Apparel Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Apparel Design Manager

Company: Thalhimer Headwear (via Warren Whitney)

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Development & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 3, 2026

Experience Level: 3+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end product development lifecycle for custom headwear, ensuring seamless transitions from concept to final delivery.

• Act as a crucial liaison between clients and manufacturing partners, translating creative visions into tangible, high-quality products.

• Drive operational efficiency by meticulously managing documentation, timelines, and communication channels.

• Implement and maintain robust internal systems for accurate data tracking and project oversight.

• Foster a collaborative and dynamic work environment focused on innovation and customer satisfaction within the apparel accessories sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of creative design, product development, and operational execution, requiring a candidate who can manage both the aesthetic and the logistical aspects of product creation within the specialized headwear industry. The emphasis on "wearing many hats" suggests a lean, agile team environment where cross-functional responsibilities are common.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Partnership & Design Support: Collaborate directly with clients to conceptualize, design, and develop new headwear products that align with their brand identity and market needs.

• Technical Documentation Management: Create, update, and meticulously manage comprehensive technical packs (tech packs), detailing materials, specifications, trims, artwork, and construction methods to ensure accurate sampling and production.

• Client Communication & Expectation Alignment: Maintain proactive, clear, and timely communication with customers throughout the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring alignment on project scope, timelines, and deliverables.

• Factory Coordination & Issue Resolution: Serve as the primary point of contact for factory teams, facilitating daily communication, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring smooth workflow and timely delivery.

• Internal Systems & Data Integrity: Uphold the accuracy and consistency of internal systems by maintaining up-to-date records for product development, inventory, and customer interactions.

• Sampling & Quality Assurance: Oversee the sampling process, ensuring that initial samples accurately reflect design intent and specifications, and coordinate necessary revisions.

• Material & Trim Sourcing Support: Assist in the selection and specification of appropriate materials, trims, and embellishments that meet design requirements, quality standards, and cost targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management and cross-functional collaboration. The role requires a candidate adept at translating creative briefs into actionable production requirements and managing the complexities of international manufacturing relationships.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Design, Fashion Merchandising, Business, or a related discipline.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in apparel design, product development, or a related operational role within the fashion or accessories industry.

Required Skills:

• Product Development Lifecycle Management: Proven ability to manage products from initial concept through final production and delivery.

• Technical Pack Creation & Management: Expertise in developing and maintaining detailed tech packs with material, spec, trim, and artwork information.

• Customer Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport and manage client expectations effectively.

• Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Demonstrated success in proactively identifying and resolving issues with both internal teams and external partners (factories, suppliers).

• Organizational Prowess: Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills to manage complex projects and deadlines.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to effectively prioritize, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skill in working effectively with design, sales, production, and factory teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Apparel/Accessories Industry Experience: Prior experience specifically within the headwear, apparel, or fashion accessories sector.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Experience with Adobe Illustrator (preferred) for design and technical drawing, and Adobe Photoshop (a plus) for visual mock-ups and artwork.

• Manufacturing Process Understanding: Familiarity with headwear or apparel manufacturing processes, capabilities, and limitations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a Bachelor's degree is listed as a minimum, the emphasis on "3+ years of relevant professional experience" suggests that practical experience in product development and design operations can be highly valued. The preference for Adobe Illustrator points to a need for technical design skills beyond conceptualization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Product Development: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of headwear or apparel products you have managed through the full development lifecycle. Each case study should highlight your specific role, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the final outcome.

• Technical Pack Examples: Include examples of well-organized and detailed tech packs you have created, demonstrating your ability to clearly communicate design specifications, materials, trims, and construction details.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Present examples where you successfully resolved complex product development or production issues, illustrating your analytical and problem-solving approach.

• Client Collaboration Examples: If possible, include examples that demonstrate your ability to effectively partner with clients, manage their expectations, and translate their vision into product.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Mapping: Demonstrate understanding of how to map and document design and development workflows, from initial client brief to final production handover.

• System Implementation/Maintenance: Provide examples of how you have contributed to maintaining or improving internal systems for tracking product development, managing data, or facilitating communication.

• Quality Control Protocols: Illustrate your approach to quality control, including how you ensure accuracy in sampling and production based on established specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just display finished products but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, communicate technical details, and solve problems. Emphasize the "how" behind the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Performance-Based Bonus: Eligibility for a bonus tied to individual and company performance, rewarding contributions to success.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) Options: Access to HSA plans for tax-advantaged healthcare savings.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: A retirement savings plan to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Travel Opportunities: Potential for work-related travel, which may include factory visits or client meetings.

• Creative & Collaborative Environment: Access to a dynamic and supportive team culture that values autonomy and ownership.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an Apparel Design Manager role with 3+ years of experience in a mid-sized city like Richmond, VA. The benefits package is robust, offering a good mix of health, retirement, and lifestyle perks. The "performance-based bonus" is a key differentiator for motivated candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Accessories / Headwear Manufacturing & Supply. Thalhimer Headwear operates in a B2B environment, serving a diverse range of apparel brands and businesses globally, from fashion and lifestyle to sports and corporate sectors. This requires adaptability and a keen understanding of various market segments.

