Kathmandu Head of Global Product Strategy

Title and Reporting Relationships

Position Title:

Head of Global Product Strategy

Reports to:

General Manager Product

Office Location:

Christchurch Head Office

Country:

New Zealand

Position Purpose

The Head of Global Product Strategy develops and recommends Kathmandu’s long-range product direction and leads the Product Management frameworks that translate approved strategy into multi-season roadmaps and seasonal portfolio plans. Reporting to the GM Product, the role uses consumer, market and commercial insight to shape portfolio recommendations, align cross-functional execution and strengthen product innovation, validation and market relevance.

Direct reports: Senior PM of Equipment, Senior Product Manager Apparel, Product Costing Lead, Product Coordinator. Broader Product Management team +3. Total Leadership direct + indirect =8-10.

Financial and Portfolio decisions: Responsible for 3year product roadmaps that ladder to 3yr financial plans. Provides GM product visibility to category as outlined in assortment strategies to influence updated financials. Responsible for creating pre-season department plans that roll-up to seasonal financial objectives for leadership sign-off.

Innovation steering committee, active participant, key stakeholder that drives innovation squads and PM’s in innovation execution.

Core Accountabilities

Accountability: Product Strategy, Roadmaps & Portfolio Recommendations

• Develop and recommend Kathmandu’s long-range global product strategy and multi-season product roadmaps across apparel, equipment and accessories for approval by the GM Product.

• Translate consumer insights, market trends, brand objectives and approved commercial priorities into category strategies, portfolio recommendations and product roadmaps.

• Identify growth opportunities, emerging consumer needs, competitive threats and whitespace opportunities, and present prioritised recommendations and supporting business cases.

• Maintain competitor product, pricing and category investment analysis to inform strategic recommendations.

• Embed sustainability, circularity and innovation considerations within product strategy recommendations and future product platforms.

Accountability: Seasonal Portfolio Planning & Commercialisation

• Lead the Product Management frameworks and planning processes that translate approved product strategy into seasonal portfolio and assortment plans.

• Mobilise cross-functional teams through the product lifecycle, from opportunity identification and concept creation to commercialisation and market launch.

• Partner with Product, Retail, Marketing, Sales, Planning, Design, Development and Sourcing leaders to align execution and identify assortment opportunities.

• Develop seasonal investment cases and recommend portfolio trade-offs to the GM Product and relevant decision-makers.

• Monitor portfolio and category performance, escalate risks and opportunities, and recommend corrective actions.

Accountability: Innovation, Consumer Insight & Validation

• Contribute product strategy expertise to the Innovation Steering Committee and recommend priorities, opportunities and capability requirements.

• Partner with Innovation, Design, Development and Sourcing leaders to evaluate and progress approved product, material and technology opportunities.

• Develop consumer insight, field-testing and product evaluation frameworks that support consumer-led product decisions.

• Ensure product concepts and innovation initiatives are supported by appropriate consumer insight, testing and validation.

Accountability: Governance, Sustainability & Risk

• Embed approved governance, sustainability, responsible sourcing, circularity and compliance requirements within Product Management strategy and processes.

• Monitor Product Management activities for alignment with company policies, legal requirements and industry standards, escalating material risks to the GM Product.

• Support product safety, quality and compliance outcomes through clear portfolio requirements and cross-functional alignment.

Accountability: Product Management Leadership & Capability

• Lead, coach and develop the Product Management team within the approved organisational structure and workforce plan.

• Build Product Management capability, succession readiness and consistent strategic and commercial practices.

• Create clarity and alignment around approved product direction and mobilise stakeholders without direct authority.

• • Foster consumer focus, innovation, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Core Capabilities

• Strategic product leadership and the ability to translate approved direction into portfolio recommendations and roadmaps.

• Commercial and financial acumen across revenue, gross profit, margin and investment trade-offs.

• Consumer, market and competitive insight applied to product strategy and portfolio decisions.

