Senior, Designer - Denim

Bring Your Amazing Self to Work

At Macy's, Inc. we're on a mission to create a brighter future with bold representation for all. This is our Mission Every One. We know that each person here is unique. So we respect and invest in each individual to create growth, pride, and satisfaction. If we are able to bring our whole selves to work, it translates into a more abundant and wider array of ideas and energy for all to benefit from. Our success will be built on amazing colleagues, working together.

Job Overview

The Senior Designer for Denim is a highly skilled designer and category expert who demonstrates strong leadership abilities.

What You Will Do

• 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 / core / wash direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.
• Strong expertise in all aspects of denim wash, formulas, production, chemistry and sustainability.
• 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.
• Take ownership of product design from concept to production, leading the design team in the development and execution of product designs.
• Collaborate with the Director/Senior Engineer on fabric and material selection, understanding the rationale behind decisions as well as Senior Wash Engineer for wash palettes.
• Interpret specific wash palettes, patterns, and occasional 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 with the Product Development team to ensure designs meet cost guidelines and collaborate with Strategic Sourcing for vendor allocation.
• 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.
• Serve as the primary contact with the Vendor Community (Overseas/Domestic) and communicate regularly with overseas offices to share line development direction.
• 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.
• Embrace risk-taking and encourage innovation, regardless of the outcome, while tracking and coaching team development and 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.

Skills You Will Need

Design Expertise: Possess advanced design skills and expertise within the designated category, demonstrating proficiency in conceptualizing and executing product designs.

Leadership Abilities: 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.

Trend Analysis: Ability to conduct thorough trend and category research, analyze retail market trends, and interpret seasonal fashion directions.

Creative Vision: Demonstrate a creative vision that aligns with the brand's seasonal direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.

Strategic Thinking: Develop and execute strategic visions that prioritize customer needs while achieving sales and profit objectives, leveraging technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop assortments.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, XD 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: Demonstrate adaptability and resilience in navigating complexity, bouncing back rapidly from adversity, and proactively identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Who You Are

• Dedicated to fulfilling ideals of diversity, inclusion, and respect that Macy's aspires to achieve every day in every way.
• Candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. 5-7 years of industry 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.

What We Can Offer You

• An inclusive, challenging, and refreshingly fun work environment
• Competitive pay and benefits rooted in principles of equity
• Performance incentives and annual merit review
• Merchandise discounts
• Health and Wellness Benefits across medical, dental, vision, and additional insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan with 401k match opportunity
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health counseling and legal/financial advice)
• Resources for continuous learning, career growth, and leadership development
• 8 paid holidays
• Paid Time Off (first year prorated depending on start date)
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Guild education benefit funds 100% of tuition, books, and fees in designated programs
• Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) and give-back/volunteer opportunities
• Empowerment and autonomy to perform impactful work with tangible results

About Macy's

Now is an exciting time for a Macy's career as we continue to focus on creating exciting and memorable experiences for every Macy's customer, whether their journey starts online or in the store. Our opportunities in Sales, Merchandise, Operations, Customer Service, Warehouse, Marketing, and other areas let you express your creativity and commitment to excellence, grow your career and make a difference to your Macy's colleagues and customers.

Bring your creativity, energy, and ideas to the Macy's team - Apply Today!

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