Company Size: Small, tight-knit team. This implies a highly collaborative environment where individual contributions are visible and impactful. Employees often "wear many hats," meaning roles can be broad, and adaptability is key.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, the company's description suggests a mature operation with established relationships with global manufacturers and a diverse client base.

Team Structure:

• Lean & Agile: The team is described as small and collaborative, likely operating with flat hierarchies and direct communication lines.

• Cross-Functional Focus: Expect close collaboration with sales, customer service, and potentially operations/logistics teams within Thalhimer Headwear.

• External Partnerships: Significant interaction with external clients and overseas factory partners is integral to the team's workflow.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company prides itself on delivering exceptional service and working closely with customers to design and produce high-quality products that embody their brands.

• Detail-Oriented Operations: Obsession over details and going to any lengths to exceed customer expectations are core operational tenets.

• Autonomy & Ownership: The culture encourages employees to take ownership of their work and operate with a degree of autonomy.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: The team embraces challenges and works together to find solutions.

Company Website: https://warrenwhitney.isolvedhire.com (This appears to be an HR/ATS portal; the actual company website for Thalhimer Headwear would be ideal if available, but this is the provided link.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a hands-on, collaborative, and customer-focused approach. Candidates should be comfortable in a dynamic, small-team environment where initiative and adaptability are highly valued. The operations aspect is deeply integrated with customer service and product delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level management position within the product development and design operations sphere. It requires a blend of creative understanding, technical production knowledge, and robust project management skills. The "Manager" title implies responsibility for guiding processes and projects, rather than direct reports initially, but with potential for team leadership as the company grows.

Reporting Structure: The Apparel Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, Head of Product Development, or potentially a senior executive depending on the company's size and structure. The role will involve close collaboration with sales and client management teams.

Operations Impact: This role is critical to Thalhimer Headwear's success, directly impacting revenue through customer satisfaction, product quality, and efficient production cycles. The ability to translate client needs into manufacturable products and ensure timely delivery directly influences client retention and the company's reputation for quality and service.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Headwear Design & Development: Deepen expertise in a niche but broad market segment, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Take the lead on refining and optimizing design-to-production workflows, driving efficiency and quality improvements.

• Client Portfolio Expansion: Develop and manage relationships with key clients, potentially leading to account management or business development opportunities.

• Team Leadership: As the company grows, there may be opportunities to build and manage a team of designers or production coordinators.

• Broader Product Development Scope: Potentially expand responsibilities to include other apparel accessories or product categories.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is strong within a specialized niche. The emphasis on "wearing many hats" suggests that individuals who demonstrate initiative and a broad skill set will be well-positioned for increased responsibility and advancement within Thalhimer Headwear.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Likely a hybrid office environment, combining collaborative workspace with individual work areas. Given the company's emphasis on collaboration and autonomy, expect a flexible setup that supports both focused work and team interaction. The description implies a dynamic, creative space rather than a purely corporate setting.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 4825 Radford Ave, Richmond, VA 23230. This location will serve as the hub for client interactions, internal coordination, and strategic planning.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will facilitate close interaction with colleagues, encouraging spontaneous discussions and idea sharing essential for design and problem-solving.

• Tool & Technology Access: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Suite), communication platforms, and potentially PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems will be provided to support daily tasks.

• Customer & Factory Interface: The environment is geared towards managing external relationships, requiring clear communication channels and efficient access to project information.

Work Schedule: Primarily a standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) on-site. However, the culture of autonomy and ownership might allow for some flexibility in managing daily schedules to accommodate project needs, provided deadlines are met and collaboration is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and emphasis on collaboration suggest a preference for in-person synergy. Candidates should be comfortable working within a dynamic, creative office setting in Richmond, VA.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation focused on your background, experience in product development and design operations, and understanding of the apparel industry. Be prepared to discuss your approach to tech packs, client management, and factory coordination.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, problem-solving skills, and impact on product development. This is a critical stage for demonstrating your capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Team Interview: You may meet with members of the sales or operations team to assess your collaboration style and cultural fit within the small, tight-knit team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Clearly articulate your role in each project, the steps you took, the challenges you overcame, and the quantifiable results or improvements achieved.

• Detail Tech Pack Creation: Be ready to walk through an example tech pack, explaining the rationale behind material choices, spec details, and construction methods.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully navigated production hurdles, supplier issues, or client feedback to ensure project success.

• Demonstrate Client Communication: Use examples to show how you manage client relationships, set expectations, and deliver on promises.

• Tailor to Headwear: If possible, emphasize any experience or understanding related to headwear design, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical client brief and asked to outline your approach to developing a new headwear product, including key considerations for design, materials, and production.

• Problem-Solving Exercise: Be prepared for scenarios involving production delays, quality issues, or client dissatisfaction, and how you would address them.

• Tech Pack Creation Task: Potentially a task requiring you to create a basic tech pack outline for a given product concept.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your process and problem-solving skills. Demonstrating a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle and effective communication with both creative and technical stakeholders will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical drawings, vector artwork, and detailed design specifications. Proficiency is highly preferred.

