Merchandise Creative Designer, M&M's Retail Stores

Mars (External) Open · verified Aug 17, 2026

Illinois-Chicago Full-time Mid-level Creative

Mid-level Creative role at Mars (External). Illinois-Chicago · full-time · $79,280–$109,010 base.

SalaryStated by Mars (External)

$79,280 – $109,010

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Shape M&M’s merchandise concepts, product details, and packaging from initial idea through launch
Use shopper insights, sales results, and market activity to improve creative direction and product performance
Align visual merchandising, digital, marketing, retail operations, and store design across channels
Run the creative workflow with agencies, vendors, and suppliers to deliver finished merchandise
Help set the creative roadmap, uphold brand and sustainability requirements, and recommend future improvements

What you bring

A bachelor’s degree in product design, retail merchandising, marketing, or a related discipline
At least five years creating merchandise or developing products for retail or consumer goods
Knowledge of product presentation, shopper behavior, merchandise design, and social media trends
Experience handling several creative initiatives while influencing cross-functional teams and outside partners
Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, strong communication skills, and the ability to connect creative decisions to business results

Who this fits

You’ll suit this role if you combine merchandise design or product development experience with commercial judgment and strong creative instincts. The position is full-time and based in Chicago, Illinois, with frequent collaboration across internal teams and external agencies, vendors, and suppliers. You’ll also need a genuine connection to the M&M’s brand and comfort balancing creative quality with sales goals.

From the employer

Job Description:

Mars is seeking a highly creative and strategic Manager, Retail Merchandise Creative and Design to lead the merchandise creative efforts exclusively for M&M's retail channels, including Stores and E-Commerce. This role is central to driving innovative, differentiated, and social media-worthy merchandise that captivate consumers and elevate the M&M's brand experience.

As a key member of the Product Development and Merchandising team, you will champion product creativity that not only excites and engages our consumers but also delivers strong sales performance. You will work collaboratively with Visual Merchandising, Digital, Marketing, and Retail Operations teams to ensure a cohesive and impactful brand presence across all touchpoints.

What are we looking for?

Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Retail Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in merchandise creative design or product development within retail or consumer goods, with a proven track record of delivering innovative and commercially successful products.
Deep understanding of merchandise design, product presentation, consumer behavior, and social media trends.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple creative projects simultaneously while collaborating effectively across diverse teams.
Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills to inspire and influence internal stakeholders and external partners.
Proficiency in design and product development tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and relevant software.
Passion for the M&M's brand, with a strong eye for detail, creativity, and innovation.
Strong business acumen with the ability to balance creative vision with sales performance objectives.

What will your key responsibilities be?

Lead the creative development of merchandise concepts, product design elements, and packaging innovations that are bold, innovative, and uniquely M&M's — designed to excite consumers and generate social media buzz.
Drive product creativity that differentiates M&M's in the marketplace, ensuring merchandise is visually compelling, on-trend, and aligned with evolving consumer preferences.
Collaborate closely with Visual Merchandising and Digital teams to ensure merchandise creative strategies translate into cohesive in-store and online brand experiences.
Partner with cross-functional teams including Product Development, Marketing, Retail Operations, and Store Design to integrate merchandise creative initiatives seamlessly across channels.
Manage the end-to-end creative process from ideation through production and implementation, working closely with external vendors and suppliers to deliver high-quality, innovative merchandise.
Utilize consumer insights, sales data, and market trends to inform and refine merchandise creative strategies that maximize both brand impact and commercial success.
Support the Director of Product Development and Merchandising in defining and executing a forward-thinking merchandise creative roadmap that aligns with business goals.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with external creative agencies, vendors, and suppliers to continuously push the boundaries of merchandise innovation.
Ensure all merchandise creative outputs adhere to Mars brand standards, Responsible AI policies (where applicable), and sustainability commitments.
Monitor and evaluate the performance of merchandise creative initiatives, making data-driven recommendations to optimize future product creativity and sales outcomes.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 79,280.00 - USD 109,010.00