and maintain clear and open communication channels.

Adaptability and Resilience:

• Demonstrate adaptability and resilience in navigating complexity, bouncing back rapidly from adversity, and proactively identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Physical Requirements:

• You'll be regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to touch, handle, and feel.
• You'll occasionally need to move about the workplace and reach with hands and arms.
• Close vision is required.
• You'll be able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.

What We Offer

Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun. We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays.

Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through volunteer opportunities. Additional benefits include merchandise discounts, performance-based incentives, annual merit review, an Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice, and tuition reimbursement.

This is a great time to join Macy's and help write the next chapter in our story.