Summary
An apparel product manager is responsible for the research and development of apparels. He makes sure the product conforms to the standards of the company, target specific demographic groups, perform extensive research in advertising the product, investigate product competition, check possible flaws of their product and apply the necessary improvements to make their product better than the competitor’s product.
Duties
The most important aspect of the job as an apparel product manager is commitment to quality. An apparel product manager checks product quality before the product is shipped out to the market. He samples products randomly and lets them undergo thorough testing. If he feels that enough samples pass company standards, the apparel product manager allows them to be shipped for distribution. The paramount concern of the product manager is customer satisfaction and ensuring company credibility. Any mistake he makes can cost the company a fortune and that is why he makes sure products are thoroughly tested and pass high standards. The apparel product manager is also responsible for manufacturing, wherein he/she performs tasks such as communicating his ideas, comments and suggestions to the operations or manufacturing department. The quantity of goods produced is also the responsibility of the product manager since companies avoid overflowing of goods in the market and unnecessary wastage of resources. Some apparel product managers also oversee employees always follow company rules and regulation and standard safety procedures, handle profit margins and research cost efficient ways for apparel production.
Education and Training Requirements
This job requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science and specialized training or experience working in an apparel company. Most employers require the apparel product manager to have background in a supervisory position.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements
Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, computer, creativity and leadership skills plus a broad knowledge of apparel merchandise are requirements to be a successful apparel product manager.
Working Conditions
Apparel product managers often work well over forty-hour weeks, including evenings and weekends. The job may cause a great deal of pressure due to deadlines, changes is schedule and meetings with other managers. Many product managers must travel frequently to meet with clients.
Salary
An apparel product manager makes $48,000 annually on average. Factors such as size of company, location, nature of the industry, benefits and experience may cause salaries to vary considerably among apparel product managers.