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 Assistant CAD Designer is responsible for all aspects of CAD Design, including developing prints, color combinations, stripes, graphics, embellishments, jacquards, and plaids for each season. They support the Senior CAD Designer/Senior Designer in executing a strategic vision with a customer-centric approach while meeting sales and profit objectives. This role requires leveraging technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop product assortments. Key aspects include collaboration, taking ownership of business outcomes, and achieving results. The Assistant CAD Designer excels in swiftly evaluating and phasing out outdated approaches that no longer align with the strategy. They are known for their visionary approach, speed, organization, and accuracy in design execution.
What You Will Do
In Season Forecasting:
Assist the Senior CAD Designer/Senior Designer in trend research for Seasonal Prep + Concept milestone meetings, focusing on prints, colorways, embellishments, graphics, and new ornamental treatments
Collaborate with the Senior CAD Designer/Senior Designer on in-season print/pattern changes for the department and vendors, based on sales, margin, and turn forecasts in partnership with the Product Development and Buying Team
Support strategic meetings by recommending print/pattern assortments to key resources and management
Identify key prints/patterns for each classification
Adhere to the seasonal time and action calendar for their area of responsibilityAssortment Vision, Strategy & Selection:
Aid the Senior CAD Designer/Senior Designer in designing and developing colorways, prints, and fabric simulations (wovens, knits, foils)
Recolor and design prints, jacquards, embroidery, embellishments, yarn dyes, and graphics
Scan and clean up prints to assist vendors in executing the proper number of screens
Assist in creating proper repeats of patterns
Prepare print boards and set up presentations and markets
Design graphics for prints, logos, etc.
Assist in designing companion prints
Conduct competitive shopping for trend and research developmentAdministrative Tasks:
Maintain and organize file structures within the brand for both external and internal partners using SharePoint and PLM
Process and save print studio filesOverseas/Domestic Vendors, Marketing, Product Integrity, & Technical Design:
Maintain an industry presence to foster connections, identify new business opportunities, and generate ideas for Macy’s
Represent and support the Macy’s brand while building and maintaining relationships
Communicate extensively with design and product teams
Collaborate with overseas and domestic vendors
Regularly communicate with design and product management teams to gather input and share print/pattern development direction
Communicate daily with overseas offices to share print/pattern development information
Assist the Senior CAD Designer/Senior Designer in selecting and approving patterns, scale, and colors
Utilize design software programs for style, color, and pattern development
Identify print opportunities and provide suggestions
Maintain regular, dependable attendance and punctuality
Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communitiesSkills You Will Need
CAD Design: Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software to create prints, color combinations, stripes, graphics, embellishments, jacquards, and plaids for seasonal collections
Trend Research: Ability to conduct research and analysis on current fashion trends, focusing on prints, colorways, embellishments, graphics, and new ornamental treatments to inform design decisions
Color Sense/Print Sense: Strong ability to perceive and differentiate colors and prints, essential for creating harmonious and appealing design compositions
Graphic Design: Capability to create and manipulate graphics, logos, and other visual elements using design software, ensuring they align with brand aesthetics and marketing objectives
Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge and skills in technical aspects of fabric simulations (wovens, knits, foils), understanding their properties and suitability for different design applications
Pattern Development: Proficiency in developing and refining patterns, including proper repeats, to ensure quality and consistency in production
Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to creatively approach challenges in design, finding innovative solutions that meet aesthetic and functional requirements
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners
Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to maintain file structures, manage project timelines, and handle multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Adaptability: Capacity to adapt to changing trends, priorities, and project requirements while maintaining high standards of design quality and execution
Attention to Detail: Keen attention to detail in all aspects of design, from initial concept development to final execution, ensuring accuracy and alignment with design specifications
Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with vendors, internal stakeholders, and industry contacts to facilitate collaboration and achieve design goals
Resilience: Resilience and persistence in facing challenges and setbacks, maintaining motivation and focus to achieve design objectives and meet project deadlines
Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, new technologies, and design techniques to continuously improve skills and design capabilities
Who You Are
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
1-3 years of direct experience
Experience in retail or design internships preferred
This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.
Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needsWhat 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 reimbursementAccess 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.