Director, Design

Be part of an amazing story.

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, Design leads the brand's creative direction, managing all aspects of design including development, materials, silhouettes, and colors. They foster a community of visionary designers who think, dream, and create with intent. At Macy's, the Director values original design and champions innovation and teamwork, influencing both the organization and external partners.

What You Will Do

The Art of Storytelling & Trend Integration

• Recognize and interpret key fashion trends across footwear, accessories, and RTW. Maintain a sharp eye for emerging trends and translate them into relevant, brand-aligned design aesthetics.
• Lead in-depth trend and category research, including retail market analysis, to identify key actions and fresh ideas. Maintain awareness of both macro and micro trends influencing the industry.
• Identify broader cultural trends and their impact on fashion. Source inspiration from diverse outlets such as runways, museums, vintage archives, and trade shows.
• Craft engaging, emotionally resonant stories around collections to strengthen brand identity and customer connection.
• Strategically incorporate relevant trend elements into both new and existing designs, maintaining freshness while honoring brand DNA.
• Effectively convey trend insights and design direction to cross-functional teams and vendor partners to ensure alignment and cohesion.
• Integrate trends thoughtfully while preserving the brand's aesthetic and core design principles.
• Leverage storytelling as a tool to build emotional connections with consumers, enhancing the perceived value and uniqueness of each product.
• Collaborate with RTW and Accessories teams to ensure a unified and elevated brand narrative across all categories.
• Maintain a constant focus on what's next, with a strong drive to identify and react to trends that keep the brand culturally relevant and forward-looking.

Alignment with Cross-Functional Partners

• Lead co-collaboration efforts with vendors, ensuring alignment on brand DNA and clear expectations for collaboration meetings.
• Maintain a strong industry presence to build connections, explore new business opportunities, and represent the Macy's brand.
• Foster strong relationships with technical design, merchandising, product development, sourcing, and CAD teams to share insights, streamline processes, and leverage cross-functional expertise.
• Communicate consistently with Omni partners to gather feedback and share product line development updates.
• Collaborate across departments to elevate design and presentation standards.
• Support the design process by attending key fit sessions to review and approve counter samples for silhouette and design intent.
• 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.

Skills You Will Need

Creative Leadership & Vision - Proven ability to set and articulate a compelling seasonal fashion direction with a forward-thinking, customer-centric mindset that aligns with brand identity and business goals.

Trend Awareness & Cultural Insight - Deep understanding of macro and micro trends, with the ability to interpret cultural shifts and translate them into relevant, innovative product direction.

Design & Aesthetic Expertise - Strong sense of color, print, and silhouette; able to source inspiration from diverse outlets such as museums, vintage archives, trade shows, and global markets to drive original design.

Product Strategy & Commercial Acumen - Ability to develop assortments that balance aesthetic integrity with sales, margin, and turn goals; comfortable making in-season design changes based on performance data.

Software & Technical Proficiency - Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, Excel, and PLM systems; able to effectively execute and communicate design ideas digitally.

Color Sensitivity & Visual Differentiation - Strong color and print sensibility with the ability to view and differentiate across the full color spectrum, ensuring high standards in aesthetic execution.

Team Leadership & Development - Inspirational and adaptable leader who coaches and develops high-performing teams; fosters open communication, engagement, and growth opportunities.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Alignment - Skilled in partnering with merchandising, sourcing, technical design, CAD, and Omni teams to ensure design alignment across all business functions.

Vendor & Partner Management - Experienced in leading co-collaboration efforts with vendors, ensuring alignment on brand DNA and maintaining productive external partnerships.

Communication & Presentation - Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present seasonal direction and design strategies to internal and external stakeholders.

Decision-Making & Agility - Able to juggle multiple priorities, pivot quickly, and act decisively; comfortable with creative risk-taking and learning from both success and failure.

Who You Are

• Candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. 6+ 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.

About Us

This is a great time to join Macy's! Whether you're helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people's lives.

Join us and help write the next chapter in our story - apply today!

This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.