Brand Partnerships Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Partnerships Associate

🔹 Company: Macy's

🔹 Location: New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Retail

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-03

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving sales and profitability through strategic merchandise buying
• Collaborating with vendors and internal teams to develop assortment strategies
• Analyzing sales trends and making data-driven decisions
• Representing Macy's brand and maintaining industry presence
• Fostering a positive work environment and strengthening relationships

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the retail industry, market trends, and customer behaviors. It also demands excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams and vendors.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Make independent purchasing decisions to satisfy customer demand and achieve sales, margin, and turnover goals

✅ Collaborate with vendors and internal partners to develop and execute assortment strategies based on market trends and financial targets

✅ Analyze sales trends and adjust in-season changes as needed

✅ Maintain an industry presence and represent Macy's brand

✅ Foster a positive work environment and strengthen relationships with colleagues, customers, and communities

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field

Experience: 3+ years of direct experience in a related field

Required Skills:

• Financial business acumen
• Retail strategy and tactics
• Change management
• Visionary thinking
• Communication skills
• Growth mindset
• Strategic planning
• Collaboration and coordination

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department needs

ASSUMPTION: While a bachelor's degree is preferred, equivalent work experience in a related field may be considered. Strong mathematical skills and the ability to work a flexible schedule are crucial for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Brand Partnerships Associate with 3-5 years of experience in the Retail industry in New York, NY)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
• 401(k) match
• Paid time off and eight paid holidays
• Continuous learning and leadership development
• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time position with a typical workweek of 40 hours. May require flexible scheduling based on department and company needs.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as individual qualifications, skills, and company performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Macy's operates in the competitive retail industry, focusing on providing quality fashion at affordable prices. The company faces intense competition from other department stores, specialty retailers, and e-commerce platforms.

Company Size: Macy's is a large company with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development. As a large organization, Macy's offers a structured work environment with clear hierarchies and established processes.

Founded: Macy's was founded in 1858 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most iconic retail brands in the United States.

Company Description:

• Macy's is America’s store for life, delivering quality fashion at affordable prices to customers through approximately 640 locations and the leading e-commerce site macys.com
• The company is known for its exclusive brands, dynamic mobile and social platforms, and memorable events such as the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Macy's is committed to giving back to communities, supporting local and national charities, and providing nearly $50 million in donations each year

Company Specialties:

• Retail
• E-commerce
• Fashion
• Event planning and production

Company Website: macys.com

ASSUMPTION: Macy's is a well-established company with a strong brand and a rich history in the retail industry. As a large organization, it offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, as well as a structured work environment with clear hierarchies and established processes.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career professionals with 3-5 years of experience in a related field. It offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Partnerships Associate will report directly to the Buying Director and work closely with various internal teams, such as Planning, Pricing, and Cross-Functional partners.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with a typical workweek of 40 hours. The role may require flexible scheduling based on department and company needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior Associate or Manager role within the Buying department
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as Planning, Marketing, or Store Operations
• Development of leadership and management skills through training programs and mentorship opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong potential for career growth and development within the company. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to progress to more senior roles or explore other areas of the business as they gain experience and demonstrate their skills.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Macy's operates a large, modern office space in New York City, providing a professional and collaborative work environment for employees.

Office Location(s): 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, US

Geographic Context:

• New York City is a major commercial and cultural hub, offering a wide range of amenities, entertainment, and networking opportunities
• The office is located in the heart of Manhattan, providing easy access to public transportation and numerous dining and shopping options
• The city's diverse population and vibrant atmosphere create a dynamic and engaging work environment

Work Schedule: Full-time position with a typical workweek of 40 hours. May require flexible scheduling based on department and company needs.

ASSUMPTION: The office environment at Macy's is professional, collaborative, and fast-paced, reflecting the company's status as a leading retailer in a competitive industry.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a panel of team members
• Final interview with the Buying Director
• Background check and reference verification

Key Assessment Areas:

• Retail industry knowledge and market trends
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of change
• Cultural fit and alignment with Macy's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the retail industry and market trends in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and communication abilities
• Research Macy's company culture and values to ensure a strong fit and alignment with the organization

ATS Keywords: Brand Partnerships, Retail Strategy, Market Trends, Customer Demand, Sales Targets, Assortment Planning, Vendor Collaboration, Data-Driven Decisions, Industry Presence, Relationship Building

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, given Macy's status as a leading retailer and the attractive benefits package offered. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding of the retail industry, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of success in a related field.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Retail-specific software and platforms (e.g., merchandising systems, data analytics tools)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., email, instant messaging, project management software)

ASSUMPTION: As a large retailer, Macy's utilizes a wide range of tools and technologies to support its operations and drive business success. Successful candidates will be comfortable working with various software platforms and leveraging technology to enhance their productivity and effectiveness.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Put the customer first
• Act with integrity
• Collaborate and win together
• Innovate and adapt
• Deliver results with excellence

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Focus on results and continuous improvement
• Opportunities for growth and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong passion for the retail industry and a deep understanding of market trends and customer behaviors?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapting to change?
• Do you possess excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal teams?
• Are you committed to delivering results with excellence and continuously improving your performance?

ASSUMPTION: Macy's values a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong alignment with the company's values and a commitment to contributing to its ongoing success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of work and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Navigating a large organization with established hierarchies and processes
• Adapting to change and responding to evolving market trends and customer demands
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors and internal teams

ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing a high volume of work, navigating a large organization, and adapting to change. Successful candidates will possess strong time management skills, the ability to work effectively under pressure, and a willingness to embrace change and continuous learning.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Buying roles, this position offers a greater degree of autonomy and responsibility for driving sales and profitability through strategic merchandise buying
• As a large retailer, Macy's provides more extensive resources and opportunities for growth and development than smaller organizations
• This role is well-suited to early to mid-career professionals seeking to establish a strong foundation in retail buying and advance their careers within the industry

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive sales and profitability through strategic merchandise buying, with a greater degree of autonomy and responsibility than comparable positions. As a large retailer, Macy's provides extensive resources and opportunities for growth and development, making it an attractive choice for early to mid-career professionals seeking to establish a strong foundation in retail buying.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic assortment plan for a key product category, based on market trends, customer demand, and financial targets
• Analyzing sales trends and adjusting in-season changes to optimize profitability and turnover
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors to secure favorable terms and ensure timely collection of markdowns and RTVs

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and required skills for the Brand Partnerships Associate role, including strategic planning, data analysis, and vendor management.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the broader organizational structure and contribute to the company's overall goals?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the Buying department and the company as a whole?
• How does Macy's support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the company's approach to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, organizational structure, growth opportunities, work-life balance, and diversity and inclusion initiatives, helping candidates make an informed decision about the position and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Macy's Careers website
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and communication abilities
• Research Macy's company culture and values to ensure a strong fit and alignment with the organization
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.