Senior Designer

About the role

The Senior Designer is a key member of the Macy’s design team, responsible for driving the aesthetic direction of the brand. Reporting to the Director of Design, this role requires a deep understanding of fashion trends and the ability to translate them into compelling product designs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Design to conduct trend and category research, including analysis of the retail market relevant to the area of responsibility.
• Partner with the Director of Design to establish the brand's seasonal fashion direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.
• Research and interpret seasonal trends, fashion direction, and cultural influences, sourcing inspiration from various outlets such as runways, museums, and tradeshows.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision that prioritizes customer needs while meeting sales and profit objectives, leveraging technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop assortments.
• Lead the design team in the development and execution of product designs, taking ownership of the design process from concept to production.
• Collaborate with the Director/Senior Director on fabric and material selection, understanding the rationale behind decisions.
• Interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for the season, selecting and approving styles, materials, trims, and colors.
• Ensure designs align with overall product strategy and adhere to SKU plans and assortment strategies set by merchants.
• Work closely with the Materials team to create seasonal palettes and support fabric optimization.
• Lead fit sessions with Tech Design and Product Development teams throughout the season, ensuring clear communication and alignment on fit standards.
• Create cohesive product presentations, including boards, tear sheets, and samples, to effectively communicate design concepts to merchants.
• React to current product selling performance based on customer feedback and sales results, incorporating learnings into future designs.
• Adhere to seasonal timelines and action calendars for the area of responsibility, ensuring timely execution of design tasks.
• Demonstrate comfort and effectiveness in leading through complexity, combining visionary thinking with a focus on speed.
• Maintain an industry presence to foster connections, explore new business opportunities, and represent the Macy’s brand.
• Cultivate relationships with technical designers, merchants, and sourcing divisions to exchange ideas and streamline processes.
• Collaborate closely with Omni partners to gather input and align online development direction, influencing decision-making.
• 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.
• Develop engaged and high-performing teams, coaching and motivating design staff while identifying and nurturing talent.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Possess advanced design skills and expertise within the designated category, demonstrating proficiency in conceptualizing and executing product designs.
• 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.
• Ability to conduct thorough trend and category research, analyze retail market trends, and interpret seasonal fashion directions.
• Demonstrate a creative vision that aligns with the brand's seasonal fashion direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.
• Strategic thinking to develop and execute strategic visions that prioritize customer needs while achieving sales and profit objectives, leveraging technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop assortments.
• Strong color and print sense, with the ability to interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for each season.
• Proficiency in design software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and PLM, as well as Microsoft Office and Excel for communication and organization.
• 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 in navigating complexity, bouncing back rapidly from adversity, and proactively identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Skills

• Design Expertise: Advanced design skills and expertise within the designated category.
• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with the Director of Design, lead design teams, and influence decision-making processes.
• Trend Analysis: Ability to conduct thorough trend and category research, analyze retail market trends, and interpret seasonal fashion directions.
• Creative Vision: Demonstrates a creative vision that aligns with the brand's seasonal fashion direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.
• Strategic Thinking: Develops and executes 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: Possesses a strong sense of color and print, with the ability to interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for each season.
• Technical Skills: Proficient 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: Demonstrates adaptability and resilience in navigating complexity, bouncing back rapidly from adversity, and proactively identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
• 401(k) match
• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives/bonuses
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to additional benefits offerings