Reverse Logistics Senior Manager
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.
Reverse Logistics Senior Manager
Position Overview
AST SpaceMobile is seeking an experienced and highly organized Reverse Logistics Senior Manager to oversee all reverse logistics operations across multiple company sites. This position will be responsible for leading returns management to suppliers, material recovery, repair and refurbishment coordination, warranty returns, asset disposition, scrap reduction and inventory recovery initiatives.
The Reverse Logistics Senior Manager will play a critical role in ensuring efficient handling, evaluation, disposition and recovery of returned materials while maximizing asset value, minimizing waste, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability goals. The Reverse Logistics Senior Manager will collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Inventory, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Planning and Finance teams to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement throughout the reverse Logistics network.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all reverse logistics operations across multiple company facilities.
- Manage day-to-day processing of vendor returns, warranty claims, excess inventory and non-conforming material and asset recovery programs.
- Develop and implement standardized reverse logistics procedures, work instructions and material disposition processes across all sites to ensure operational consistency.
- Oversee return material authorization (RMA) processes, ensuring timely receipt, inspection, evaluation and disposition of returned products and materials.
- Establish material recovery programs focused on refurbishment, repair, reuse, and resale initiatives.
- Coordinate recycling and scrap processes for non-conforming materials.
- Partner closely with Production, Quality and Engineering teams to investigate recurring return trends, product failures, and root cause corrective actions.
- Coordinate suppliers return programs and disposition activities for defective and non-conforming inventory.
- Monitor reverse logistics performance metrics including return cycle time, recovery value, disposition accuracy, warranty costs, and inventory recovery rates.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, cost reduction, waste minimization, and sustainability objectives.
- Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, safety protocols, environmental regulations, and company operating procedures.
- Develop reporting and analytics related to returns, recovery programs, inventory disposition, and asset utilization.
- Lead and develop reverse logistics personnel while building scalable processes to support organizational growth.
- Manage reverse logistics operational budgets associated with returns processing, and recovery operations.
- Coordinate cross-functional efforts to improve internal customer satisfaction, reduce return rates, and optimize product lifecycle management.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant operational leadership experience may be considered.
Experience
- 8+ years of experience in warehouse operations, supply chain management, reverse logistics, or manufacturing operations.
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing logistics, warehouse or returns processing.
- Experience overseeing multi-site reverse logistics, product returns, or asset recovery is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience implementing process improvements focused on material recovery, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.
- Strong background in inventory management systems, ERP platforms, and warehouse process optimization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working within aerospace, satellite manufacturing, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or high-volume industrial production environments.
- Familiarity with enterprise inventory systems such as ERP, MRP, warehouse management systems (WMS), and Return Material Authorization (RMA) platforms.
- Experience supporting lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Knowledge of warranty management, repair operations, refurbishment programs, and product lifecycle management.
- Experience managing large-scale teams across multiple operational sites.
- Strong understanding of supply chain operations supporting high-complexity manufacturing environments.
Soft Skills
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
- Excellent organizational and operational planning skills.
- Ability to manage multiple sites and competing operational priorities simultaneously.
- Strong problem-solving and process improvement mindset.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, rapidly scaling manufacturing environments.
- Strong analytical mindset with data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Technology Stack
- ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or equivalent)
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Inventory management platforms
- Microsoft Excel (advanced reporting and analysis)
- Microsoft Teams and Office Suite
- Barcode scanning and inventory tracking systems
- Supply Chain Management software platforms
- Reporting and KPI dashboard tools
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in warehouse, manufacturing, and industrial operational environments.
- Ability to regularly walk warehouse and production floors and oversee reverse logistics operations.
- Ability to travel periodically between operational sites as required.
- Ability to work in fast-paced production and industrial environments with varying operational demands.
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.