• Sound judgement in ambiguity, including escalation of material risks and recommendations for investment prioritisation.

• Senior stakeholder influence and cross-functional mobilisation without direct authority.

• • People leadership, coaching and Product Management capability development.

Success Measures:

• Quality, clarity and commercial relevance of long-range product roadmaps and seasonal portfolio recommendations.

• Portfolio performance across revenue, gross profit, margin, market share and return on investment, within the role’s sphere of influence.

• Consumer validation and market relevance of product concepts, assortments and innovation initiatives.

• Timeliness and quality of cross-functional alignment from approved strategy through commercialisation and launch.

• Product Management capability and succession readiness.

Qualification & Experience Requirements

Essential

• 10+ years' experience leading product strategy, product management, category management or related functions within consumer goods, outdoor, sporting or performance brands.

• Proven ability to develop product vision, influence enterprise strategy and support sustainable commercial growth.

• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional product work and progressing innovation from concept to commercialisation.

• Strong commercial, consumer and product-creation expertise.

• Global market experience and a consumer-led approach to product strategy.

Helpful

• Experience with field-testing, consumer validation or innovation governance.

• Experience integrating sustainability or circularity into product strategy.

Position Description Appendix – Common Responsibilities

This section applies to all employees, in every position, across KMD Brands and contains

your responsibility to our collective accountability to each other, our workplaces, and our communities.

Health Safety & Wellbeing (HSW)

• You must prioritise health, safety and wellbeing in all decisions, actions, and behaviours. No business or operational objective may override the requirement to protect people from harm.

• You must take reasonable care that your actions or omissions do not cause harm to yourself or others.

• You are required to follow all applicable Health, Safety & Wellbeing procedures, safe work instructions and any reasonable directions when you are working at, visiting and/or representing KMD Brands at any workplace or location.

• You are responsible for identifying and reporting hazards, unsafe conditions, and potential risks in a timely manner

• You must use any provided equipment, tools and PPE correctly and safely.

• You are expected to actively participate in required HSW training, and any support programs provided to maintain and enhance your safety competence and awareness.

• You are expected to contribute to a positive, respectful, and safe workplace.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)

• You will treat all people with dignity and respect, valuing the diversity of their backgrounds, identities, experiences, thoughts, and beliefs.

• You will actively contribute to psychologically safe, inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to contribute meaningfully.

• You will collaborate effectively with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences, taking time to understand differing viewpoints, communication styles, and approaches to work.

• You acknowledge that everyone biases and will engage in ongoing self‑reflection to recognise, challenge, and reduce the impact of your own biases on decisions and interactions.

• You will speak up, intervene, or escalate concerns when you observe behaviour, practices or decisions that may marginalise, disadvantage, disrespect or exclude others.

• You will demonstrate curiosity about how different identities and lived experiences shape how people think, interact, and work, recognising these perspectives as valuable to KMD Brands.

Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)

• You will take actions, make decisions, and demonstrate behaviours that support and progress KMD Brands as a global example of positive social impact, a champion of human dignity and human rights and a leading B Corp, leveraging our collective influence in a way that is best for the world.

• You will positively take part in and support a workplace culture that at its heart acts to be best for people and planet.

• You will participate in training and actively take personal responsibility to grow your own knowledge and understanding of B Corp principles.

• You will promote, support, and participate in ESG strategy and initiatives wherever possible.

• You will consider our collective commitment to B Corp principles in every day-to-day action, decision and task you undertake to advance the KMD Brands vision to be the leading family of global outdoor brands – designed for purpose, driven by innovation, best for people and planet.

Emission Reduction

• KMD Brands is committed to transitioning to a low-carbon world by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with global goals. We ask you to support this commitment through your actions and decision-making. These could be actions like limiting business travel whether flying or car use, minimize bringing waste into our operations and being a sustainability leader within your team.

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.

Apply now and join us at Kathmandu — where every day is a step toward something bigger.

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.