Associate Product Manager - Apparel

Riddell • Des Plaines, IL

5d

About The Position

The Associate Product Manager - Apparel supports the strategy, development, and execution of Riddell's apparel product line across on-field, training, fan gear, and team stores. This role helps manage the full product lifecycle — from trend research and design briefs to vendor coordination, sampling, pricing, forecasting, and go-to-market readiness. Working cross-functionally with Product, Merchandising, Marketing, and Digital Commerce, the APM ensures Riddell's apparel assortment delivers performance, brand consistency, and strong commercial results.

Requirements

• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Bachelor's degree in Product Management, Merchandising, Fashion/Apparel, Business, or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in apparel product development, merchandising, or related roles.
• High attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple deliverables at once.
• Strong communication skills; comfortable working with vendors and cross-functional teams.
• Interest in sports apparel, athlete performance gear, and fan culture.
• A strong knowledge and passion for football
• Able to work independently and as a part of our team
• Proven ability to consistently meet tight deadlines while executing multiple projects at one time
• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
• Self-starter who can take direction and contribute ideas
• Willingness to contribute outside of core responsibilities to support team/business objectives

Responsibilities

• Assist in building seasonal apparel line plans across performance, fan, and lifestyle categories.
• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and trend reviews to inform product briefs.
• Support creation of tech packs, design specifications, and sample requests for vendors and designers.
• Track sample status, fit sessions, revisions, and approvals; maintain organized development files.
• Ensure apparel aligns with Riddell's brand guidelines, sport heritage, and quality expectations.
• Communicate daily with suppliers, decorators, and manufacturers on timelines, samples, costing, and revisions.
• Assist with costing, negotiating minimums, and validating all trims, materials, and embellishments.
• Monitor quality concerns and coordinate testing, feedback, and resolution with QA teams.
• Help merchandise apparel collections across DTC, team stores, and wholesale partners.
• Partner with Site Merchandising and eCommerce Sales teams to optimize online apparel presentation (imagery, content, categories).
• Track product performance by category, style, and channel; recommend adjustments to assortment or inventory.
• Support SKU management, line architecture, and lifecycle planning (launch, carry-over, end-of-life).
• Prepare and manage all GTM materials including product sheets, sales decks, and marketing briefs.
• Ensure pricing, product info, and assets (images, descriptions) are accurate and delivered to eCommerce and Marketing teams.
• Coordinate product launch timelines with Digital Commerce, Marketing, and Operations.
• Support campaign planning around key sports moments — preseason, in-season drops, holiday, playoffs.
• Work closely with: Product Design - to align on specs and revisions. Marketing - on storytelling, imagery, and seasonal campaigns. Digital Commerce - for launches, sales performance, and customer insights. Inventory/Planning - for forecasting, replenishment, and purchasing. Operations/Decorators - ensuring embroidery and customization meets timelines.
• Partner with CX to address apparel-specific customer feedback and quality insights.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level