Do you need an Agent or a Product Development Manager?

30 May

And what’s the difference?

When launching or growing a fashion brand, it’s crucial to understand who you’re hiring and what kind of support they offer. Two roles often confused are the Agent and the Product Developer.

Here's a simple breakdown to help you better understand the two.

Product Developer / Product Development Manager (PDM)

Focus

Manages the product from idea conception to final production.

Scope of Work

Product strategy

Tech pack review, possibly also creation of tech pack(s)
Sample development and tracking
Fabric and trim sourcing
Fit and size comments
Managing timelines and production steps
Communication between brand and supplier

Involvement Level

Deep involvement, hands-on in development decisions.

Who Is It For

Brands needing an industry professional to manage the end-to-end execution of product styles, from concept to launch, while ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and product specifications.

Deliverables

Development calendars, sourcing reports, fit feedback, production-ready files, DPP compliance tracking, history of products, factory verification.
Brands who need help building a strong, production-ready product (startups, scaling brands).

Relationship

A strategic partner to the brand, guiding every step of development.

Agent

Focus

Connects the brand to factories / suppliers.

Scope of Work

Factory introductions
Email handover
General guidance
Liaison between brand and supplier

Involvement Level

Light-touch support, often hands-off after introductions.

Who Is It For

Brands who need a trusted industry professional to keep an eye on production, facilitate communication with factories, and help ensure things stay on track without managing the full development process.

Deliverables