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.

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.

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

1
Take an online textile science/product testing course and produce portfolio-ready tech packs for an apparel and a soft home item.
2
Freelance or volunteer with a small brand to run a development cycle end-to-end, including costing, supplier communication, and approvals.
3
Attend fabric and sourcing trade shows (e.g., Texworld NYC, MAGIC) to meet mills, learn lead times/MOQs, and understand testing/compliance expectations.