Associate Designer

Macy's; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merchandise discounts

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Macy’s is seeking an Associate Designer to join our design team in New York. The role emphasizes creativity, trend analysis, and collaboration with leaders to develop cohesive product presentations and sell collections to counterparts.

You will work with Senior Designer/Design Director on development, selecting materials, trims, and colors aligned with strategy, and you’ll contribute to meetings and cross-functional alignment while fostering a one-team mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is encouraged.
• 3-5 years’ of industry experience.
• Strong color sense/print sense. Ability to view and differentiate the color spectrum.
• Working knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, CLO, and PLM.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust skills in researching categories, trends, and customer preferences, with the ability to 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.

Skills

Creative design

Collaboration and presentation

Product development

Technical proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

CLO

PLM

Job description

Be part of an amazing story

Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about 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. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.

Be part of an amazing story

Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about 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. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.

Job Overview

The Associate, Designer exudes dynamic and passionate creativity while proficiently understanding categories, trends, and customer preferences. Collaborating closely with people leaders and senior design professionals, they actively contribute to cohesive product presentations, strategically decide on styles, materials, and colors, and employ Adobe and CLO programs for design development. The role extends beyond technical skills, placing emphasis on cross‑functional alignment, active participation in meetings, and responsiveness to customer feedback. As an emerging leader, the Associate Designer inspires a one‑team mindset, encourages creative thinking, and navigate change with resilience and optimism, thereby making impactful contributions to Macy's design community.

What You Will Do

• Develop robust skills in researching categories, trends, and customer preferences, with the ability to 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.
• Engage the team by evaluating current practices and encouraging 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.
• Possess a collaborative, consultative style with a strong ability to establish trust and build relationships across all levels and functions of the organization.
• 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 caused by change.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.

Skills You Will Need

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. Additionally, adhere to and contribute to prioritizing the seasonal time and action calendar for the area of responsibility, demonstrating adaptability and organizational skills.

Who You Are

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. 3-5 years’ of industry experience.
• 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.
• Strong color sense/print sense. 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.

What We Can Offer You

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.

Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.

Some Additional Benefits We Offer Include

• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement

Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.

About Us

This is a great time to join Macy’s! Whether you’re helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in‑style and on‑trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives.

This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.