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Apparel Product Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Product Development Manager

New York, NY ยท On-site

$125K - $156K/yr

... of apparel or soft goods development processes. Key Responsibilities: Seasonal Development ... Manage the end-to-end product development process for seasonal mainline and collaboration drops ...

Product Development Manager

Brooklyn, NY

$120K - $151K/yr

Product Development Manager / Director We're partnering with a rapidly growing consumer products company on a newly created Product Development leadership opportunity. The company has built a strong ...

Product Development Manager

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

The Product Development Manager will also be responsible for a smooth transition from development to production stage of each style, communicating clearly with the production team on all details.

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Apparel Product Development Manager information

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$42.5K

$127K

$144.5K

How much do apparel product development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel product development manager in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges faced by Apparel Product Development Managers in their day-to-day work?

Apparel Product Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing creative design vision with manufacturing feasibility, managing tight timelines, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders including designers, suppliers, and production teams. Ensuring product quality and cost-effectiveness while meeting ever-changing market trends can also be demanding. A key part of the job involves troubleshooting unexpected issues in prototyping or production and adapting quickly to changes in materials, sourcing, or consumer demands. Success in this role relies on strong organization, clear communication, and the ability to maintain focus under pressure.

What is the highest paid job in fashion?

In fashion, executive roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Creative Officer (CCO) tend to be the highest paid, often earning six- or seven-figure salaries. Senior-level positions in luxury brands or major fashion corporations typically offer the highest compensation, especially when combined with bonuses and stock options.

What does a product development manager do in fashion?

A product development manager in fashion oversees the process of creating new apparel products from concept to production. They coordinate design, sourcing, and manufacturing teams, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure the final products meet quality and market standards. Strong project management skills and knowledge of textiles and manufacturing are essential in this role.

How much does a product development manager earn?

A product development manager in the apparel industry typically earns between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Salaries can vary based on skills, certifications, and the complexity of the product line managed.

What does an apparel product developer do?

An apparel product developer is responsible for designing, developing, and bringing clothing products from concept to production. They collaborate with designers, manufacturers, and suppliers, manage timelines, select materials, and ensure quality standards are met using tools like CAD software. Their role involves coordinating various stages of product development to ensure the final apparel meets market and brand requirements.

What does an Apparel Product Development Manager do?

An Apparel Product Development Manager oversees the design, development, and production of clothing products from concept to final manufacturing. They collaborate with designers, sourcing teams, and manufacturers to ensure that garments meet quality, cost, and timeline requirements. Their role involves fabric selection, prototyping, fit testing, and ensuring products align with brand standards and market trends. Additionally, they manage communication between teams to streamline the development process and resolve production challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apparel Product Development Manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apparel Product Development Manager, you need strong knowledge of textiles, garment construction, and the product development lifecycle, typically backed by a degree in fashion, textiles, or a related field. Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, Adobe Illustrator, and sometimes certifications in project management or supply chain operations are highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills set top candidates apart, enabling them to manage cross-functional teams and vendor relationships. These competencies are essential for efficiently bringing apparel concepts to market while meeting quality, cost, and timeline objectives.

More about Apparel Product Development Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Apparel Product Development Manager jobs? Cities with the most Apparel Product Development Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Product Development jobs? The most popular types of Apparel Product Development jobs are:
What states have the most Apparel Product Development Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Apparel Product Development Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Apparel Product Development Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $126,987 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Apparel Product Development Coordinator

Apparel Product Development Coordinator

Aquent

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$40.19 - $44.65/hr

Temporary

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$40.19-44.65 Hourly
up to $44.65/hr
Start Date:
Jun 22, 2026
Product Development Coordinator (Apparel)
Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented Product Development Coordinator to support the end-to-end apparel development process. This role serves as a key link between internal Design teams and external mills and vendors, ensuring products move efficiently from concept through commercialization.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support apparel cost analysis, including tracking, validating, and maintaining cost data across styles
  • Manage sample and prototype development, ensuring timely delivery and accurate tracking from vendors and mills
  • Maintain and update Time & Action (T&A) calendars to keep development milestones on track
  • Act as a central point of contact between Design, Product Development, and external partners
  • Coordinate with mills and vendors to ensure alignment on materials, timelines, and quality expectations
  • Enter and manage product data within PLM systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness
  • Assist in identifying risks or delays in the development process and proactively communicate solutions

Qualifications
  • 2-5 years of experience in apparel product development, production, or a related field
  • Experience with PLM systems (e.g., FlexPLM or similar)
  • Strong understanding of the apparel product development lifecycle
  • Experience with cost tracking or apparel cost analysis preferred
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and with external partners

Preferred Experience
  • Background working with mills, factories, or global vendors
  • Familiarity with sample tracking and development workflows in a fast-paced environment

Summary
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and enjoys bringing structure and organization to the product creation process.
#LI-MM3
Client Description
Global retail company specializing in apparel and accessories. The company focuses on casual, stylish, and affordable fashion, catering to a broad customer base. With an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transformation, our client continues to evolve its business to meet changing consumer needs.