Head of Sales - Retail & Wholesale

Who We Are

Founded by Gosia Piatek in 2006, Kowtow is a seed-to-garment brand from Wellington, New Zealand. All of our garments are made naturally from a single fibre, Fairtrade organic cotton.

At Kowtow our vision is to create clothing that can return to the earth without harm. We take responsibility for what we produce, how we operate our business and are actively working on solutions to reduce our footprint. We are committed to the principles of circular design - reducing waste, making products that last, keeping them in use and regenerating the natural environment at every point in the process. Our collections are created to build a modular wardrobe, offering quality pieces that can be worn again and again, year after year.

“The limitations of our ethos keeps us innovative. We don’t compromise on design, and embrace restrictions. This gives our garments a strong minimal identity, and we believe the simplicity of our clothing is the first step toward circularity.”

– Gosia Piatek, Kowtow Founder

The Role and what you will bring

We are searching for an innovative and energetic senior sales specialist to lead Kowtow’s bricks and mortar sales channels and drive key business objectives. If you love the idea of working for a certified B-Corporation alongside a dynamic leadership team, and you do your best work in an environment open to ideation and change, this is the ideal opportunity for you.

You will be a true collaborator with experience driving sales growth through strategic and creative thinking that is grounded in the business purpose and values. Naturally customer centric, you know how to optimise sales and marketing activities to successfully forecast and achieve sales results in a fast paced industry.

Commercially savvy and detail oriented, you are an experienced and inspiring leader who thrives on growing and developing successful teams to deliver an exceptional customer service experience. Apply now if you are ready to showcase your skills in a role where you can jump in, roll your sleeves up and share the commitment we have to bring Kowtow’s commercial and sustainability goals to life.

The Primary Responsibilities

Develop and execute retail and wholesale strategy to drive sales growth
Oversee financial management of retail and wholesale budgets
Champion the omnichannel mindset to maximise all sales opportunities
Manage external wholesale agency relationships to ensure growth in focus markets
Collaborate across teams to manage and execute Kowtow sales and marketing calendar
Analyse and report on seasonal sales information to inform product development
Optimise inventory planning and placement across retail and wholesale channels
Lead the retail and wholesale sales teams to support continued growth and professional development
Maintain understanding of industry landscape and competitor activity

Skills and Experience

At least 5 years experience in a senior sales role (preferably in fashion or with a product focussed brand)
Proven experience in planning and execution of successful sales strategies and channel growth
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to provide strategic recommendations
Resourceful and proactive, a confident and positive manager with excellent verbal and written skills
Sound knowledge of retail industry with a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, both globally and regionally
Exceptional attention to detail, time management skills and initiative to ensure deadlines are met

Ideally you care about preserving the planet as much as we do and have a genuine interest in circularity, sustainability and innovation.

Working at Kowtow

Kowtow’s workroom and studio is located in central Wellington, Aotearoa’s creative capital. Flexible working options, a 9-day fortnight and volunteer days are just some of the ways we support the health and wellbeing of our team, and allow our people the time they need to rest and recharge. A seasonal clothing allowance and discount provides you and your loved ones the opportunity to enjoy wearing our Fairtrade organic cotton clothing.

At Kowtow we are proud of our kind and caring culture. We aim to provide a positive work environment where people can achieve their full potential, and we are committed to being diverse, inclusive and accessible. We believe in a future where fashion harmonises with the planet and people, leaving no harmful footprint behind. The whole team shares an interest in sustainability and innovation and everyone at Kowtow contributes toward our shared goals.

You will thrive at Kowtow if you are naturally confident, have a positive attitude and share our vision of leaving the planet better than we found it.

To learn more about Kowtow please visit

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Apply now through Seek or email us at careers@kowtowclothing.com with your cover letter and CV.