About the position

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 Principal, Colleague Experience leads the strategy, design, and execution of the colleague listening and action ecosystem, ensuring consistent, innovative ways to capture, synthesize, and act on colleague feedback across critical moments and channels. This role drives the Culture Pulse Survey, lifecycle surveys (including onboarding and exit), and enterprise-wide two-way dialogue forums, translating insights into meaningful action and closing the loop through clear, transparent communication. The Principal sets the standard for using colleague feedback to drive progress, strengthen engagement, and shape a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Build and evolve an integrated, modern listening framework that spans surveys, two-way dialogue, and digital channels to continuously capture the colleague voice.
• Establish clear, transparent rhythms for sharing insights and actions, enabling leaders to respond quickly and ensuring colleagues see how their feedback drives change.
• Analyze data from multiple sources—including surveys, forums, and lifecycle moments—to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; leverage AI and advanced analytics to accelerate insight generation and decision-making.
• Design and execute the enterprise Culture Pulse Survey, including cadence, question design, benchmarking, dashboards, and leader enablement, in partnership with external listening vendors.
• Develop and continuously refine onboarding, exit, and targeted pulse surveys (e.g., leadership development, colleague events, seasonal hiring, change initiatives) aligned to business priorities.
• Synthesize insights from roundtables, site visits, and enterprise forums to provide a holistic, real-time view of colleague sentiment and experience.
• Partner with leaders to translate insights into practical action plans, drive accountability, measure impact, and embed listening-and-acting practices into daily routines.
• Establish clear guidelines and governance for crowdsourced and leader-led surveys to ensure consistency, quality, and appropriate use of colleague feedback.
• Leverage AI and digital tools to deepen insight, automate analysis, and improve the speed and effectiveness of action planning.
• Collaborate closely with HR, the Talent COE, business leaders, and external partners to ensure listening strategies are integrated, scalable, and aligned with Macy’s culture vision.
• Translate data and insights into compelling narratives that inform leaders, mobilize action, and reinforce cultural priorities.
• Embed Macy’s values and Genuine Hospitality into all listening moments and provide peak-period support across key colleague experience initiatives, including recognition, onboarding, learning, and listening.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.

Requirements

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set and execute a vision for colleague listening and action, aligned with Macy’s business and culture goals.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Advanced skills in analytics, survey design, and insight generation, with experience leveraging AI and digital tools.
• Change Management: Proven ability to lead organizational change, drive adoption of new practices, and measure impact.
• Collaborative Communication: Strong partnership and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence and inspire across all levels.
• Design Thinking: Expertise in user-centered, iterative problem-solving, focused on colleague needs and workplace realities.
• Adaptability & Innovation: Ability to pivot quickly, experiment with new approaches, and continuously improve.
• Advanced Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to address complex workplace issues. Ability to anticipate challenges and proactively implement solutions.
• Operational & Financial Management: Capable of managing resources, vendors, and budgets effectively for maximum impact.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
• 10 plus years of experience in Organization Effectiveness, Organizational Development (OD), and capability-building programs; strong adult learning expertise is a plus.
• 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 (hybrid) schedule based on department and company needs. The role can be based in New York City at our Herald Square Headquarters or our Cincinnati Corporate Offices.

Benefits

• competitive pay and benefits
• comprehensive health and wellness coverage
• 401(k) match
• paid time off
• eight paid holidays
• continuous learning and leadership development
• Colleague Resource Groups
• volunteer opportunities
• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement