Rocket lab

Relocation and Travel Manager

Long Beach, CA Full Time

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 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 & Neutron 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.

RELOCATION AND TRAVEL MANAGER

Based on-site at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Relocation and Travel Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing Rocket Lab’s corporate travel and employee relocation programs. This role ensures seamless operations for both domestic and international travel and relocation needs, while maintaining compliance with policies, enhancing supplier relationships, and delivering exceptional employee support. You will collaborate across departments to develop scalable programs that meet Rocket Lab’s dynamic business needs and global growth strategy.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Travel Program Management:

  • Plan, develop, and implement a corporate travel policy that promotes adherence to preferred suppliers, advance ticket purchasing, and cost-effective travel practices.
  • Develop partnerships and negotiate cost savings with airlines, car rentals, hotels, and all travel vendors
  • Troubleshoot travel portal and approval workflows, escalating issues as needed.
  • Monitor travel partners to ensure service delivery meets negotiated SLAs and identify opportunities for process enhancements.
  • Analyze travel data for trends, cost-saving opportunities, and program improvements, presenting insights to leadership.
  • Provide training and support to employees on travel policies and tools, resolving escalations and optimizing site-specific travel operations.

Relocation Program Management:

  • Manage the full cycle of domestic and international relocation transfers, partnering with third-party relocation service providers as needed.
  • Manage temporary housing, transportation, family support and travel arrangements for relocating employees.
  • Manage complex relocation matters, including tax, immigration, and visa support, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws and regulations.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders (P&C, Comp, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Finance, Legal, etc.) to align relocation strategies with business needs.
  • Track and report relocation activity to cross-functional partners and leadership, ensuring visibility and operational efficiency.
  • Monitor industry trends and develop strategies to enhance relocation programs, policies, and processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Act as the subject matter expert and advisor for Rocket Lab’s travel and relocation programs, providing reliable guidance to employees and stakeholders.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 5+ years of experience developing a global travel or relocation program management within a complex business environment
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Proven ability to lead high-performing cross-functional teams and manage vendor relationships.
  • Experience in corporate travel policy development, supplier contract negotiations, and global mobility administration.
  • Deep understanding of the global travel industry, international immigration laws, and relocation processes.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills, with the ability to identify trends and present actionable insights.
  • Proficiency in travel and mobility tools (e.g., Concur, Navan) and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels, including senior executives.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to adapt to changing business needs and deliver scalable solutions.
  • Experience in a dynamic work environment supporting both business travel and relocation needs.
  • Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. 
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines.

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)
$90,000$118,000 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 here ITAR Regulations.