Kathmandu Senior Equipment Designer

About Kathmandu...

Kathmandu is a leading global outdoor brand whose journey began in Aotearoa, New Zealand in

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...

As a Senior Equipment Designer at Kathmandu, you'll lead a talented team in crafting innovative, purpose-built products that reflect our brand DNA and meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts across Hike, Travel, Outdoor Active, and Camp / Picnic categories—including packs, luggage, tents, furniture, sleep systems, and accessories.

Reporting to the Head of Design and working closely with cross-functional and cross-divisional teams, you'll drive the development of globally relevant, commercially successful designs that balance technical performance with a cohesive, sustainable aesthetic.

With a strong focus on innovation and first-to-market opportunities, you'll mentor designers, foster collaboration, and champion Kathmandu's commitment to quality, integrity, and leadership in the outdoor industry.

Day to day responsibilities include : Drive the creation of innovative, production-ready outdoor gear by collaborating with stakeholders and guiding a team of designers to deliver market-relevant, brand-aligned products.

Oversee the creation of detailed tech packs using Illustrator and PLM software, ensuring accuracy in construction, materials, sizing, and compliance with Kathmandu's quality standards.

Stay ahead of industry trends, materials, and technologies to inform design decisions, support continuous improvement, and elevate product performance through lab and field testing Partner with the Material Development team to source and evaluate components that meet quality, compliance, and budget goals—reinforcing Kathmandu's commitment to sustainability.

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Equipment Designers through structured reviews, coaching, and strategic project management to foster growth and deliver to critical path deadlines.

This is what you'll need...

Meticulous attention to detail.

Excellent organisational, motivational and planning skills.

Ability to work to set deadlines and adhere to these.

Self-motivated, team orientated leadership style.

Excellent communication skills and the ability collaborate cohesively across multiple departments internally and externally.

Strong presentation skills and ability to communicate ideas to a multifaceted group.

User of outdoor equipment.

Consumer centric mindset.

Qualification Experience Requirements...

Experience in managing a small team of Designers (minimum 2-4 years experience) Experience in the design and development of Outdoor Equipment products, across packs and bags, luggage, camp (tents, sleep systems, furniture), picnic and related outdoor equipment accessories.

Experience with industrial design processes including research, concept creation and presentation, model building and prototyping, design revision and iteration.

Competent hand skills and experience in the creation of physical models and prototypes; including pattern making, sewn construction techniques and processes.

Sound knowledge of fabric types, sustainability criteria, relevant construction techniques, and production processes.

Experience working with and communicating to external off-shore manufacturers / suppliers / partners.

Sound level of skill with both freehand drawing and computer aided design software, including Adobe suit, particularly Adobe Illustrator and InDesign and other relevant packages.

Solidworks experience.

Familiar with using a PLM system.

Strong knowledge of the outdoor industry, thorough understanding of market trends and design innovations.

Able to create accurate technical specifications and effectively communicate design intent through illustration.

Experience managing multiple design projects simultaneously and diligently adhering to set deadlines.

Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.

Experience and passion for the actual use of outdoor equipment.

Industrial design degree or equivalent higher education product design qualification.

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.