• Adobe Photoshop: Useful for creating mock-ups, mood boards, and visual presentations of designs. A plus for the role.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Potentially used for managing product data, specifications, and workflows throughout the development process. (Specific software not mentioned, but common in apparel).

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software: May be used for broader business operations, including inventory, order management, and financial tracking. (Specific software not mentioned).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal System Data: Reliance on data from internal tracking systems for project status, inventory, and client communication logs.

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets): For data analysis, tracking project timelines, material costs, and creating reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System: Likely used to manage client information, communication history, and project statuses. (Specific CRM not mentioned).

• Communication Platforms: Tools like email, Slack, or other internal messaging systems for daily team and factory communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is a significant advantage, directly supporting the core responsibility of creating detailed tech packs. Familiarity with PLM or similar product data management systems would also be beneficial, indicating an understanding of industry-standard operational tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations is paramount, driving all design and production efforts.

• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of work, from tech pack specifications to communication, ensuring accuracy and quality.

• Ownership & Autonomy: Employees are encouraged to take full responsibility for their projects and work independently, demonstrating initiative and self-management.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Despite autonomy, a strong emphasis on working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues is vital in this small-team environment.

• Fun & Passion: A belief that enjoying the work and being passionate about creating great products contributes to a positive and productive atmosphere.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Open Communication: Expect transparent and frequent communication, both internally and externally, to ensure alignment and quick resolution of issues.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Close working relationships with sales, design, and production teams are essential for a seamless workflow.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback to continuously improve processes and products.

• Agile & Responsive: The ability to adapt quickly to client needs and production challenges, working together to find solutions efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a proactive, detail-oriented, and collaborative approach. Candidates should be comfortable taking initiative, owning their work, and contributing to a positive team dynamic where everyone plays a role in customer success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Production Realities: Effectively translating client's creative ideas into designs that are feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable.

• Managing Global Supply Chains: Navigating the complexities of international manufacturing, including communication barriers, quality control, lead times, and potential disruptions.

• Maintaining High Standards in a Fast-Paced Environment: Ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail while managing multiple projects with demanding deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying abreast of fashion trends, material innovations, and customer demands in a dynamic market.

• Small Team Dynamics: Thriving in an environment where roles can be broad and require adaptability and a willingness to step outside a defined job description.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Headwear Specialization: Become an expert in the nuances of headwear design, materials, and construction techniques.

• Advanced Product Development Skills: Enhance expertise in technical design, sourcing, and manufacturing processes within the apparel accessories sector.

• Process Optimization: Opportunities to identify and implement improvements in design-to-production workflows, impacting efficiency and profitability.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop advanced skills in managing key client accounts and fostering long-term partnerships.

• Exposure to Global Manufacturing: Gain practical experience working with international factories and understanding global trade dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for hands-on learning and specialization within a niche market. Candidates who are proactive learners and comfortable with the inherent challenges of product development and global manufacturing will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a client's initial concept for a headwear product to a finalized, manufacturable design. What are the critical checkpoints?" (Focus on tech packs, material sourcing, client feedback loops, and factory communication.)

• "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant challenge during product development or production with a factory. How did you identify the problem, what steps did you take to resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer demonstrating problem-solving, communication, and resilience.)

• "How do you ensure that the technical specifications in a tech pack are accurately translated by a manufacturing partner, especially when working with overseas factories?" (Discuss your methods for clarity, verification, sample review, and ongoing communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Thalhimer Headwear and the headwear industry specifically?" (Research the company's clients, products, and market position. Show genuine interest.)

• "Our culture emphasizes autonomy, ownership, and collaboration. How do you see yourself thriving in this type of environment?" (Provide examples of when you've taken initiative, managed your own projects effectively, and worked collaboratively.)

• "How do you approach managing multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities?" (Discuss your organizational tools, prioritization strategies, and communication methods.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the Objective, Your Role, Challenges, Actions Taken, and Results. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., reduced sampling time by X%, improved material yield, increased client satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Technical Detail: Be prepared to dive deep into the specifics of your tech packs, material choices, and construction methods.

• Showcase Communication Skills: Explain how you communicated with clients and factories, managing expectations and resolving issues.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Use your portfolio examples to illustrate your ability to think critically and find solutions to production or design hurdles.

• Keep it Concise and Relevant: Focus on projects that best showcase your skills for this specific role, especially any headwear or apparel accessories experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to demonstrate not just what you've done, but how you've done it, emphasizing your process, problem-solving capabilities, and collaborative approach. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing your operational and design execution skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Apparel Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Warren Whitney portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in product development, technical design (tech packs), project management, and client communication. Use keywords from the job description like "product development lifecycle," "tech packs," "apparel design," "manufacturing coordination," and "problem-solving."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your ability to manage product development from concept to delivery. Ensure they showcase your tech pack creation skills, problem-solving abilities, and client interaction. Be prepared to present these confidently.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review your knowledge of apparel design principles, materials, trims, manufacturing processes (especially for headwear if possible), and Adobe Illustrator.

• Research Thalhimer Headwear: Understand their market position, the types of clients they serve, and their company values to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.