Kathmandu
Buyer (Apparel)
| company: | Kathmandu |
| job title: | Buyer (Apparel) |
| location: | South Melbourne |
| work type: | Full-time |
| level: | Junior |
Role Description
Kathmandu is a leading global outdoor lifestyle brand whose journey began in Aotearoa New Zealand over thirty years ago, born out of a passion for the outdoors. We’re on a mission to improve the wellbeing of the world by getting more people outdoors, because nature has a positive transformative effect on us all. It makes us more happy, open, free and fun. And that’s why we’re all about creating the best sustainably made outdoor gear – to get people to experience nature’s benefits more often.
We’ve been out there for over 30 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.
The Buyer – Apparel will be responsible for developing, buying, and managing product categories within Kathmandu’s apparel range, ensuring our offering is innovative, customer-led, and commercially successful. The role is full-time and based in our South Melbourne or Christchurch office, reporting to the Head of Buying – Apparel.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborating with Product Managers and Designers on long-term seasonal planning and range construction.
- Analysing market trends, customer behaviour and product performance to inform buying decisions.
- Managing stock levels and deliveries in partnership with Planning and Purchasing teams.
- Ensuring the range delivers on key product attributes such as gender, activity, size, and price.
- Maximising sales and margin while minimising markdowns and poor sell-through.
- Working cross-functionally with Visual Merchandising and Marketing to support range presentation and storytelling.
- Maintaining accurate data and aligning with financial and departmental budgets.
KEY SKILLS
- Experience in apparel buying, ideally within outdoor, fashion, or sportswear.
- A sharp eye for trends and a solid understanding of the product lifecycle.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and analytical skills.
- Strong proficiency in Excel and other planning tools.
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Qualifications in fashion, retail or a related field (advantageous).
- A customer-first mindset with a passion for bringing great product to life.
Apply via Seek only, do not use the ‘apply now’ form below.
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