Textile Product Development Manager (Soft Goods)

Career Guide

Leads development of soft goods from concept to production by defining the line, creating product specifications, sourcing fabrics and trims, and managing samples, fit, cost, and compliance with suppliers to launch on-time, on-margin products.

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Key Responsibilities

Define seasonal line plans and product briefs aligned to brand and margin targets
Develop fabrics, trims, and color palettes; manage lab dips and strike-offs
Build and maintain tech packs, BOMs, specs, and fit comments in PLM
Drive sample, fit, and approval cycles from prototype to TOP
Source and manage suppliers; negotiate costs, MOQs, and lead times
Ensure product testing and compliance (CPSIA, Prop 65, REACH)
Track calendars, risks, and deliverables to hit on-time, on-cost launches

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Product Development Manager (Soft Goods)

Director of Product Development

Materials/Raw Materials Director

Transition Opportunities

Sourcing Manager (Textiles)

Merchandise Manager/Buyer (Private Brands)

Quality Assurance Manager (Textiles)

Technical Design Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Tech pack and PLM workflow masteryFabric construction and finishing knowledgeColor development management (lab dips/strike-offs)Regulatory compliance for soft goods (CPSIA, Prop 65, REACH)Cost engineering for textiles (yield, marker efficiency)

Development SuggestionsComplete a textile science and compliance course (e.g., FIT, NC State; AAFA/AATCC webinars); build sample tech packs in Adobe Illustrator and practice a full proto-to-TOP cycle using a PLM tool with vendor feedback.

Market Intelligence Report

Textile Product Development Manager (Soft Goods) is part of the Product Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$60,000–$75,000

Mid Level$85,000–$110,000

Senior Level$115,000–$145,000

Growth Trend

stable

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

NikeTargetVF Corporation

Industry Sectors

Apparel & FootwearHome Furnishings & TextilesRetail & E-commerce

Recommended Next Steps

Take an online textile science/product testing course and produce portfolio-ready tech packs for an apparel and a soft home item.

Freelance or volunteer with a small brand to run a development cycle end-to-end, including costing, supplier communication, and approvals.

Attend fabric and sourcing trade shows (e.g., Texworld NYC, MAGIC) to meet mills, learn lead times/MOQs, and understand testing/compliance expectations.