Product Development Manager - Fashion Accessories

Career Guide

Oversees end-to-end development of fashion accessories from concept to production, aligning design, sourcing, costing, quality, and timelines. Manages suppliers, reviews samples, and ensures products meet brand standards, margin targets, and compliance requirements.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Own product calendar and critical path from concept through hand-off to production
Build tech packs and BOMs; maintain data in PLM
Source materials and factories; negotiate cost and MOQ
Review protos/PP samples; drive fit, construction, and quality approvals
Partner with design, merchandising, and planning on margin/IMU targets
Ensure CPSIA/Prop 65 and brand compliance; coordinate testing
Track supplier performance and mitigate risks across seasons

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Product Development Manager

Director of Product Development

Sourcing Director

Merchandising Manager

Transition Opportunities

Sourcing Manager

Category/Brand Manager

Production Manager

Supply Chain Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

PLM proficiency and detailed tech pack creationGlobal sourcing and cost negotiation for accessoriesCompliance and product testing workflows (CPSIA/Prop 65)Materials and construction knowledge for leather and hardware

Development SuggestionsComplete a PLM and Illustrator for fashion course; build a sample tech pack portfolio for 2–3 accessories and run a mock sourcing/costing exercise with supplier quotes and testing plans.

Market Intelligence Report

Product Development Manager - Fashion Accessories is part of the Graphic & Visual Design category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$65,000–$85,000

Mid Level$90,000–$120,000

Senior Level$125,000–$155,000

Growth Trend

stable

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Tapestry (Coach, Kate Spade)Capri Holdings (Michael Kors)Fossil Group

Industry Sectors

Apparel & AccessoriesRetail & Private LabelLuxury Goods

Recommended Next Steps

Take an Illustrator for Fashion Tech Packs and PLM fundamentals course (e.g., Centric/Infor training or accredited fashion programs) and create tech packs for a mini accessories line.

Gain sourcing experience by partnering with a small brand or freelance project to request quotes, negotiate MOQs, and manage proto-to-PP sample rounds.

Pursue APICS CSCP or a targeted supply chain certificate and attend category trade shows (e.g., MAGIC/WWD marketplaces) to build supplier network.