International Sales Manager

Kathmandu; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kathmandu is seeking an experienced International Sales Manager to lead the growth of Kathmandu’s international distributor network, expanding our presence across key global markets while strengthening brand equity and commercial performance worldwide.

This role reports to the GM Merchandise & Planning and collaborates with Product, Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance to deliver profitable growth and long-term market success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in international sales and wholesale.
• Experience building distributor/wholesale partnerships across multiple markets.
• Strong ability to translate global strategies into local execution.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new distributor partnerships to expand Kathmandu’s global footprint.
• Develop and execute international growth strategies across existing and emerging markets.
• Lead contract negotiations and manage key commercial relationships.
• Drive sales, margins and brand performance through distributor channels.
• Build and deliver three-year business plans, annual budgets and seasonal forecasts.
• Develop pricing strategies aligned with market conditions and global brand architecture.
• Partner with distributors to create effective marketing and retail execution plans.
• Monitor performance, forecasting, compliance and operational standards across markets.
• Provide market insights and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver successful seasonal product and brand launches.

Skills

International sales

Distributor management

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Budget forecasting

Multicultural communication

Education

Marketing/Communications/Business degree

Job description

At Kathmandu, we believe the outdoors has the power to improve wellbeing, inspire adventure and create a better world.

We’re looking for an experienced International Sales Manager to lead the growth of Kathmandu’s international distributor network, expanding our presence across key global markets while strengthening brand equity and commercial performance worldwide.

About the Role

Reporting to the GM Merchandise & Planning, this role is responsible for developing and growing Kathmandu’s international distributor business. You’ll identify new market opportunities, build strategic partnerships, drive sales growth, and ensure our brand is represented consistently and effectively across international markets.

This is a highly commercial role that combines business development, strategic planning, partner management and brand building. You’ll work cross-functionally with Product, Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance teams to deliver profitable growth and long-term market success.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new distributor partnerships to expand Kathmandu’s global footprint
• Develop and execute international growth strategies across existing and emerging markets
• Lead contract negotiations and manage key commercial relationships
• Drive sales, margin and brand performance through distributor channels
• Build and deliver three-year business plans, annual budgets and seasonal forecasts
• Develop pricing strategies aligned with market conditions and global brand architecture
• Partner with distributors to create effective marketing and retail execution plans
• Monitor performance, forecasting, compliance and operational standards across markets
• Provide market insights and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver successful seasonal product and brand launches

About You

You are a commercially astute sales leader with experience building successful distributor or wholesale partnerships across multiple markets. You bring a strategic mindset, strong influencing skills and a passion for growing brands internationally.

You’ll ideally have:

• Proven experience in international sales, distributor management or wholesale operations
• Strong commercial acumen across sales, marketing, product, supply chain and finance
• Demonstrated success developing and executing growth strategies
• Outstanding negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Experience managing budgets, forecasts and business planning processes
• A track record of building trusted, long-term commercial partnerships
• Experience working across diverse cultures and international markets
• The ability to translate global strategies into successful local execution
• Outdoor, sporting goods or lifestyle brand experience
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field

Why Kathmandu?

Join a purpose-led brand that is committed to creating positive impact for people and planet. You’ll have the opportunity to shape Kathmandu’s international growth strategy, build meaningful global partnerships and contribute to the ongoing success of one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most recognised outdoor brands.

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.

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.