Associate Designer - INC

Macy's•New York, NY

3d•$81,840 - $136,320

About The Position

The Associate Designer contributes creative design expertise and knowledge of categories, trends, and customer preferences to Macy’s product design work. In collaboration with people leaders and senior design professionals, the role helps develop and execute product designs aligned with product strategy and merchandise objectives. It involves creating original designs and cohesive product presentations; selecting styles, materials, trims, and colors; reviewing and approving development materials; and using Adobe and CLO programs for design development. The role also works across functions and with vendors, participates in meetings and fit sessions, incorporates customer feedback, and contributes to seasonal planning. As an emerging leader, the Associate Designer supports and grows assistant designers where applicable, encourages creative thinking and a one-team mindset, builds relationships, and responds to change with resilience and optimism.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
3–5 years of industry experience.
Strong color and print sense, including 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.
Ability to communicate and collaborate, use office and computer systems, access and review written and electronic information, and move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed.

Responsibilities

Research categories, trends, and customer preferences, and communicate findings.
Create original designs and contribute creative ideas.
Collaborate with people leaders on product presentations, including boards, tear sheets, CADs, and samples.
Work with the Senior Designer/Design Director to develop and execute product designs aligned with product strategy and merchandise objectives.
Select and approve styles, materials, trims, and colors in line with program and style plans, with support from people leaders.
Develop flat mechanical sketches for design development packages and, where applicable, provide feedback to assistant designers on sketches and development packages.
Review development samples with people leaders and provide feedback.
Approve strike-offs, samples, and other development materials.
Use Adobe and CLO programs for style, color, and pattern development.
Adhere to and help prioritize the seasonal time and action calendar for the area of responsibility.
Maintain industry knowledge, represent and support the Macy’s brand, and build and maintain relationships.
Participate in meetings with cross-functional partners and communicate regularly with partners and vendors to gather input and expand knowledge.
Collaborate with the Tech team on specifications for sample development and attend 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 build influence across the organization.
Encourage a one-team mindset, creative thinking, and more effective and efficient practices.
Contribute ideas clearly, confidently, and composedly; take risks and celebrate risk-taking regardless of outcome.
Build trust and relationships across organizational levels and functions, and foster acceptance, respect, and authentic connections.
Demonstrate resilience and persist through challenges and change.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits.
Comprehensive health and wellness coverage.
401(k) match.
Paid time off and eight paid holidays.
Continuous learning and leadership development.
Colleague Resource Groups and volunteer opportunities.
Merchandise discounts.
Performance-based incentives.
Annual merit review.
Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice.
Tuition reimbursement.