Assistant Designer

About Macy’s

Macy’s is a long-standing retail brand with a history spanning more than 160 years. The company is known for blending tradition and innovation, memorable events, and products that inspire customers. Joining the team means becoming part of a workplace shaped by creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of shared purpose.

Role Overview

The Assistant Designer is an entry-level position on Macy’s Design team. In this role, you will build your understanding of the company’s culture, brand identity, and design principles while contributing to the development of private brand product. Macy’s is looking for creative thinkers who can grow into strong design contributors and work well within a collaborative design environment.

What You Will Do

• Build knowledge of category research, trend direction, and customer preferences.
• Support the design team by helping translate the private brand vision into materials, trims, silhouettes, colors, and prints.
• Contribute to product strategy and merchandise goals by assisting with a forward-looking, customer-focused design approach.
• Help prepare presentation boards and other materials for design meetings.
• Support in-season updates and design changes for the department and vendor partners.
• Take part in cross-functional meetings and summarize next steps or action items for the manager.
• Work with the people leader to stay aligned on deadlines, priorities, and workload expectations.
• Develop flat mechanical sketches for design development packages.
• Assist in the creation and circulation of tech packages.
• Support the review and approval of strike-offs, samples, and related development materials.
• Learn to use Adobe and CLO tools for style, color, and pattern work.
• Review development samples and share feedback.
• Maintain regular communication and working relationships with cross-functional partners throughout the product development process.
• Learn how to spot assortment opportunities and help build assortments.
• Contribute as a collaborative team member with a desire to grow a long-term career at Macy’s.
• Help create a respectful, inclusive environment that supports authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience is preferred.
• Prior experience through retail or design internships is an advantage.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and computer-based workplace skills are needed to perform the role effectively.
• Applicants should be able to read and review written and digital information, move around the work environment as needed, and handle materials required for the job.
• The role requires flexibility to work according to department and business needs.

Skills You Will Need

You should be comfortable with design research, presentation preparation, cross-functional teamwork, technical sketching, sample review, and fashion product development. A strong eye for color and print, good communication, and the ability to learn new tools and processes quickly will be important. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Excel, Adobe design tools, and PLM systems is helpful.

Compensation and Benefits

Macy’s offers a competitive pay structure along with a broad benefits package. Benefits may include health and wellness coverage, a 401(k) match, paid time off, eight paid holidays, learning and leadership development opportunities, colleague resource groups, and volunteer opportunities.

• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling plus legal and financial guidance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
• PTO accruals and holidays

Additional Information

This role may qualify for performance-based incentives or bonuses. Benefit eligibility can vary depending on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Macy’s is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company also notes that the job description may be updated at any time and is not intended to cover every possible responsibility.

Who Can Apply

Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. People with retail or design internship experience are especially welcome. Applicants should also be open to a flexible work schedule based on business requirements.