About Rip Curl
Founded in Torquay in 1969, Rip Curl is The Ultimate Surfing Company, born from a relentless pursuit for waves, adventure, and freedom, called ‘The Search’. Today, The Search continues to inspire all that we do, from the products we make, the events we run, the athletes we support, and the values we strive to uphold. Built by surfers, for surfers, Rip Curl is a global company that has been leading the surf industry for over 50 years. As a certified B Corp, we aim to prioritise people and planet in everything we do. The Search is calling… apply today and become part of The Ultimate Surfing company.
About the Role
As the Buyer/Allocator, you’ll play a key role in driving sales and profitability by supporting the buying process, managing product assortments, and ensuring optimal inventory allocation across our stores. You’ll work closely with the Head Buyer and collaborate with store teams, visual merchandisers, and regional managers to deliver the best product mix to our customers.
Key Responsibilities
Buying & Product Assortment
- Assist in buying across all product categories.
- Place and confirm purchase orders in line with aged merchandise budgets.
- Maintain accurate stock models and inventory fills.
- Stay across competitor product ranges and trends.
- Attend weekly product meetings.
Sales & Financial Performance
- Allocate inventory based on store needs, forecasts, and seasonal trends.
- Monitor sell-throughs, margins, and inventory levels to maximise profitability.
- Analyse data and present insights weekly, monthly, and seasonally.
- Identify excess stock and implement corrective strategies.
- Support promotional planning and execution.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Own key allocation processes for the retail network.
- Communicate effectively with store teams, regional managers, and HQ.
Store Presentation & Communication
- Partner with Visual Merchandisers and Marketing to execute in-store promotions.
- Conduct monthly store visits and competitive shopping.
- Maintain strong communication across retail and operations teams.
What You’ll Bring
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in retail, ideally with a vertical retailer.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills.
- Excellent time management and communication abilities.
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and retail systems (e.g., M3).
- A proactive mindset with a sense of urgency and ownership.
- A genuine passion for Rip Curl and the surf lifestyle.
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.
Click APPLY and join us on The Search.
Join us in shaping a workplace where everyone belongs.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.