Kathmandu: Fixed Term Design Assistant

Kathmandu; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous staff discounts

Meaningful career opportunities

Supportive team environment

B Corp certification benefits

Job summary

Kathmandu, based in Christchurch, is looking for a Design Assistant who will play a vital role in bringing seasonal colour and graphic designs to life across the product range. You will coordinate seasonal colour development and manage the lab dip process while collaborating with various teams to ensure quality standards are met.

The ideal candidate will have a qualification in Graphic Design, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and strong attention to detail. Join Kathmandu for a meaningful career with benefits focused on adventure and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing multiple projects within seasonal deadlines.
• Ability to coordinate seasonal colour development and approval processes.
• Understanding of colour, print processes, and product development timelines.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate seasonal colour development and approval processes.
• Manage the lab dip process and maintain accurate colour records.
• Assist with market research and develop artwork specifications.
• Collaborate with teams and vendors to ensure quality standards.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite proficiency

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

Qualification or experience in Graphic Design, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or related discipline

Job description

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

Benefits

When you join our team, you get access to a range of genuinely valuable benefits: A brand with purpose; B Corp certification – sustainability and people are at the heart of everything we do; generous staff discounts across Kathmandu and Rip Curl; meaningful career opportunities across stores, support offices and distribution in Australia and New Zealand; a culture built on teamwork and adventure, supporting people who share your passion for the outdoors; and a supportive, fun and inclusive team environment.

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 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.