Director of Planning & Fulfillment

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Lab's Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers' missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & FULFILLMENT

The Material Planning Director leads a team with responsibility for ensuring raw materials, and components are delivered supporting production needs, efficiently. This role will fully understand our supply chain and production operations. They will develop inventory strategies and drive execution. The Material Planning Manager requires engagement with Rocket Lab US and New Zealand across the extended supply chain.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Own end-to-end multi-site material planning and fulfillment operations across all production programs, including launch vehicle and spacecraft manufacturing.
• Set and achieve program-level material readiness targets: line of balance, clear-to-build status, and on-time kitting metrics.
• Partner with Procurement to align supplier lead times, purchase planning message cadences, and material flow to production demand.
• Translate engineering change orders and program schedule changes into actionable supply and fulfillment plans with minimal disruption to production.
• Establish and own material shortage management processes, including root cause analysis and corrective action loops.
• Build and publish executive-level material health dashboards and weekly risk visibility reporting for COO and program leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning and fulfillment identifying systemic gaps in ERP and closing them.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 12+ years of progressive supply chain experience in a leadership role owning material planning, production planning, or fulfillment functions.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (16+ years total work experience).
• Deep, hands-on expertise in MRP/ERP systems and planning fundamentals: demand planning, supply planning, order policy, BOM management, and fulfillment execution.
• Proven track record building and scaling planning teams in a high-mix, low-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Exceptional cross-functional influence; successfully aligning engineering, production, procurement, and finance on competing priorities under schedule pressure.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-consequence, regulated manufacturing industries.
• Experience managing multi-site or globally distributed planning operations, including international freight and customs coordination.
• Exposure to AI-enabled supply chain tools, digital transformation initiatives, or ERP implementation and optimization projects.
• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent professional certification.
• Demonstrated experience with production readiness frameworks: line of balance, manufacturing readiness level (MRL), or similar.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

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, 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)

$170,000—$215,000 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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 here ITAR Regulations.