Rip Curl Social Media Manager

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.