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 skilled Product Developer to join our Sourcing and Development team at Rip Curl (RCA), based in Torquay.
In this hands-on role, you’ll be the vital link between Product Managers, Designers, and our global supplier network—bringing designs to life through expert technical development and production management. You’ll oversee everything from specifications and sampling to cost negotiations and quality assurance, ensuring our products meet Rip Curl’s high standards across global and regional ranges.
What You’ll Be Doing

Bringing Designs to Life

• Transform design concepts into real products across surf and wake categories.
• Prepare technical drawings and size specs and manage sample approvals with a quick turnaround.
• Identify and resolve issues around cost, quality, MOQ, and construction early in the process.
• Conduct fit sessions and product testing to ensure performance and comfort.
• Negotiate pricing and engineer products to meet margin targets.
• Maintain accurate product data in PLM and internal systems.

Supplier Relationships

• Build strong partnerships with suppliers and understand their capabilities.
• Liaise regularly to resolve technical issues and ensure smooth development and production.
• Travel overseas as needed to check production, troubleshoot, and manage costings.

Process & Efficiency

• Meet strict development timelines and support buy plan accuracy.
• Provide complete and clear information to suppliers for development and bulk production.
• Work with sourcing and development managers to reduce lead times and improve capacity planning.

Quality Assurance

• Champion Rip Curl’s quality standards across all stages of development and production.
• Review test reports, factory inspections, and global returns to identify and address issues.
• Collaborate with fabric and trims teams to ensure global compliance and performance.
• Conduct in-house and in-store quality checks to maintain brand integrity.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, and fittings.
• Experience working with offshore suppliers and factories.
• Proficiency in Illustrator, PLM systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organisation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive mindset with a focus on quality, timelines, and results.
• A genuine connection to Rip Curl’s brand, values, and customers.
• A collaborative spirit aligned with Rip Curl’s values and purpose
• Highly Desirable: Knowledge or experience with CLO 3D

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

Please refer the Job description for details