Role Description The Associate, Store Design supports creative development and project execution across assigned Store Environment initiatives. The role develops original design concepts, applies established design standards, and partners with Senior Designers to advance brand-aligned solutions. The associate communicates with consultants to support project goals, prepares concept packages, and supports presentations to Macy’s senior leadership. The role also conducts retail and design trend research to inform design direction. What You Will Do - Creative Development: - Support the design team across assigned Store Environment project categories, including Capital Projects (new stores, remodels, expansions) and other initiatives such as developer-funded projects, field projects, Big Ticket strategies, customer-facing initiatives, vendor GMMs, technology/omnichannel, Backstage, and new design concepts. - Support the design development of assigned Families of Business (FOBs)—such as Cosmetics, Home, and Men’s—by contributing to design standards, shops, merchandising, and service initiatives that drive sales and enhance the customer experience. - Support project design activities including market and concept trend research, presentation development, store surveys, scope and budget analysis, Block Plans, merchandise plan shaping, interior architectural development, integration of merchandising initiatives, perimeter and loose-fixture design, color and material concepts, and application of design best practices. - Implement established design standards, scaling appropriately to meet budget requirements while ensuring brand consistency across projects. - Apply AutoCAD and other technical skills to produce accurate and efficient documentation for all phases of in-house Store Environment projects, in partnership with Store Planning. - Continuously develop professional, presentation, and technical skills, including trend awareness, visualization, and presentation capabilities. - Actively participate in Store Environment sustainability initiatives. - Project & Personal Management: - Prioritize tasks and manage workloads, meetings, and design milestones effectively while meeting aggressive schedules and budgets. - Develop leadership capabilities by taking lead roles on select brand initiatives and mentoring student interns. - Maintain and expand design expertise through ongoing education, professional publications, networking, and participation in relevant professional organizations. - 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. Qualifications - Demonstrated ability to develop original, brand-aligned design concepts and support creative solutions across diverse Store Environment initiatives, including new stores, remodels, and specialized retail projects. - Strong understanding of retail environments, customer experience design, merchandising strategies, and interior architectural elements that drive sales and elevate the in-store experience. - Proven skill in applying established design standards consistently across projects while scaling solutions to meet budget, scope, and operational requirements. - Proficiency in AutoCAD and related design tools to produce accurate, efficient documentation across all project phases in partnership with Store Planning. - Ability to communicate design intent through compelling concept packages, drawings, renderings, and presentations for senior leadership, peers, and external consultants. - Strong command of digital design tools (AutoCAD, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, 3D modeling, Adobe Acrobat, MS Office) combined with effective by-hand sketching and rendering skills. - Ability to research and interpret retail, design, and material trends to inform concept development and support strategic design direction. - Strong capability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and support multiple projects simultaneously while meeting schedule and budget expectations. - Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to partner cross-functionally and work productively with Senior Designers, consultants, and leadership. - Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning, with emerging leadership skills demonstrated through ownership of initiatives, mentoring interns, and engagement in professional organizations. Requirements - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field. - 2-3 years of experience in a design role in the field of retail design. - 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. Benefits - Dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. - Comprehensive health and wellness coverage. - 401(k) match to invest in your future. - Paid time off and eight paid holidays. - Continuous learning and leadership development opportunities. - Merchandise discounts. - Performance-based incentives. - Annual merit review. - Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice. - Tuition reimbursement.