Sales and Operations Planner

Rocket Lab USA
$100,000-$130,000 USD
life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, California, Long Beach
Apr 10, 2025
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more. Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights! SALES AND OPERATIONS PLANNER The Sales and Operations Planner is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring alignment across finance, factory operations, program operations, and supply chain stakeholders through the development and management of an integrated demand plan, which serves as the foundation for evaluating annual operating plans (AOP) and long-range plans (LRP). This role facilitates Sales and Operations Execution (S&OE) and Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes, enabling program, supply chain, and factory value stream leaders to collaboratively make strategic and tactical decisions aimed at optimizing customer satisfaction, enhancing financial performance, and mitigating risks. Working directly with the Executive Team to drive strategic initiatives, the Sales and Operations Planner contributes to the success of challenging projects and exciting missions, making a significant impact on the future of space exploration. This position is essential in ensuring that the company's sales and operations activities are harmonized to meet customer demand and achieve overarching business objectives. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Provide visibility to ensure plans are sufficient to plan labor, equipment, facilities, material, and financial investments required to achieve business goals Support the global Rocket Lab team and understand current and forecasted business, key business financial and planning objectives, support assessment of supply chain and factory risks, and provide analytical support to assess different planning options to establish mitigation plans as needed to achieve the long-range plan (LRP) Work closely with sales, marketing, operations, finance, and other departments to ensure alignment and collaboration (evenC-suite!) Facilitate planning inputs, analysis, and meetings which includes demand planning, supply planning, consensus between functions and stakeholders Lead collaborative, action-based constraint mitigation discussions with cross functional teams Create and deliver cohesive presentations to various levels of executive leadership Collaborate internally and cross functionally to simplify and drive overall efficient and effective process execution Data mine, extract, compile, interpret, visualize, and communicate data-based recommendations on large & complex data sets leveraging multiple business systems / tools Evaluate end-to-end planning and identify constraints, risks and opportunities Mediate discussions between stakeholders with varying incentives Motivate a cross-functional team towards a shared vision Add process improvement pieces with tracking improvement YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, supply chain or other relevant fields 5+ years of related experience as a Business and Operations planner, Production Planner, or equivalent Proven ability to manage a Sales and Operations Planning process Proficient in MRP systems, MS Office, ERP systems, math and statistics Advanced experience with Sequel Advanced Excel and VB skills and familiarity with data analysis tools - strong competency in building planning tools THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Prior experience in aerospace, EV automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries Strong ability to collaborate and support stakeholders across the business. Experience with Python Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization Detail oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Understanding of complex products (hardware and software releases) and agile product lifecycle management (PLM) and change management processes Experience in a high-growth startup environment Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems Experience with AS9100, US export controls (ITAR and EAR) Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with experience presenting to executives Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently Strong problem-solving skills A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $100,000 — $130,000 USD WHAT TO EXPECT We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click hereITAR Regulations.