Kathmandu International Sales Manager

Kathmandu; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kathmandu, a leading outdoor brand, seeks an International Sales Manager to lead its distributor network and expand its international footprint. You will drive growth, strengthen brand equity, and optimize commercial performance across multiple markets.

Reporting to the GM Merchandise & Planning, you will work cross-functionally with Product, Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance to deliver profitable, sustainable growth and successful market entries worldwide.

Qualifications

• Experience leading distributor or wholesale partnerships internationally.
• Strong commercial acumen across sales, marketing, product, supply chain and finance.
• Track record of growing brands through channel partnerships.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience budgeting, forecasting and business planning processes.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

International sales

Distributor management

Wholesale operations

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Budgets & forecasting

Education

Marketing / Business / Communications 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

Bonus points for:

• 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.