Rip Curl is the ultimate surfing company. A global community of adventurers, innovators, and free thinkers committed to the Search. As we continue our journey as one of the world’s most authentic and influential surf lifestyle brands, we’re searching for a dynamic and visionary leader to spearhead our global retail network.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of retail for an iconic brand—across continents, cultures, and coastlines.
The Opportunity
As General Manager Global Retail, you will be the driving force behind Rip Curl’s global retail strategy, elevating our flagship stores, licensed stores, factory outlets, and our Ozmosis multi brand network. You will own and grow a retail ecosystem that delivers premium brand experience, strong commercial results, and a globally consistent standard of excellence.
From unified commerce to store innovation, from leadership development to ESG-driven store design—you will set the bar for what world class, omnichannel retail looks like at Rip Curl.
Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Global Executive team you will play a pivotal role in shaping the next era of our brand.
What You’ll Lead
Global Retail Strategy & Growth
Define and deliver a progressive global retail vision across all markets.
Drive growth of company-owned and licensed stores, outlets, and Ozmosis.
Lead global initiatives in unified commerce, loyalty, omnichannel fulfilment and customer experience
Store Experience & Operational Excellence
Establish and embed best practice visual merchandising, operations, training and crew engagement.
Maintain globally consistent, premium store design and world-class brand presentation.
Champion sustainability across store fit-outs, energy use and waste reduction.
Leadership & Culture
Inspire, mentor and develop high performing retail leaders around the world.
Build succession depth and capability across all regional retail functions.
Foster strong, collaborative partnerships with Marketing, Buying, Product, Planning and Store Experience teams.
Commercial Performance
Deliver sales, margin and EBIT targets across the global retail portfolio.
Own labour productivity, forecasting, in season trading and markdown optimisation.
Leverage data, trends, and insights to drive decisive and profitable action.
Inventory & Operational Control
Drive high stock turns, low shrinkage, and disciplined inventory management.
Ensure consistent global compliance standards, policies and procedures.
Oversee omni channel operations including click & collect and ship from store.
What You Bring
Senior retail leadership experience across ANZ and global markets.
Demonstrated success in multi country retail operations; surf or sports retail experience advantageous.
Commercial acumen, operational depth, and strategic capability.
A leadership style that inspires, motivates, and builds strong teams.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management.
Why Rip Curl?
This is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of one of the world’s most loved lifestyle and action sports brands. You’ll work where the ocean meets innovation, alongside people who genuinely live the spirit of The Search.
At Rip Curl, we design for purpose, act for people and planet, and empower our communities around the world. Join us in creating the next wave of global retail excellence.
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.
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.
