Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of fashion and style, the role of Apparel and Sneaker Product Managers has never been more significant.

As the fashion industry evolves, there is an increasing demand for creative and innovative individuals who can design, develop, and deliver top-tier apparel and sneakers.

But what exactly does an Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of fashion product management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Apparel and Sneaker Product Managers take charge of a company’s product line, overseeing the development, production, and marketing of apparel and sneakers.

They combine their understanding of fashion trends, manufacturing processes, and consumer demands to create products that meet market needs and drive company profits.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Researching and understanding market trends to develop product strategies
• Overseeing the design, development, and production processes of new products
• Working closely with designers and manufacturers to ensure the product meets quality standards and production deadlines
• Collaborating with marketing and sales teams to effectively promote and sell products
• Leading product presentations and launches
• Setting competitive pricing for products while considering costs and profit margins
• Tracking and analyzing product performance in the market
• Providing insights and recommendations based on market trends, competitor analysis, and sales data
• Working with suppliers to negotiate costs and schedules
• Addressing and resolving any issues related to the product, such as production delays or quality problems

 

Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager to lead and manage the product life cycle from concept to shelf.

The Product Manager will be responsible for overseeing product development, coordinating with design and manufacturing teams, and ensuring product alignment with customer trends and business strategy.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fashion or sports apparel, with a keen eye for design, a solid understanding of market trends, and a strong commercial acumen.

 

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new products from concept to launch
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to ensure product feasibility and manufacturability
• Conduct market research to identify customer trends and product opportunities
• Develop product pricing strategies based on market research and financial analysis
• Work with marketing team to develop and implement product marketing strategies
• Oversee product line maintenance and updates
• Manage product-related communication across various departments
• Monitor and report on product performance and customer feedback
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Product Manager in the apparel industry
• Strong knowledge of the fashion market and latest trends
• Experience in product development and project management
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and materials
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in product management software tools
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Business, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Travel may be required for market research, trade shows, and vendor meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Product Management.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Do?

Apparel and Sneaker Product Managers typically work for fashion corporations, sporting goods companies, or independent clothing and footwear brands.

They can also work as self-employed individuals or consultants.

They work closely with designers, manufacturers, and marketing teams to create, develop, and manage clothing and sneaker products from the conceptual stage to the market release.

Their job is to ensure the product aligns with the company’s brand image, meets the market trends, and satisfies the consumer’s needs and expectations.

Apparel and Sneaker Product Managers are responsible for conducting thorough market research to understand current fashion trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape.

They use this information to create product specifications, set pricing strategies, and guide the design process.

They may also be responsible for refining and updating existing product lines based on changing fashion trends, consumer feedback, and sales performance.

They have a significant role in deciding the product life cycle and when to retire or replace a product.

Moreover, they often coordinate with the marketing team to create effective promotional strategies for product launches and ongoing sales, ensuring the product’s success in the market.

Overall, the Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager is responsible for the entire product process, from the initial concept to the final sale.

Their ultimate goal is to deliver a product that is both profitable for the company and desirable to the customer.

 

Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, including:

• Knowledge and understanding of apparel and sneaker industry trends to create and manage products that are current and desirable.
• Strong creative skills to conceptualize and design appealing and functional clothing and sneaker items.
• Excellent project management skills to oversee the product development process from ideation to production and distribution.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret sales data and market trends, and adjust product strategies accordingly.
• Great attention to detail to ensure the quality of every aspect of the product including design, materials, and manufacturing process.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with different teams such as design, production, sales, and marketing teams, and to present product ideas and strategies to stakeholders.
• Decision-making skills to make important product decisions such as selecting materials, setting prices, and determining production quantities.
• Customer service skills to understand consumer needs and preferences, and to incorporate them into the product design and strategy.

 

Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of an Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager generally need to have at least 3-5 years of experience in a related field such as fashion merchandising, product development, or fashion design.

This experience should ideally be supplemented with a solid understanding of the fashion and footwear industry.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience often gained through internships or part-time roles in fashion merchandising, design, or marketing.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Fashion Buyer, Apparel Designer, or Footwear Designer.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have developed their skills in areas such as trend forecasting, product development, and inventory management.

They may have also gained experience in managing supplier relationships and overseeing product launches.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a more senior position in product management.

They should ideally possess strong project management skills and have experience in guiding cross-functional teams.

This extensive experience is usually necessary for managing the entire product lifecycle from concept to shelf.

Additional experience or knowledge in e-commerce, digital marketing, or data analysis may also be beneficial, given the increasing importance of online retail in the apparel and sneaker industry.

 

Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Education and Training Requirements

An Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, business administration, marketing or a related field.

A strong background in fashion trends and understanding of consumer behavior is also essential.

They need to have an understanding of textile and materials, color theory, and manufacturing processes.

Knowledge of digital design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or AutoCAD, can also be beneficial.

Some positions, especially those with strategic roles, may require Apparel and Sneaker Product Managers to have a master’s degree in business administration or fashion management.

Additional certifications in project management or supply chain management can be advantageous.

This can show a candidate’s dedication to the field and their potential to manage large projects and teams.

Many Apparel and Sneaker Product Managers also gain experience through internships in the fashion industry or in retail, which can provide invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

Ongoing learning and staying abreast of the latest fashion trends and consumer behaviors is crucial in this role.

 

Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager is $89,300 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, education, location, and the company they work for.

 

Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager need?

An Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager should have a strong understanding of the fashion industry, including fashion trends, production processes, and consumer needs.

They should possess strong project management skills to ensure that products are developed on time and within budget.

Additionally, they should have strong communication and negotiation skills to work effectively with designers, suppliers, and retailers.

 

Do Apparel and Sneaker Product Managers need a degree?

While there isn’t a specific degree requirement for Apparel and Sneaker Product Managers, a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, fashion merchandising, or business management is usually preferred.

Some employers may also prefer candidates with an MBA or a master’s degree in a related field.

 

What should you look for in an Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager resume?

When reviewing resumes for this role, look for a strong background in product management, preferably within the fashion or footwear industry.

Candidates should have experience with product development, trend analysis, and supply chain management.

Any experience with marketing or sales can also be a bonus, as these skills can help drive product success.

 

What qualities make a good Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager?

A good Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager should have a passion for fashion and a keen eye for detail.

They should be trend-aware and able to anticipate customer needs.

Effective problem-solving skills are also essential to overcome any production or delivery issues.

They should have excellent communication and leadership skills to coordinate teams and manage projects successfully.

 

What is the typical career progression for an Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager?

Initially, they may start their career in junior or assistant product management roles.

With experience, they can progress to become senior product managers, overseeing larger product ranges or managing multiple teams.

Eventually, they may move into directorial or executive roles within the company, such as Director of Product Management or VP of Product.

Some may also choose to specialize in a specific area of product management, such as sustainable fashion or luxury goods.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being an Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager.

Guess what?

It’s not just about knowing fashion trends.

It’s about shaping the world of apparel and sneakers, one product at a time.

With our definitive Apparel and Sneaker Product Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to stride forward.

But why halt your journey here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stride towards crafting detailed listings or honing your resume to absolute flawlessness.

Remember:

Every product is a piece of a larger trend.

Let’s design that trend. Together.

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