MEET RUBY POMARE: RETAIL RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT.

Our gorg Angel Ruby joined us in May as our Retail Recruitment Consultant and has created her fair share of magic since joining. Get to know our Ruby.

Ruby, doing her thang.

First things first, we want to know how it all began. What inspired you to move from retail leadership into recruitment?

Like so many in recruitment, I fell into it, but looking back, it was the most natural next step. I was actually poached straight from the shop floor into my first recruitment role, which in itself is such a testament to the career growth retail can offer. After years in retail leadership, I had reached a point where I was craving a new challenge, something that would stretch me but still allow me to stay connected to people and fast-paced environments. Working with a recruitment agency brought all of that together. And now, I’m combining my corporate recruitment agency experience to make magic happen in the retail jobs space again.

What was the first role you recruited for as an agency recruiter and what did you learn from it?

My very first placement was for an operations role with a not-for-profit organisation. It was an incredible organisation with a people-first approach in every sense. What really stood out to me was how central cultural alignment was to the process. It taught me early on that great recruitment is about more than ticking boxes. It’s about understanding what makes an organisation and a candidate thrive together.

You’ve worked for some of Australia’s favourite fashion darlings and made that ever-inspiring move from shop floor to office. What advice do you have for retailers who are trying to work out where they want to land next?

My advice is to start by zooming in on your current role. Not just the title or responsibilities, but what actually lights you up day-to-day. Is it mentoring your team? Solving operational challenges? Getting creative? Once you’ve pinpointed the parts that energise you, you can use those insights to guide your next move. From there, it’s easier to spot office fashion careers that align with your strengths, and the kind of work you want more of. Getting clear on why you love what you do now is the best place to start shaping what comes next.

What tips can you give fashion job seekers that will help them stand out from the rest in the application process?

Don’t just list your responsibilities, show who you are in the role. What’s your edge? Whether you are leading a store or sitting in head office, there are hundreds of people with the same job title. It’s your energy, your approach and the impact you’ve had that makes you stand out. How do you lead? Collaborate? Problem-solve? The words you use to set your own cultural tone is the the stuff we want to see when we’re connecting people with job opportunities in fashion.

Cassie, Ruby and Anwen (Relier Powderpuff Angels)

After almost 2 years agency side, you’re now specialising in fashion-only roles. What are you loving most about in your new role with us at Relier?

I’m beyond excited to be in a space that feels so me. Fashion retail has always been my bread and butter, and joining Relier feels like stepping into the most curated, considered version of that world. We work with such thoughtful and values-led brands. It’s not just recruitment, it’s long-term alignment. That, paired with a team who truly champions their candidates and clients? Dream combo for anyone navigating their fashion career. And in my role now, I’m lucky enough to be recruiting for retail fashion jobs across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

What has been one of your most memorable career achievements or milestones over the years?

One of my proudest career moments was building a team that turned an underperforming store into the highest revenue producer. It wasn’t just about the numbers, but about backing the right people, creating a culture they could thrive in, and watching them rise. That experience really shaped how I see leadership. When you trust in your team and invest in them, the results will follow.

And last but not least, we do work in fashion, darling, so what’s the next purchase on your wardrobe wishlist?

Melbourne’s forever changing climate means that my wardrobe wishlist is always growing. While the chill is still hanging around, I am eyeing up the Dissh Ryan Cropped Blazer in Bitter Choc. It’s the perfect staple that takes you from morning coffee run to an evening at the wine bar.

Seeking your next retail opportunity? Add our girl Ruby to your Linkedin network and send her a message to chat further x