Associate Designer

About the Role

Be part of an amazing story at Macy’s, a brand that has captured the hearts and minds of America for over 160 years. As an Associate Designer, you will exude dynamic and passionate creativity while contributing to cohesive product presentations, strategic design decisions, and cross-functional collaboration. This role emphasizes both technical skills and leadership, fostering a one-team mindset and inspiring creative thinking within Macy’s design community.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust skills in researching categories, trends, and customer preferences, and effectively communicate findings.
• Create original designs as a motivated and passionate designer.
• Collaborate with people leaders to produce cohesive product presentations, including boards, tear sheets, CADS, and samples to sell the collection to counterparts.
• Work closely with the Senior Designer/Design Director on the development and execution of product designs that align with overall product strategy and merchandise objectives.
• Select and approve styles, materials, trims, and colors that fit into the program and style plans, with support from people leaders.
• Develop flat mechanical sketches for design development packages and provide feedback to assistant designers on sketches and development packages (where applicable).
• Review and provide feedback on development samples in partnership with people leaders.
• Take responsibility for approving strike-offs, samples, and other development materials.
• Utilize Adobe and CLO programs for style, color, and pattern development.
• Adhere to and contribute to prioritizing the seasonal time and action calendar for the area of responsibility.
• Maintain industry knowledge, representing and supporting the Macy’s brand while building and maintaining relationships.
• Actively participate in meetings with cross-functional partners.
• Foster relationships and communicate regularly with cross-functional partners and vendors to gather input and expand knowledge.
• Collaborate with the Tech team to ensure correct specifications are used for sample development and attend all fit sessions with Technical Design and Design Teams.
• Review customer feedback and adjust designs based on reviews.
• Grow assistant designers (where applicable), lead peers, manage up, and gain influence across the organization.
• Inspire, motivate, and engage with a one-team mindset.
• Evaluate current practices and encourage creative thinking about how things could be more effective and efficient.
• Participate in and contribute ideas in a clear, confident, and composed manner.
• Take risks and celebrate risk-taking regardless of the outcome.
• Demonstrate resilience, tenacity, and high energy, with the ability to rapidly bounce back from adversity.
• Embrace change with realistic optimism and persist through challenges and setbacks.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• 3-5 years of industry experience.
• Strong color sense and print sense, with the ability to view and differentiate the color spectrum.
• Working knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, CLO, and PLM.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.

This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.

Skills

• Creative Design: Create original designs with motivation and passion, showcasing a strong creative vision and the ability to bring innovative ideas to fruition.
• Collaboration and Presentation: Collaborate effectively with people leaders to produce cohesive product presentations, utilizing boards, tear sheets, CADS, and samples to compellingly sell the collection to counterparts.
• Product Development and Decision-Making: Work closely with the Senior Designer/Design Director on the development and execution of product designs, ensuring alignment with overall product strategy and merchandise objectives. Demonstrate the capability to select and approve styles, materials, trims, and colors that align with program and style plans.
• Technical Proficiency and Adaptability: Utilize Adobe and CLO programs for style, color, and pattern development, showcasing technical proficiency. Adhere to and contribute to prioritizing the seasonal time and action calendar for the area of responsibility, demonstrating adaptability and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and comprehensive health and wellness coverage, including medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• 401(k) match to invest in your future.
• Paid time off and eight paid holidays.
• Continuous learning and leadership development opportunities.
• Merchandise discounts and performance-based incentives.
• Annual merit review.
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Opportunities to join Colleague Resource Groups and participate in volunteer opportunities.

This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment.