Macy's 2026 Executive Development Program, Store Management - Chicago Market

Job Overview

The Store Management Executive Development Program invites emerging leaders to step outside the cubicle and embark on a leadership journey. Participants gain experience developing teams, executing merchandising strategies, and consulting with key business partners on strategic initiatives to drive sales growth. The program provides high visibility and substantial responsibility while preparing participants to become successful store managers at Macy’s.

The Macy’s Store Management Executive Development Program (EDP) delivers a series of rotational experiences that build leadership, strategic planning, and business management skills necessary to run a multi-million-dollar retail business. Through personalized learning and on-the-job training, participants develop a global, strategic view of the retail landscape and prepare to advance rapidly within a Fortune 500 company.

Placement for the Store Management Executive Development Program is available in major markets nationwide, and the 2026 program begins in August 2026.

What You Will Do

Sales and Customer Experience

• Build foundational skills to serve customers, lead a team, and drive sales. These skills increase customer loyalty, create exceptional shopping experiences, and develop high-performing colleagues.
• Coach and develop a team of 10–20 associates, fostering a customer-focused environment.
• Drive sales and profit by hiring and developing talent, managing daily store operations, and empowering your team to deliver on our service promise.
• Analyze business trends and partner with your team to make decisions that drive sales growth.

Operations and Visual Merchandising

• Learn what it takes to make stores easy and exciting to shop — from receiving product to ensuring it is floor-ready.
• Build skills in store operations and merchandising while continuing to strengthen leadership capabilities.
• Lead merchandise movement, set-up, and visual execution for the store.
• Partner on planning and executing merchandising initiatives that drive business performance.
• Exceed sales goals by developing and executing strategies and identifying new growth opportunities.
• Ensure accurate promotional execution, including visual signage, key item placement, and seasonal fashion trend statements.

Business Administration

• Gain direct experience with key HR and talent management functions, including interviewing, hiring, staffing, and scheduling, to ensure smooth store operations.
• Continue building expertise in customer service, operations, and leadership while preparing to take on a leadership role.
• Lead essential activities and colleagues that drive At Your Service and store processes critical to operational success.
• Manage store administrative functions such as budgets and cash office operations.
• 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

Leadership & Team Development – Ability to inspire, coach, and develop a team of colleagues to deliver results and grow in their roles.

Customer-Centric Mindset – Passion for delivering Genuine Hospitality and creating exceptional customer experiences that build loyalty.

Communication & Collaboration – Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to engage associates, customers, and business partners.

Problem-Solving & Results Orientation – Skilled at identifying issues, making sound decisions, and driving performance through others.

Adaptability & Resilience – Thrives in a fast-paced environment, remains positive in the face of challenges, and adapts to change with agility.

Organizational Skills – Able to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and details while keeping a big-picture focus.

Self-Motivation & Initiative – Proactive in taking ownership, seeking growth opportunities, and contributing to the success of the store and team.

Who You Are

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply. Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• This position requires heavy lifting, constant moving, remaining in a stationary position, and reaching with arms and hands. Involves remaining in a stationary position for at least two consecutive hours, lifting at least 30 lbs. stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders. May involve reaching above eye level. Requires close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, 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 .

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!