Macy's 2026 Executive Development Program - Merchandising

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 Merchandising Executive Development Program provides early-career professionals with valuable hands-on experience and prepares them for a career at Macy's. The program combines structured training with immersion in a high-performing, collaborative team culture that fosters innovation and the exchange of new business ideas.

Merchandising teams at Macy's drive sales and maximize gross margin by identifying, procuring, and assorting the products customers want. The program offers training in one of four dynamic merchandising functions: Buying, Pricing Strategy, Business Office, or Assortment, with participants specializing in a single function for the duration of the program.

Upon successful completion, participants transition into an Assistant-level role aligned with business needs. The Merchandising Executive Development Program is based at Macy's corporate offices in New York City, with start dates throughout the year based on business demand.

What You Will Do

Buying

The Buying team drives sales, margin, inventory productivity, and business growth by developing and executing strategic assortment plans. Buyers analyze product performance data to recommend advertising strategies and featured product selections that enhance sales and profitability. As a Buying EDP, you contribute to merchandise assortments across all Macy's shopping channels, including stores and e-commerce.

Key Responsibilities:

• Gain professional development through hands-on learning, structured workshops, and collaborative projects.
• Build relationships with business leaders and team members.
• Participate in weekly business meetings to review and recap sales performance.
• Analyze business metrics and provide actionable recommendations based on trends.
• Collaborate on key item and fashion assortment strategies.
• Conduct competitive shopping to evaluate pricing and market trends.
• Assist in creating purchase orders.
• Track in-season receipts and resolve vendor shipping issues.

Pricing Strategy

Pricing Strategy EDPs support the development and execution of digital pricing strategies that drive demand. This role requires agility to pivot between projects and businesses within Macy's portfolio. The Pricing Strategy team plays a vital role in supporting site strategy and driving profitability through effective pricing tactics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Gain professional development through hands-on learning, structured workshops, and collaborative projects.
• Build relationships with business leaders and colleagues.
• Support divisional digital pricing strategy and execution.
• Execute permanent markdowns for both stores and Macys.com.
• Identify and resolve pricing challenges and opportunities to improve processes.
• Meet deadlines while working independently and collaboratively.

Assortment

The Assortment team drives sales, margin, inventory turnover, and growth by developing optimized product assortments. The Assortment EDP supports the team through data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning to ensure assortments meet customer needs across channels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Gain professional development through hands-on learning, structured workshops, and collaborative projects.
• Build relationships with business leaders and team members.
• Contribute to assortment plans that align with business and promotional strategies.
• Partner with merchants to ensure channel plans support financial and strategic objectives.
• Analyze in-season product performance by channel, category, and marketing strategy.
• Evaluate assortment effectiveness and recommend adjustments.
• Monitor vendor performance and suggest strategies to enhance profitability.

Business Office

The Business Office team leads the division's strategic and operational execution. The Business Office EDP coordinates key processes, manages reporting, and ensures teams meet deadlines and strategic priorities. This role combines vision with a strong sense of urgency and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the schedule of all marketing-related meetings and ensure readiness.
• Provide historical data and advertising recaps to evaluate item productivity.
• Maintain the division calendar and communicate key deadlines to the team.
• Manage and deliver corporate reporting for merchandising leaders, including weekly business recaps.
• Gain professional development through hands-on learning, structured workshops, and collaborative projects.
• Build relationships with business leaders and team members.
• 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

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving - Analyze data, identify trends, and make data-informed recommendations.

Retail Math & Financial Acumen - Apply retail math concepts and interpret financial/performance metrics to drive results.

Technical Proficiency - Skilled in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, advanced formulas; macros a plus).

Business Acumen - Understand assortment planning, pricing, marketing, and operational strategy.

Detail Orientation - Maintain high accuracy and thoroughness in all work.

Time Management & Prioritization - Manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Adaptability - Remain agile and flexible in shifting business priorities.

Initiative & Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities and consistently deliver results.

Collaboration - Build strong cross-functional relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Communication & Storytelling - Present insights clearly, influence stakeholders, and craft compelling narratives.

Customer Focus - Prioritize customer needs in merchandising decisions and strategies.

Leadership Potential - Demonstrate ability to lead initiatives, contribute to team-building, and foster a collaborative environment.

Curiosity & Continuous Learning - Eager to learn, ask questions, and contribute innovative ideas.

Who You Are

• Candidates with a bachelor's degree are encouraged to apply. Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• 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.

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