Manager, Inventory Control and Fulfillment

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth. Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one. Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles. As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains. We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world. Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands. About the Role: The Inventory Manager at Planet will lead end-to-end material integrity, fulfillment, and control system optimization across all satellite programs. Serving as a bridge between Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Global Supply Management, this role owns the physical and systemic truth of our flight hardware asset base. The ideal candidate is an analytical problem-solver who can bridge the gap between physical warehouse operations and digital inventory management systems to ensure seamless business continuity. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our Berlin office 5 days per week. Impact You’ll Own: Oversee the inbound and outbound shipping teams to ensure timely and accurate deliveries while verifying that incoming shipments match purchase orders and conform to quality standards. Manage relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, and couriers to optimize shipping costs and transit times. Maintain optimal stock levels to prevent shortages and oversee the systemic transfer of stock across multiple locations or bins. Update the inventory management system (Netsuite) in real-time to ensure data integrity. Review, allocate, and release inventory for open work orders based on production or assembly schedules. Reconcile raw materials used against finished goods produced to ensure accurate BOM (Bill of Materials) costing. Collaborate with production teams to resolve material shortages or discrepancies. Segregate failed flight components physically, ensuring scrap material or Use-As-Is items are systematically adjusted out of Netsuite. Spearhead the system-driven Cycle Count program, implementing daily cadence audits across class distinctions. Investigate and root-cause any variances found during counts, implementing corrective actions and reporting monthly inventory accuracy metrics to leadership. What You Bring: 4–6 years of relevant work experience and 2–4 years of supervisory/leadership experience. Proven experience in warehouse layout planning, space optimization, and process improvement In-depth understanding of inventory control principles, warehouse systems, and ERP software Experience linking manufacturing-specific tracking platforms (Jira, Coupa, specialized engineering management tools). Advanced Excel/Google Sheets capabilities (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, data normalization) to analyze multi-thousand-line inventory ledgers Basic comprehension of inventory cost accounting (Average Cost valuations), SOX controls, and material compliance tracking Proven experience managing or leading a team of warehouse/inventory clerks. What Makes You Stand Out: Data-Detective Mindset: You don't just patch count variances with quick adjustments; you actively dig into transaction histories, work order routings, and BOM logs to fix the root cause. You have managed high-value, highly serialized, sensitive components (like PCBs, flight-grade optics, or specialized harness assemblies) where losing a single item can halt a multi-million dollar satellite build. You thrive amidst rapid engineering changes (ECOs) and NPI environments, maintaining tight material control without becoming a bottleneck for development teams. Audit-Tested Compliance: You have successfully navigated stringent SOX or financial audits and deeply understand how clean digital trails and physical material segregation impact company revenue recognition. Functional knowledge of ERP and WMS systems (Netsuite a plus) Application Deadline: October 6, 2026 at 11:59p PT Export Control Requirements: Planet Labs Germany GmbH is authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information at Planet under an export license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Benefits While Working at Planet: These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy. Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company-wide days off Employee Wellness Program Home Office Reimbursement Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning Equity Volunteering Paid Time Off San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Why we care so much about Belonging. We’re dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging—dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work. If this job intrigues you, but you’re thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please... do apply! At Planet, we are looking for well-rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description. We don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts. We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be, so we hope you’re excited to come along for the ride. EEO statement: Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Know Your Rights. Accommodations: Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you. Privacy Policy: By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein. Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein. AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We currently use Metaview to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a "Planet AI Notetaker" for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy. Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.