Kathmandu: Purchasing & Production Specialist

Kathmandu: Purchasing & Production Specialist Posted Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 12:00 pm | Expires Tuesday 4 August 2026 at 11:59 am 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 a Purchasing and Production Specialist to join our Product Team at our Christchurch Head Office. This role’s primary purpose is to accurately purchase and track end to end placement and delivery of Kathmandu Regional Purchases Orders ensuring accuracy and alignment with Kathmandu Sourcing Strategy, Buying Policies and Critical Path, as well as managing and ensuring transparency of production milestones to achieve on time delivery to the freight forwarder. Key Responsibilities... Drive end‑to‑end critical path management from buy‑plan receipt through to supplier shipment booking, ensuring on‑time delivery and agile stock flow. Build and manage seasonal to long‑term supplier capacity plans in partnership with Buying, Planning and Sourcing teams, using data to optimize cost, delivery and productivity. Consolidate global inventory requirements, support buy decisions aligned with sourcing strategy, and proactively identify risks or opportunities across cost, quantity and delivery. Place and manage Purchase Orders with full accuracy, negotiating and securing sign‑off for any cost, quantity or delivery changes while maintaining robust production and tracking data. Oversee production progress through regular WIP meetings, escalating risks with solutions and ensuring all changes are synchronised across internal systems and stakeholders. Coordinate SMS and wholesale sample ordering, tracking and reporting to meet marketing, photoshoot and commercial deadlines. Build strong supplier relationships, manage onboarding and maintain accurate supplier data, collaborating closely with Supply Chain to ensure timely freight bookings and issue resolution. What we are looking for… Collaborative communication, negotiation and influencing skills. Able to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with staff, stakeholders, and suppliers. Analytical, numerically astute with strong demonstrated problem-solving abilities Able to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and achieve set targets Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations Commercial and financial awareness with a full understanding of how failure impacts the production, manufacture, and order fulfilment Keen attention to detail and accuracy Willing to Learn Assertive, resilient and welcomes change Actively contributes and committed to team development Skills and Capabilities for success: Minimum of 2 years apparel or equipment experience International Production / Purchasing Experience Advanced Excel and Competent in Microsoft Word and Outlook (Power BI knowledge would be an advantage). Preferred experience in Apparel or outdoor equipment Preferred familiarity with an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system would be beneficial 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr