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 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
We’re on the lookout for a Women’s Apparel Designer to join our Product team, the engine room behind everything we create.
This is a hands-on role with a strong focus on trend research, market analysis, seasonal forecasting, garment design, and fit. Working alongside our Women's Apparel Design team, you'll help shape and deliver commercially relevant collections across a diverse range of apparel categories, translating trends and consumer insights into purpose-built products for the Rip Curl customer.
Please note this is an apparel and fashion design role, not a graphic design position.
About the Team
Our Product Department is where ideas become reality. You'll collaborate closely with Designers, Developers, Product Managers and Sourcing teams to create apparel ranges that reflect seasonal trends, consumer insights and the Rip Curl brand DNA. Together, the team brings commercially relevant collections to life across a diverse mix of apparel categories, balancing creativity, fit, functionality and market demand.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
Design & Development
- Support the design team in creating seasonal apparel collections across a diverse range of women's product categories
- Conduct trend research, market analysis and competitor reviews to help identify emerging opportunities and inform seasonal direction
- Assist in translating trend insights into seasonal colour palettes, fabrics, silhouettes and key product concepts
- Create design concepts, sketches, CADs and presentation material to support range development
- Work from approved design direction to develop commercially viable products that align with brand strategy and customer needs
- Support fit sessions, strike-offs, sample reviews and colour approvals, providing detailed comments and recommendations
- Contribute to maintaining consistency of fit, construction, quality and product detail across the range
- Partner with Product Development to ensure design intent is maintained throughout the sampling and production process
Customer & Product Understanding
- Develop a deep understanding of the Rip Curl customer, her lifestyle, needs, influences and purchasing behaviours
- Research global and local fashion trends, consumer movements, cultural shifts and emerging product opportunities
- Monitor competitor activity and broader apparel market trends to support seasonal planning
- Use customer, trend and market insights to contribute to commercially relevant product solutions
Execution & Detail
- Prepare detailed apparel CADs, technical sketches and product specifications with a high degree of accuracy
- Support the development of fit standards and garment construction details across knit and woven categories
- Maintain consistency across colourways, trims, fabrics, washes and product finishes
- Ensure all design documentation is completed accurately and delivered within critical path timelines
- Assist in reviewing samples to ensure quality, fit and aesthetic expectations are achieved
Collaboration
- Work closely with Design, Product Development and Sourcing teams to support smooth workflow and delivery
- Demonstrate a proactive approach, strong communication and a willingness to learn
What You’ll Bring
- A portfolio that demonstrates your fashion/apparel design capability, including trend research, concept development, garment design, CADs, fit thinking and product execution across a range of apparel categories
- Tertiary qualification in Fashion Design, Apparel Design or a related discipline
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and apparel CAD creation
- Demonstrated passion for fashion, trend forecasting and product design
- Understanding of garment construction, pattern making, fit principles and apparel manufacturing processes
- Ability to interpret trend research and translate insights into commercial product concepts
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
- Curious, creative and commercially minded approach to problem solving
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- Passion for product, design and the Rip Curl brand
Why Join Us
At Rip Curl, we’re driven by The Search—a passion for product, innovation and the outdoors.
You’ll be part of a team that:
- Creates high-quality, purpose-built apparel
- Values creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement
- Supports your growth and development as a designer
Ready to get started?
If you're into great people, good vibes, and creating commercially relevant apparel inspired by trends, fit and functionality, we'd love to hear from you.
To be considered for this role, please include a portfolio showcasing your apparel design work. We’re interested in seeing your design process, trend research, concept development, CADs and finished product outcomes across a variety of product categories.
Apply now and join us at Rip Curl — your next Search starts here.
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.
