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$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do apparel design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 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.

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 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.

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.

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:
What states have the most Apparel Design Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Apparel Design Manager jobs include:
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.
Apparel Design & Development Manager- Johnston & Murphy

Apparel Design & Development Manager- Johnston & Murphy

Johnston & Murphy

Nashville, TN

$110K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director, Apparel Design & Product Development, the Manager, Apparel Design & Product Development is a key leader on the J&M apparel team responsible for fully owning the product lifecycle from initial concept through delivery. This role requires sound independent business judgment, a strong commercial and trend-right product sensibility, and the ability to lead cross-functional partnerships across design, merchandising, technical design, and vendor management. The Manager will drive seasonal execution while also contributing to new business initiatives and supporting the development of junior team members.

Job Responsibilities

  • Own the product lifecycle for Johnston & Murphy apparel categories — focus of men’s blazers, outerwear, and pants — from concept through production and delivery.
  • Lead the development and execution of seasonal product strategies, ensuring commercial relevance, brand aesthetic alignment, and profitability across all categories.
  • Lead the development of seasonal design direction informed by consumer insights, fashion forecasts, and market trends, from initial inspiration through final selling tools.
  • Oversee all phases of the product creation process—from concept development through commercialization—ensuring timely execution and delivery.
  • Partner closely with Merchandising, Design, and Technical Design to deliver on product vision and brand standards, making independent decisions where appropriate.
  • Manage all pre-production, production, and post-production approval processes including fabrics, trims, samples, and technical development.
  • Conduct ongoing market, consumer, and competitive research to identify trends and opportunities; compile and present findings to internal stakeholders seasonally.
  • Manage vendor and factory relationships, ensuring on-time sample delivery and adherence to the development calendar.
  • Oversee pre-costing, seasonal cost analysis, and margin problem-solving across all assigned categories.
  • Deliver product presentations to store teams, upper management, wholesale partners, and internal teams.
  • Manage buy meetings across all channels of distribution, including selling analysis, trend overview, and presentation of new development.
  • Partner with Wholesale Sales to ensure alignment on calendar milestones and business needs.
  • Support new business initiatives as assigned, including licensed and strategic partnership programs.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to junior team members; foster a collaborative, learning-oriented team environment.
  • Manage seasonal booking processes and support in-season merchandise to drive the business.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Design, or a related field.
  • 5–7 years of progressive apparel product development experience; prior management or team lead experience preferred.
  • Deep knowledge of the apparel product lifecycle, including design, technical development, sourcing, costing, and production.
  • Strong commercial instincts with the ability to balance trend, brand aesthetic, and business performance.
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple categories and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent cross-functional communication skills; able to work collaboratively with internal and external partners at all levels.
  • Proven ability to build and present compelling seasonal product stories to leadership and key partners.
  • Driven and solution-oriented; confident making independent decisions on complex challenges.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

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