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Apparel Design Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Puma

Lead Design Running Apparel

Boston, MA · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

This person will manage one direct report and report directly to the Senior Design Director of ... Lead the design of technical running apparel, ensuring a balance between functional performance ...

Grayson HR

Technical Design Intern- Apparel

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Are you passionate about apparel and the intersection of design and production? Join our fast-paced ... Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple small tasks simultaneously. Internship ...

FAM Brands

Design Sample Coordinator

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

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)

Eleven Eleven

Apparel Designer

Brentwood, TN

This role is centered on design execution and product development, with direct ownership over how ... Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple styles simultaneously * Clear ...

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Apparel Design Manager information

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$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do apparel design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design manager in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 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.
More about Apparel Design Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Apparel Design Manager jobs? Cities with the most Apparel Design Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Design jobs? The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Apparel Design Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Apparel Design Manager jobs are:
Apparel Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Design Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.

Lead Design Running Apparel

Puma

Boston, MA • On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

PUMA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

YOUR MISSION

We are looking for a design leader with a successful record to oversee PUMA's International Running Apparel Collection. This person will be responsible for the execution of the Running Apparel line, bridging the gap between global run culture and PUMA's overarching brand identity. This role requires an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for the running culture space-someone who understands that the modern runner demands gear that performs on the road and looks right in a social setting. This person will manage one direct report and report directly to the Senior Design Director of Running. Responsibilities include:

  • Aesthetic Integration: Merge the current run culture design aesthetic with PUMA's established creative direction to create a cohesive and aspirational product range.

  • Product Execution: Lead the design of technical running apparel, ensuring a balance between functional performance (moisture management, mobility) and a run style-driven silhouette.

  • Run Culture Pulse: Act as the internal expert on the run culture consumer, staying deeply connected to emerging trends, community run clubs, and the "street-to-track" aesthetic.

  • Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and provide daily creative guidance to one direct report, fostering their professional growth and ensuring design excellence.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Product Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and Sourcing to ensure designs are commercially viable and technically feasible.

  • Feedback & Quality: Work closely with the Senior Design Director to give and receive constructive feedback, ensuring all products meet PUMA's quality and performance standards.

  • Workflow Management: Maintain excellent time management and prioritize tasks within a fast-paced, global design calendar.

  • Global Insight: Participate in market travel to international and domestic hubs to gather consumer insights and identify regional trends. Travel to factories to finalize prototypes.

YOUR TALENT

  • Bachelor's degree in Design, Fashion and/or relevant field of study.

  • 8+ years relevant experience in the performance apparel design industry.

  • Running Passion: A genuine enthusiast of run culture with a deep understanding of the runner's wardrobe and aesthetic preferences.

  • Design Execution: A strong portfolio demonstrating a mastery of apparel design, specifically showcasing the ability to blend technical performance with a modern, forward "look." Please also add your PORTFOLIO to your application

  • Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of garment construction, performance fabrics, and fit standards tailored to the active runner.

  • Collaborative Mindset: Ability to take high-level creative direction and translate it into specific, commercially successful apparel solutions.

  • Software Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) for technical flats and high-fidelity rendering. Additionally, experience with 3D design tools like CLO 3D or Browzwear and a working knowledge of generative AI for rapid concept ideation are required to accelerate the design-to-sample workflow

  • Innovation: Demonstrated ability to technically innovate to elevate the product's performance appeal.

  • Communication: Excellent presentation and storytelling skills to pitch concepts and updates to the Senior Design Director and global stakeholders.

  • Proficiency and refinement in all stages of presentation, from concept to final design review.

  • Have a broad knowledge of apparel manufacturing and prototype making.

  • Leadership capabilities, including ability to motivate and mentor others within work group.

The hiring range base pay for this position is $99,200-$134,675 + Bonus + Benefits

(Benefit Summary Corporate)

Pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

SPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and BE YOU to let our individual talent and experience shine. Applying for a job at PUMA is easy. Simply click APPLY ONLINE and follow the steps to upload your application.PUMA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of PUMA to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, physical or mental disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.For additional information, please contact: us-hrrecruiter@puma.com

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