NEW YORK , Minnesota
|Hybrid
|Contract
NEW YORK, Minnesota
|Hybrid
|Contract
Bring your product development expertise to a fast-paced apparel environment where you’ll help guide seasonal concepts from idea to production readiness. This hybrid Product Manager role supports cross-functional collaboration, speed to market, and product quality while contributing to a portfolio of well-known retail brands.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept approval through production readiness.
- Partner with merchandising, design, technical design, fabric, and supplier teams to keep seasonal milestones on track.
- Manage the development calendar and production timelines, tracking samples, fit approvals, materials, costing, and key deliverables.
- Coordinate daily communication with internal teams and global suppliers to resolve issues and support timely execution.
- Identify risks related to quality, cost, and timing, then escalate concerns with practical recommendations.
- Apply strong cost engineering knowledge to support accurate costing, fabric and yarn analysis, and garment construction decisions.
- Build productive supplier relationships and communicate product requirements, quality expectations, and delivery standards clearly.
- Monitor supplier performance and help resolve development, quality, costing, or production readiness challenges.
- Maintain accurate product specifications, approvals, and development details in PLM and related business systems.
- Prepare reports, meeting materials, and status updates to support leadership decisions and milestone reviews.
- Support and mentor an Associate Product Manager by sharing best practices, guidance, and process knowledge.
- Assist leadership in advancing seasonal strategies and meeting category goals for financial performance, quality, and delivery.
- Work in alignment with a hybrid schedule that supports collaboration and regular in-office presence.
Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 4 to 6 years of experience in product development, sourcing, or production within apparel, retail, or wholesale environments.
- Strong understanding of the apparel product lifecycle and seasonal development processes.
- Experience coordinating multiple cross-functional partners and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Solid knowledge of costing, sourcing, production, and margin-focused product decision-making.
- Excellent organization, time management, follow-up, and problem-solving skills.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and suppliers.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Experience with PLM systems is preferred.
- Ability to travel as business needs require.
- A collaborative, self-motivated approach and a commitment to continuous learning.
Preferred Skills
- Experience supporting discounters and club channel business.
- Prior experience mentoring or coaching junior team members.
- Familiarity with garment construction, fabric/yarn analysis, and vendor relationship management.
- Comfort preparing presentations, reports, and cross-functional status updates.
- Ability to contribute ideas that improve speed to market and operational efficiency.
Client is committed to building a workplace where inclusion, equity, and belonging are valued and supported. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and perspectives who are excited to contribute to a collaborative and respectful team environment.
By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.
Horizontal is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or participate in the interview process, click here to request accommodation assistance.
All applicants applying must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment.