Reverse Logistics Senior Manager

About the Role

AST SpaceMobile is developing the first global cellular broadband network in space, built to connect directly with standard mobile phones and supported by a broad intellectual property and patent portfolio. The platform is intended for both commercial and government use, with a mission to close connectivity gaps for billions of people worldwide.

As the Reverse Logistics Senior Manager, you will lead reverse logistics activities across several company locations. The role centers on returns handling, supplier returns, recovery of materials, repair and refurbishment coordination, warranty return processing, asset disposition, scrap reduction, and inventory recovery. You will help maximize recovered value, reduce waste, control costs, and advance sustainability goals while partnering with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Inventory, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Planning, and Finance teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct reverse logistics activities across multiple facilities and ensure smooth daily execution.
• Oversee vendor returns, warranty claims, excess stock, non-conforming materials, and asset recovery workflows.
• Create and roll out consistent procedures, work instructions, and disposition standards across all sites.
• Manage RMA processes so returned items are received, inspected, evaluated, and resolved promptly.
• Build recovery programs that support refurbishment, repair, reuse, and resale efforts.
• Coordinate recycling and scrap handling for non-conforming materials.
• Work with Production, Quality, and Engineering to study repeat return patterns, product failures, and corrective actions.
• Handle supplier return programs and disposition decisions for defective or non-conforming inventory.
• Track key performance measures such as return cycle time, recovery value, disposition accuracy, warranty expense, and inventory recovery rate.
• Lead process-improvement efforts aimed at efficiency, lower costs, less waste, and stronger sustainability outcomes.
• Maintain compliance with internal quality expectations, safety rules, environmental requirements, and operating procedures.
• Prepare reporting and analytics for returns, recovery initiatives, inventory disposition, and asset utilization.
• Manage and develop reverse logistics staff while creating scalable processes to support growth.
• Control operational budgets tied to returns processing and recovery operations.
• Coordinate cross-functional work to improve customer satisfaction, reduce return rates, and strengthen product lifecycle performance.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent mix of education and relevant operational leadership experience may also be accepted.

You should bring at least 8 years of experience in warehouse operations, supply chain management, reverse logistics, or manufacturing operations, including 5 or more years in leadership roles managing logistics, warehouse, or returns-processing teams. Experience with multi-site reverse logistics, product returns, or asset recovery is strongly preferred, along with a proven record of improving material recovery, lowering costs, and increasing operational efficiency. A solid background in inventory systems, ERP tools, and warehouse process optimization is also important.

Preferred Background

Experience in aerospace, satellite manufacturing, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or other high-volume industrial production settings is a plus. Familiarity with ERP, MRP, WMS, and RMA systems, as well as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methods, will be valuable. Knowledge of warranty operations, repair and refurbishment programs, product lifecycle management, and leadership of large teams across multiple sites is preferred.

Soft Skills and Working Style

The role calls for strong leadership, excellent organization, and the ability to balance competing priorities across several locations. You should be a practical problem solver with a continuous-improvement mindset, strong communication skills, close attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, scaling manufacturing environment. Data-driven decision-making is also important.

Technology and Tools

Expected tools and systems include ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar solutions; WMS; inventory management platforms; advanced Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Teams and Office applications; barcode scanning and inventory tracking systems; supply chain software; and reporting/dashboard tools for KPIs.

Physical Requirements

This position requires comfort working in warehouse, manufacturing, and industrial environments, including regular time on the warehouse and production floors. Periodic travel between operational sites is required, and the environment may involve fast-changing production and industrial demands.

Additional Information

This description is not intended to cover every duty the role may involve. Responsibilities may change, and additional tasks may be assigned based on business needs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The employer is an equal opportunity, at-will employer. Hiring decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and are not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin or ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.