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
As our Social Media Manager, you’ll play a critical role in shaping how our brand shows up globally across social platforms. What we say, when we say it, and how it connects with our community
You’ll lead the global social strategy, bringing together regions, teams, and channels to inspire a consistent, high-impact brand presence. This role is equal parts strategic and hands-on. You will be driving fan growth, engagement, and performance through world-class content, storytelling, and data-led decision making
You’ll also contribute to channel planning and paid social, working closely with marketing, content, PR, digital, and athlete teams to bring the Rip Curl brand to life in a way that resonates with surfers and ocean lovers worldwide
What you’ll do
Lead & Connect the Brand
Inspire and lead a high-performing, engaged team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture
Drive the global social media vision aligned to the 3-year brand and marketing plan
Build strong cross-functional partnerships across Retail, eCommerce, Sales and Product
Champion a customer-first mindset across the business
Partner with PR & Communications to identify and activate influencer opportunities
Own Global Social Media Strategy
Develop and execute a globally aligned social media strategy in partnership with Brand & Customer leaders
Lead best-practice social media thinking across regions and teams
Partner with Content, Sports Marketing and Trade Marketing teams to deliver impactful campaigns
Integrate Customer Service into social channels to elevate the customer experience
Continuously analyse performance and share insights to drive ROI and optimisation
Drive Channel Planning & Paid Social
Partner with Digital Marketing to deliver the global channel strategy
Support the development of paid social strategies to amplify content and campaigns
Build and manage relationships with global and national media partners
Support key partnerships (including WSL) through digital and social activation
Manage Performance & Budget
Own and manage social, channel and paid media budgets
Partner with Regional Marketing teams to ensure investment aligns to strategy
Use data and insights to drive continuous improvement and performance outcomes
What you’ll bring
Proven experience in social media and marketing strategy at a global or multi-market level
Strong leadership capability with the ability to influence across a matrix organisation
Deep understanding of social platforms, content trends, and audience behaviour
Commercial mindset with experience driving engagement, growth and ROI
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Tertiary qualifications in Marketing, Communications or a related field (preferred)
International experience across multiple regions
How success is measured
Growth in brand reach and awareness globally
Increased engagement and interaction across social channels
Acquisition of new customers and community members
Contribution to commercial outcomes (traffic, conversion, revenue)
Retention and ongoing engagement of our community
We’re a global brand built on a passion for surfing and the ocean. You’ll be part of a team that values creativity, innovation and connection—working from our iconic Torquay head office with the coast at your doorstep.
At Rip Curl and KMD Brands, we’re committed to:
Creating a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace
Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion across everything we do
Operating responsibly as a B Corp—best for people and planet
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.
