Kathmandu: Fixed Term Design Assistant

About the Role

At Kathmandu, great product begins with great design. As our Design Assistant, you'll play a key role in bringing our seasonal colour and graphic direction to life across our product range. Based in Christchurch and reporting to the Senior Colour and Art Manager, you'll support the Colour and Art team by coordinating seasonal colour development, managing the lab dip process, and assisting with the creation and execution of graphics and artwork. Working closely with Design, Materials, Product Development and external suppliers, you'll help ensure colours, prints and artwork are delivered accurately, on time, and to Kathmandu's quality standards.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Seasonal Colour Development

• Coordinate seasonal colour development and approval processes to meet key milestones
• Manage the lab dip process, including requesting, reviewing, tracking and approving submissions
• Maintain accurate colour records, libraries and documentation within PLM systems
• Collaborate with Design, Materials and suppliers to ensure colour consistency and quality standards are achieved
• Support critical colour matching across garments, trims and product components

Graphic & Artwork Development

• Assist with market research and trend analysis to support seasonal colour and graphic direction
• Help develop print-ready artwork and technical specifications for suppliers
• Collaborate with Graphic Designers and external print partners to create and refine artwork
• Review and approve artwork strike-offs and handlooms
• Maintain artwork tracking and ensure all files and specifications are accurately recorded in PLM

Collaboration & Process Excellence

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seasonal deadlines are achieved
• Build strong relationships with fabric mills, print houses and garment vendors
• Support continuous improvement and sustainable print processes across the product lifecycle
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to efficient product development workflows

What You'll Bring

• Qualification or experience in Graphic Design, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or a related discipline
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign)
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional organisational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work to seasonal deadlines
• Understanding of colour, print processes, artwork setup and product development timelines
• A collaborative approach and confidence working across multiple teams and stakeholders
• Knowledge of outdoor apparel, equipment, or the outdoor industry is advantageous

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

At Kathmandu, we believe your job should enrich your life — not just fill your time. When you join our team, you get access to a range of genuinely valuable benefits:

• A brand with purpose

We are B Corp certified — sustainability and people are at the heart of everything we do. Work for a business that prioritises protecting the planet and giving back.

• Gear you’ll love at prices you’ll love more

Generous staff discounts across Kathmandu and Rip Curl. Access to additional perks across our wider brand family.

• Grow with us

Meaningful career opportunities across stores, support offices, and distribution in Australia and New Zealand. Pathways into retail leadership, product, design, marketing, and more.

• A culture built on teamwork and adventure

Work alongside people who share your passion for the outdoors. Be part of a supportive, fun and inclusive team environment.

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.

Ready to Start Your Next Adventure?

If you're passionate about creating great customer experiences and love the idea of inspiring others to explore the outdoors, we want to meet you.

Apply now and join us at Kathmandu — where every day is a step toward something bigger.

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.