Kathmandu Full Time Apparel Designer

About Kathmandu…

Kathmandu is a leading global outdoor brand whose journey began in Aotearoa, New Zealand in 1987. We believe out there is where we thrive. It liberates, challenges, and inspires us. Our gear is built to empower, so more people can embrace adventure. It's tested in New Zealand's wildest conditions — because if it performs here, it can handle anywhere. As a proud certified B Corp, we prioritise people and planet in everything we do — out of respect for the natural world that inspires us. Our pioneering approach to sustainable innovation ensures every product is built to perform and made with a lighter impact on the environment.

We've been out there for almost 40 years living our best lives. Now you can too. Join us on our mission to improve the wellbeing of the world through the great outdoors.

A little bit about the role:

We are looking for an Apparel Designer to work within the Kathmandu Design Team at our Head Office in Christchurch. Are you a Menswear specialist with a background in outdoor, sports, surf, street or skate wear who is looking to get into the Outdoor space? In this role you will help to inform our ranges and tackle seasonal collaboration design partnerships.  The Apparel Designer role will work within the collaborative Kathmandu Design Team, reporting to the Senior Apparel Designer & Head of Design to create brand relevant, market right, sustainable apparel for Kathmandu. The role is full time 3 days in the office and up to 2 days working offsite.

Day to day responsibilities include:

• Designing apparel range requirements on a seasonal basis in conjunction with the wider product design teams.
• Creating tech packs and technical drawings to communicate all technical product information.
• Seasonal trend, colour, and competitor research.
• Work with cross-functional teams to achieve product designs that are consumer centric and fit for the outdoor, local, and global market.

This is what you'll need:

• Excellent analytical, organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to create presentation content and run effective meetings.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work to set deadlines and adhere to these.
• Self-motivated, team-orientated style.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Have a clear understanding of consumer needs and competition within different market spaces.
• Ability to utilise design-based research, concept creation, prototype testing and presentation to inform the product development process.
• Sound knowledge of fabric types, sustainability criteria, relevant construction techniques, and production processes.
• Thorough understanding of current market trends, new technologies, and design innovations.
• Colour application knowledge across individual product, outfits and wider range.

Qualification & Experience Requirements:

• BA in Apparel Design/Fashion Design.
• 5+ years' experience in an Apparel Designer role, with experience designing Menswear for an outdoor, sports, surf, street or skate wear preferred - including technical specifications.
• Previous experience designing for collaboration partnerships is a plus.
• Understanding and proficiency in techpack/BOM creation and ability to handover clearly to product developers/design/product managers in a concise manner.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Familiar with using a PLM system.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at KMD Brands

At KMD Brands, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves.

We celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our people — across age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and physical and mental ability. We know that when our team reflects the communities we serve, we create better outcomes for everyone.

We proudly acknowledge and pay respect to Tangata Whenua, the Indigenous Nations, First Peoples, and Custodians of the lands and waterways on which our brand head offices reside in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Their enduring connection to land, waters, and culture continues to inspire and guide us.

APPLY HERE - Join us in shaping a workplace where everyone belongs.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.