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Apparel Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate with vendors and cross-functional teams to manage sample logistics while maintaining an ... Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Are you ready to set the standard for Premium apparel? Main purpose of the Design Manager role: This is full-time role for a highly experienced, talented Designer Manager who is driven by and can ...

Sample Management * Track and organize prototype and sample requests, ensuring they meet deadlines ... Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design or a related field (or equivalent experience ... Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects and pivot quickly as ...

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design or a related field (or equivalent experience ... Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects and pivot quickly as ...

Design Assistant

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... apparel to major retailers, big box stores, and specialty boutiques across the country and ... Sample Management * Track and organize prototype and sample requests, ensuring they meet deadlines ...

... apparel to major retailers, big box stores, and specialty boutiques across the country and ... Sample Management * Track and organize prototype and sample requests, ensuring they meet deadlines ...

VP of Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180 - $320/hr

VP of Design Regular Full-Time Senior Management Los Angeles, CA, US The Vice President of Fashion ... Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Product Development or Apparel Design related field * Expert ...

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for someone interested in apparel design, textiles, sourcing, and product development who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys managing details ...

Senior Designer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Lead the design and development of seasonal apparel collections for the Apparel business unit ... Manage multiple design projects and seasonal timelines simultaneously while maintaining a high ...

Designer II Golf Apparel

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$70K - $83K/yr

Create and execute apparel ranges that fit the brand strategies and align with the seasonal ... Participate in product design reviews for product line management. Create and present seasonal ...

CAD Artist

Cypress, CA · On-site

$22 - $23.50/hr

Today, Hybrid is a global apparel industry powerhouse in brand and licensing management. Hybrid provides its expertise and fully vertical operations capability - design, merchandising, development ...

The Opportunity - Initiate and manage new vendor set-up information - Manage the branded photo ... design boards What You Bring - Bachelor's degree in merchandising, fashion or related field - 2 ...

Designer - Swim

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

They will manage the design execution process to ensure all deadlines are met. What You'll Do ... What You'll Need: * 5+ years of apparel design experience, including Swimwear. * High school ...

They will manage the design execution process to ensure all deadlines are met. What You'll Do ... What You'll Need: * 5+ years of apparel design experience, including Swimwear. * High school ...

Assistant Designer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Manage sample organization and inventory. * Ensure deadlines are met while handling multiple projects simultaneously. Qualifications Education * Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design ...

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Apparel Design Manager information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do apparel design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design manager in California is $112,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apparel design manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apparel Design Manager, you need a strong background in fashion design, textile knowledge, and trend analysis, typically supported by a degree in fashion design or a related field. Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD tools, and familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems is essential. Strong leadership, creative vision, and excellent communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure innovative collections, efficient team management, and successful alignment with brand and market demands.

What is the difference between Apparel Design Manager vs Apparel Designer?

AspectApparel Design ManagerApparel Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees design teams, manages project timelines, and develops overall design strategies.Creates individual clothing designs, sketches, and prototypes based on trends and specifications.
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, advanced design skills, and industry knowledge.Creative skills, technical drawing, fabric knowledge, and trend awareness.
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaboration with teams, and coordination with production.Design studios, pattern making, and sample development.
Common CertificationsFashion design degree, portfolio, and industry experience.Fashion design degree, portfolio, and technical skills.

The Apparel Design Manager focuses on leading design teams and strategic planning, while the Apparel Designer concentrates on creating individual clothing pieces. Both roles require a strong fashion background, but the manager role emphasizes leadership and project oversight.

What does an apparel design manager do?

An Apparel Design Manager oversees the design process for clothing collections, from concept to final product. They lead design teams, ensure the brand’s vision is reflected in each collection, and collaborate with other departments such as production and marketing. Their responsibilities include trend research, fabric selection, quality control, and managing project timelines. This role requires creativity, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of the fashion industry.

How does an apparel design manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

An Apparel Design Manager works closely with cross-functional teams such as merchandising, product development, sourcing, and marketing to bring collections from concept to market. This collaboration involves regular meetings to align on design concepts, fabric selection, production timelines, and market trends. The manager often acts as a liaison to ensure that the creative vision is maintained while meeting cost, quality, and delivery objectives. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as priorities and feedback from different departments can shift throughout the development cycle.
What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Apparel Design Manager jobs in California? For Apparel Design Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apparel Design Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apparel Design Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apparel Design Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Apparel Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Apparel Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,992 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Senior Expert, Apparel & Accessories Design, Energy

Nike

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$348K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Nike rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 274 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $166,400.00 in our lowest geographic market to $348,800.00 in our highest geographic market. Actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills and experience.
Information about benefits can be found here.
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
In this role you will report directly to the Sr. Director of Energy Collaboration Design (Apparel, Footwear, Graphics & Accessories) and focus on working with external collaborators. You will partner closely with your design, product management, global merchandising, brand marketing and development counterparts in other areas of the business to ensure continuity and alignment. In addition, you will work closely with the extended energy design team to maintain a cohesive strategic intent.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Based in Beaverton, Oregon; we are looking for an incredible Senior Apparel Designer to lead projects. In this role you will be accountable for the design direction and initiatives to drive the future of design with external collaborators. You and your team of designers will establish and nurture the creative vision for Nike Apparel, leading with innovative key concepts and ensuring a cohesive vision across the entire consumer journey.
The ideal candidate must be an authority in apparel design, display a high taste, with a passion for excellence, a storyteller, innovator, creative leader, tenacity to solve problems, and a passion to inspire and develop teams. This person will be passionate about driving business critical initiatives and elevating Nike for a wide range of products and consumers, while driving an emotional connection through the use of narrative and storytelling!
PLEASE INCLUDE A LINK TO YOUR PORTFOLIO OR A PDF OF YOUR WORK. A PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION. APPLICATIONS WITHOUT A PORTFOLIO WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
  • Bachelor's degree in field of study or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience or training
  • 10+ years of relevant work experience in apparel design
  • Experience leading creative teams and managing designers
  • Proven ability leading teams with varied strengths with a team first approach crafting a strong team culture and connectivity
  • Leads as a strategic creative partner to cross-category partners
  • Ability to think strategically about product relevance, product positioning, timing, and collections
  • Strong knowledge of fashion, design, and Lifestyle trends
  • Ability to build seasonal concepts, and provide the team with both short and long-term vision
  • Proficient ability to apply and perform industrial design skills, including drawing/sketching, ideation, color theory, use of textiles, spacing and scale, visual presentation development and layout that is supported by a portfolio of non-computer-based creative design.
  • Digital design competence in Adobe CC and comfortable working within Digital tools/3D
  • Strong communication and presentation skills

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
Collaboration Energy Design creates future opportunities and energizes existing franchises through culturally relevant stories. In this role you will establish the Apparel Design Direction with external collaborators and ensure cohesion across multiple collections, consumers, and fields of play. You will drive business critical design initiatives to elevate Nike Apparel, driving an emotional connection through the use of narrative and storytelling. You will build, hold, and maintain a standard of practice and design excellence, ensuring the highest standard of quality, consistency, accuracy while pushing the boundaries of creativity! You will lead your team in delivering innovative & well-crafted designs through physical executions. You are an experienced people leader who builds opportunities for individual development, performance management, recognition and rewards. You will drive design excellence with key partners and ensure the team delivers coordinated creative against the seasonal strategy through encouraging and leading innovative thinking, collaboration, and partnership.
We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

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