Product Development Associate Jobs in Bloomfield, NJ

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 Senior, Development is a member of the Development team responsible for building and managing the Macy’s Private Brand program, taking ownership of assortment execution. The team plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision of Macy’s Private Brands and collaborates with Sourcing to attain the desired final product cost and meet Brand/Category Initial Mark Up targets for its products. The Senior, Development works closely with the design, buying, and sourcing teams to ensure the translation of design intent into an approved sample that aligns with the brand’s aesthetic, style, and fit requirements within the specified cost and margin targets. Key responsibilities include executing the assortment strategy and actively participating in milestone meetings. 

What You Will Do

• Collaborate with Buying and Planning counterparts to ensure that department-level financial targets align with the assortment strategy; collaborate with Design to make necessary modifications. 
• Work alongside Sourcing Associates to guarantee that all styles receive vendor allocation. 
• Utilize the costing database with support from the Costing team to determine target costs based on product attributes, initial mark up goals, and retail prices. Review vendor cost breakdowns and escalate any costing issues. Collaborate with Raw Materials and Design to propose engineering solutions if necessary. 
• Communicate product details and specific meeting sample requirements to Overseas Office Merchant. 
• Update and take ownership of first-cost style-level analysis, iterating as needed until the final style is approved. 
• Update initial mark up roll-up at a style-level based on target cost, first cost (and iterations), and final cost. 
• Provide dashboard views of initial mark up roll-up to the Strategic Sourcing team. 
• Partner with Overseas Office Merchant and Strategic Sourcing to ensure the execution of cost negotiations and meeting established target cost/initial markup goals. 
• Review the execution of all development samples and monitor line development activities throughout the season. 
• Participate in Seasonal Prep and Line Development Meeting, Mid-Point/Pre-Line Review, and Line Review Meetings. 
• Support the Product Lead with materials for Post Buy Recap, including program and style placements. 
• Escalate any product-related issues (e.g., sample delivery timing, style execution, costing). 
• Collaborate with Buying counterparts to manage in-season chase/open to buy opportunities. 
• Communicate all purchase authorization/purchase order information to the Product Assistant and manage the accuracy and completeness of purchase order entry and tracking. 
• Ensure that PLM is updated throughout the season by the Product Assistant. 
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities. 
• Track development and adoption rates for the area of responsibility. 

Skills You Will Need

Assortment Execution: Demonstrate a strong ability to take ownership of assortment execution, ensuring that the Macy’s Private Brand program aligns with strategic objectives. 

Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with Buying, Planning, Design, and Sourcing teams to streamline processes, ensuring department-level financial targets support the assortment strategy. 

Costing Expertise: Utilize a costing database to determine target costs based on product attributes, IMU goals, and retail prices. Capable of reviewing vendor cost breakdowns and proposing engineering solutions when necessary. 

Communication Skills: Practice open and continuous communication, keeping team members informed and presenting information in a clear, concise manner. 

Analytical Abilities: Possess strong analytical skills to update and own first-cost style-level analysis, iterate as needed, and update IMU Roll-Up based on target cost, first cost, and final cost. 

Strategic Thinking: Think creatively, strategically, and technically to support the execution of the assortment strategy and navigate complex development challenges. 

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: Exhibit excellent leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration across functional lines and working effectively at different organizational levels. 

Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to evolving situations in the dynamic fashion industry, especially during milestone meetings and line development activities.

Negotiation Skills: Collaborate with OSO Merchant and Strategic Sourcing to ensure effective cost negotiations, meeting established target cost and IMU goals. 

Who You Are

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. 
  • 3+ years of experience in merchandising, product development, planning, or buying. 
• 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. 

SUPPLY00

This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.