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Apparel Design Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

StockX

Category Manager - Apparel

Detroit, MI · On-site

... are seeking a Category Manager for Apparel to drive category growth within a new commerce ... design culturally authentic activations • Experiment with new approaches and iterate quickly ...

StockX

Category Manager - Apparel

Detroit, MI · On-site

The Apparel Category Manager is the single-threaded owner of apparel category growth within a new ... Partner with Category Marketing to design culturally authentic activations * Experiment with new ...

StockX

Category Manager - Apparel

Detroit, MI · On-site

The Apparel Category Manager is the single-threaded owner of apparel category growth within a new ... Partner with Category Marketing to design culturally authentic activations * Experiment with new ...

Wheel the World

Category Manager - Apparel

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120 - $130/hr

The Apparel Category Manager is the single-threaded owner of apparel category growth within a new ... Partner with Category Marketing to design culturally authentic activations * Experiment with new ...

1st Phorm

Graphic Designer

Fenton, MI · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES Design creative assets for digital, print, apparel, social media, web, email ... Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong communication and time management.

1st Phorm

Graphic Designer

Fenton, MI

$60K - $80K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES Design creative assets for digital, print, apparel, social media, web, email ... Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong communication and time management.

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All JobsApparel Design JobsApparel Design Manager JobsApparel Design Manager Jobs in Michigan

Apparel Design Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$36.6K

$99.8K

$175.6K

How much do apparel design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design manager in Michigan is $99,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Design jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Apparel Design Manager jobs in Michigan?

For Apparel Design Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apparel Design Manager jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Apparel Design Manager jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Apparel Design Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Apparel Design Manager job openings:

Apparel Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Design Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,790 per year, or $48 per hour.

Senior Director, Technical Design - Apparel

Carhartt

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$142K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Carhartt rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Details:
Title: Sr Director Technical Design
Department: Global Product Development
Reports to: Vice President Global Product Development
Location: Dearborn, MI
Job Classification: Hybrid
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Band: Executive
Job Summary
The Sr Director of Technical Design will lead the strategic vision and execution of Carhartt's product fit across all business units: Men's, Women's and PPE and categories from concept through commercialization. This role is critical in delivering consistent fit and function for the consumer, enabling the brand to maintain our leadership position in workwear. As a key member of the Product Development leadership team, this individual will champion cross-functional collaboration with Merchandising, Design, Consumer Insights, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver product fit that is commercially viable. This Sr Director will also foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring Carhartt products to continue to meet current and future needs of the consumer.
Inspired by Hard Work
At Carhartt, the values of hard work-dependability, honesty, and trust-are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission-We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products-we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.
Associate Responsibilities
  • Inspire, coach, and lead the Technical Design global organization and strategy for fit and function for all products.
  • Develops and executes the global technical design strategy for fit and function, leading the team and resolving complex fit or construction challenges while maintaining design intent and cost targets.
  • Establish best-in-class fit, construction, grading and function across all workwear categories. Ensuring consistency across seasons, categories, and regions.
  • Champion functional performance requirements including mobility, durability, safety, protection, and comfort.
  • Build a high-performing, global team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and consumer-centric thinking; develop succession plans and career paths to grow future leaders within the department.
  • Establish and manage the annual operating budget to support growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
  • Own the seasonal technical design process, calendar, workflow and governance to support Go-To-Market timelines.
  • Leads process to conduct and share competitive market research for fit and construction.
  • Ensure all products meet Carhartt's standards for fit, function, quality, and durability, while simultaneously integrating consumer insights to ensure relevance.
  • Oversee fitting strategy including in-person, virtual, and vendor led fittings
  • Partner with Quality and Product Supply teams to ensure seamless commercialization from development to production and understanding supplier capabilities to ensure fit and function. Serve as a subject matter expert to Merchandising and Marketing supporting product fit messaging.
  • In partnership with Technical Design Managers, advance digital capabilities such as 3D pattern development and PLM optimization.
  • Oversee vendor onboarding and training to ensure alignment with Carhartt's fit and construction standards and expectations.

Required Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Apparel & Textile Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field; or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.
  • Master's degree or executive education in Business, Supply Chain, or Innovation Management is a plus.

Required Skills & Experience
  • Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in Technical Design
  • Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing high-performing, professional team, with a demonstrated focus on development of fit strategy with a focus on product performance and quality
  • Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision (50%) with hands-on execution (50%), and technical expertise (30%) with leadership (70%).
  • Experience with PLM systems and digital development tools is preferred.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels, including executive leadership and global vendor partners.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and deliver in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Domestic and international travel (up to 20%)
  • Physical lifting may be required (approximately 25 lbs.)
  • Typical office environment. Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer is required.
  • This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.
  • Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

#LI-HYBRID
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
All associates are required to understand and act in accordance with the Carhartt Core Values. Carhartt reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel in whole or in any part, the job duties outlined above at any time and without advance notice to the employee.

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