Senior, Designer - Knits and Sweaters

Job Overview

The Senior Designer 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 direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.
• 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 Director on fabric and material selection, understanding the rationale behind decisions.
• Interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and 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.
• Partner closely with the Materials team to create seasonal palettes and support fabric optimization.
• 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.
• 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.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.

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 fashion 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.

Color and Print Sense: Possess a strong sense of color and print, with the ability to interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for each season.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, 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

• 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

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.

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