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.
Rip Curl is on the hunt for a visionary leader to take the reins of our global merchandise and planning strategy. As General Manager, Merchandise & Planning, you'll be at the forefront of driving commercial success across our Retail, Wholesale, and Online channels. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's most iconic surf brands.
Your Impact
In this pivotal role, you will:
* Lead the development and execution of global merchandise strategies that fuel revenue growth and elevate brand momentum.
* Deliver data-driven assortment plans that resonate with our customers and strengthen our global market position.
* Drive financial performance through strategic planning, forecasting, and inventory optimization.
* Champion cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless execution across all channels.
* Inspire and lead high-performing teams in Buying, Planning, and Allocations.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the end-to-end merchandise strategy, from pre-season planning to post-season analysis.
* Optimise inventory levels and stock turns while minimizing excess.
* Lead retail buying and allocation across ANZ, North America, and Ozmosis.
* Manage third-party brand partnerships to amplify assortment and revenue.
* Interpret business intelligence to guide decision-making and communicate the pulse of the business.
What You Bring
* Proven experience in senior merchandise and planning roles, ideally within apparel retail.
* Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
* Ability to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail.
* Experience across multiple channels (retail, wholesale, ecommerce).
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
* A relentless focus on the customer and a passion for driving results.
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.