Product Manager

Horizontal Talent; New York Mills (MN); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizontal Talent is seeking a Product Manager to guide seasonal concepts from idea to production in a fast-paced apparel environment. This role requires collaboration with merchandising, design, and suppliers to ensure timely execution and quality across a portfolio of well-known brands.

You will manage calendars, cost analysis, and development details, while mentoring an Associate Product Manager and contributing to strategic seasonal goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in fashion, product development, or related field.
• 4–6 years 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 in a deadline-driven environment.
• Costing, sourcing, production, and margin-focused product decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept to production readiness.
• Partner with merchandising, design, technical design, fabric, and supplier teams to meet milestones.
• Manage development calendar, production timelines, 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 elevate concerns with practical recommendations.
• Build productive supplier relationships and communicate product requirements, quality expectations, and delivery standards clearly.
• Maintain accurate product specifications, approvals, and development details in PLM and related systems.
• Prepare reports and status updates to support leadership decisions and milestone reviews.
• Support and mentor an Associate Product Manager.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Business, or related field

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

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 elevate 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.

For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $22 – $36 per hour based on qualifications and experience.