Regional Manager
Jose has been promoted to Director of Field Services.
"Our work environment is unique - it is causal and upbeat. My staff is a good group of people that are focused on doing a good job. Although at times it is stressful and very fast-paced, we work together and find solutions as a team."
 | Why did you join Macy's Systems and Technology and why have you stayed? |  |
I joined Macy's Systems and Technology as part of the merger between Macy's, Inc. and Allied Stores. The merger also centralized the IT Departments to provide better service and systems. I thought it was a great concept and decided to take a chance with Macy's Systems and Technology. I have been here for 20 years and the reason I have stayed is that I've been respected, valued and well compensated for my contributions to the company.
| What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities? | |
The fact that I run a "small business" within a very large company is what I enjoy. As the Regional Manager for the national repair center, we provide technical and repair support for all of Macy's, Inc.'s stores. All of the equipment we use to sell and ticket merchandise is proprietary equipment. The national repair center maintains all of the equipment internally for all of the stores.
| What contribution do you make to your division and how does this contribute to the company's overall success? | |
I provide Macy's Systems and Technology a professional and productive department that supports all the technological and repair needs of the company. It is a very cost-effective way of doing business. Because we maintain systems internally, we reduce the expense of using a third party company and that contributes to bottom-line profit for the company.
| What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company? | |
Nine years ago, I was asked to be a part of creating a national repair center to consolidate the IT function at Macy's, Inc. It was my most memorable moment because it was a project I started from scratch and to be asked to be part of it was such an honor. Nine years later it is still working for us and we improve on our systems every day.
| How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you? | |
There has been a lot of training in the past 20 years. The management and HR training I have received and continue to participate in has aided me in reaching my goals and the company's objectives, as well as teaching me important people skills. At times we are so focused on the project we forget about the people. Through management training, I have learned how important people skills are in employee retention and team building.
| Is community involvement important to you, have you been involved in any projects in your division and was this something you considered when joining the company? | |
It is important for me to be involved. I currently participate in the United Way and co-chair the diversity council. Originally, I thought I was going to go work for a technology company and as long as I provided good technology, it was all I needed to do. That is not the case. When you see how much Macy's, Inc. supports the community, it makes you feel good to know that your employer really cares.
| What do you like best about your work environment? | |
Our work environment is unique - it is causal and upbeat. My staff is a good group of people that are focused on doing a good job. Although at times it is stressful and very fast-paced, we work together and find solutions as a team.
| What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work? | |
I have two children and family is very important to me. I have always been an athlete - I relax by playing a round of golf with my friends. If you keep your personal life stable and happy, it will provide you with the roadmap to succeed in a fast-paced company like Macy's Systems and Technology. Because the world of IT is so dynamic, you have to be focused when you are on the job. When I go home, I leave work at work and give my family the time and attention they need.
| What advice would you give to a new employee joining the company in a position similar to yours? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals? | |
You need to be prepared to be challenged. Don't be afraid of taking risks. My manager says I'm a very motivated person and I am always looking for ways to better myself and my team. I am not afraid of taking on responsibility and that has helped in reaching my goals.
| What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc. and specifically for Macy's Systems and Technology? | |
Macy's, Inc. is the premier retail organization in the United States. Macy's Systems and Technology will need to continue to develop better and faster systems. The technology we will provide the stores in the future will ultimately provide better customer service and a better overall shopping experience for the customer.
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