Director, Visual Creative Planning - Ready to Wear

Macy's, Inc. • New York, NY

54d

About The Position

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 Director, Visual Creative Planning drives sales, profit, and an extraordinary customer experience by developing and executing strategies that bring Macy's vision to life through compelling visual presentations. This leader serves as a strategic partner to the General Merchandise Manager (GMM) and Divisional Merchandise Managers (DMMs) of a designated family of business and acts as the CEO for translating fashion, style, and trend strategies into impactful in-store experiences. The Director provides clear direction to store teams on interpreting and implementing visual initiatives, balancing business opportunities, architectural considerations, traffic flow, and the intersection of art and science.

Requirements

• Visual Merchandising Expertise: Deep knowledge of visual merchandising principles, store layout, and the ability to translate fashion and trend strategies into engaging in-store experiences.
• Fashion & Trend Awareness: Strong personal interest and professional expertise in fashion, styling, design, and emerging cultural trends.
• Innovative Thinking: Ability to conceptualize fresh visual strategies and integrate new technologies, research, and market trends.
• People Leadership: Proven experience leading and mentoring creative teams; fosters talent development and supports career growth.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Builds and maintains strong relationships with merchants, marketing, store teams, and vendor partners.
• Project Management: Manages multiple visual projects from concept to execution, ensuring alignment with timelines and budgets.
• Resource Allocation & Prioritization: Efficiently manages workload and directs team efforts toward high-impact business priorities.
• Vendor Management: Experience sourcing and managing external vendors for visual elements such as props, displays, and environments.
• Design Software Proficiency: Skilled in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp, and Excel.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence across levels of the organization.
• Analytical Thinking: Uses data and performance insights to drive decisions and assess visual effectiveness.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrates flexibility and creativity in solving complex challenges.
• Retail Market Understanding: Deep understanding of the retail industry, customer behavior, and how visual strategies impact sales and the customer experience.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to manage budgets and align visual initiatives with profitability goals.
• Candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience and 5+ years of leadership experience.
• Regularly required to sit, talk, hear; use hands/fingers to touch, handle, and feel. Occasionally required to move about the workplace and reach with hands and arms. Requires close vision.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team through the creative process to conceptualize and design all visual merchandising components for a specific family of business.
• Partner with the merchants to provide monthly and seasonal fashion and style inspiration. Leverage personal expertise and curiosity in fashion, styling, and trends-along with a passion for creating an inspiring customer experience. Incorporate the latest technologies, industry trends, and research to develop innovative presentation concepts.
• Support field teams by delivering coaching, training, and feedback to ensure product knowledge, visual execution, and standards align with Macy's brand expectations.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal cross-functional partners and external business stakeholders. Work closely with Marketing, the Fashion Office, Merchants, and Vendor Partners to align on direction and bring fashion, trend stories, holiday campaigns, and gifting events to life.
• Communicate and manage all project timelines, deliveries, and installations-coordinating seamlessly across internal teams and external partners.
• Manage budgets for each project, ensuring cost controls are maintained.
• Champion a growth mindset by mentoring and coaching to support the evolution of Macy's culture.
• Foster career development and growth for direct reports, aligning opportunities with company goals and individual passions to unlock talent potential.
• Guide direct reports and cross-functional partners in prioritizing initiatives and allocating resources to ensure successful delivery of high-impact business goals.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
• In addition to the essential duties mentioned above, other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: General Merchandise Retailers
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees