Merchandise Creative Designer, M&M's Retail Stores

Mars • Chicago, IL

10d • $79,280 - $109,010

About The Position

Mars is seeking a creative and strategic merchandise design professional to lead creative efforts for M&M's retail channels, including stores and e-commerce. The role focuses on developing innovative, differentiated merchandise that captures consumers’ attention, elevates the M&M's brand experience, and supports sales performance. As part of the Product Development and Merchandising team, the designer collaborates with Visual Merchandising, Digital, Marketing, Retail Operations, and other partners to create a cohesive brand presence across channels. The role manages creative work from ideation through production and implementation, uses consumer and sales insights to shape merchandise strategy, and supports the Director of Product Development and Merchandising in advancing a merchandise creative roadmap. Creative output must follow Mars brand standards, applicable Responsible AI policies, and sustainability commitments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Retail Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in merchandise creative design or product development within retail or consumer goods, with a record of delivering innovative, commercially successful products.
• Deep understanding of merchandise design, product presentation, consumer behavior, and social media trends.
• Ability to manage multiple creative projects simultaneously and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills to influence internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and relevant design and product development software.
• Passion for the M&M's brand, with a strong eye for detail, creativity, and innovation.
• Strong business acumen and ability to balance creative vision with sales performance objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative development of merchandise concepts, product design elements, and packaging innovations that are bold, innovative, distinctly M&M's, and designed to excite consumers and generate social media attention.
• Develop merchandise that differentiates M&M's in the marketplace and is visually compelling, on-trend, and aligned with evolving consumer preferences.
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising and Digital teams to translate merchandise creative strategies into cohesive in-store and online brand experiences.
• Partner with Product Development, Marketing, Retail Operations, Store Design, and other cross-functional teams to integrate creative initiatives across channels.
• Manage the end-to-end creative process from ideation through production and implementation, coordinating with external vendors and suppliers.
• Use consumer insights, sales data, and market trends to inform and refine strategies for brand impact and commercial success.
• Support the Director of Product Development and Merchandising in defining and executing a merchandise creative roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Build and maintain partnerships with external creative agencies, vendors, and suppliers to advance merchandise innovation.
• Ensure creative outputs adhere to Mars brand standards, applicable Responsible AI policies, and sustainability commitments.
• Monitor the performance of creative initiatives and make data-driven recommendations to improve future product creativity and sales outcomes.

Benefits

• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• Medical and dental benefits.
• Participation in a 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off benefits.
• Learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior