The posting
The world needs 3 TW of new solar capacity every year. The legacy approach of developing and building infrastructure is mathematically incapable of catching up.
Planted is the autonomous power deployment company. We transform power plants from bespoke construction projects into manufactured products. By integrating planning software, high-density arrays, energy storage, and field robots, we deliver more power where it's needed most.
The physics are solved; what remains is relentless execution. Led by repeat founders and an engineering core from SpaceX and Tesla, we are backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Piva Capital, Google, Gigascale Capital, Khosla Ventures, and RA Capital Management.
We’re scaling fast and looking for operators and engineers who want to own real pieces of the system. You don't need a traditional energy background; we care whether you can finish hard things. Come build with us.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Planted Solar is seeking an organized and execution-focused Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Lead to own the end-to-end supply chain for our solar projects, including for structural and DC electrical balance of system (BOS) materials. This role is key to project success, requiring a person who can manage across project timelines, lead times, supplier sourcing and capabilities, and logistics to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget.
This role will operate cross functionally, liaising with both Project Managers and the Field team. You will own project material delivery and logistics and will build internal communication loops between teams to root cause, remediate, and prevent risks to quality project completion. You will manage the entire lifecycle from the project Bill of Materials (BoM) and technical specifications through to the final delivery of materials and equipment on-site. The ideal candidate thrives on managing complex schedules and supplier relationships to deliver on project success. You will own supplier relationships to ensure vendor quality, as well as grow Planted’s procurement internal procurement infrastructure.
The salary range for this full-time position is $130,000 - $180,000 plus stock options and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 5-10+ years of relevant experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage project procurement for the entire Bill of Materials (BOM), including verifying specifications in coordination with Project Engineers and the Engineering team, tracking lead times, and determining quantities inclusive of spares
- Own coordination + assurance of material delivery and on-site movement logistics in alignment with critical project milestones
- Place and manage purchase orders (POs) through the full lifecycle to ensure suppliers and vendors meet delivery dates
- Track procurement and delivery status and communicate closely with Project Managers on project installation timelines
- Act as a consistent bridge between PMs and Field Team, informing project planning with realities of delivery, logistics, and onsite constraints
- Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure reliability, quality, competitive pricing, and on-time delivery
- Evaluate supplier performance by identifying recurring issues and opportunities to improve cost, reliability, and lead time
- Identify, evaluate, and pre-qualify new suppliers and vendors to expand sourcing and meet project procurement needs
- Collaborate with business operations to forecast material needs aligned with the project pipeline, especially on long lead items
- Identify and lead improvements to procurement and logistics workflows and implement best practices to increase efficiency and reduce costs
- Support + improve internal process for triggering order placement, tracking, and validating material through deliver
- Travel as needed across projects to build firsthand understanding of field operations, uncover real constraints, and validate material standards
- Coordinate transportation and logistics for equipment and material deliveries to site, including working with freight brokers and forwarders and internal field team to ensure shipments arrive on schedule
- Maintain organized records of purchase orders, material certifications and inspection reports, and certificates of conformance for material traceability
- Maintain accurate tracking and allocation of Planted-maintained part inventory
- Provide real-time input and feedback loop on material and logistics costs to support project cost estimation
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of experience in operations, procurement, sourcing, and/or supply chain, with a proven track record of managing supply chain for projects with external timelines
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, or Construction Management or equivalent experience
- Proven track record of managing multiple suppliers and vendors simultaneously, across domestic and international suppliers and vendors
- Strong track record of supplier performance management and risk mitigation
- Technical literacy with the ability to understand technical specifications and engineering drawings to ensure material compliance
- Strong understanding of quality control documentation and the ability to verify that incoming materials meet project specifications
- Knowledge of logistics operations, shipping documentation, and domestic and international freight and customs
- Excellent communication and extreme organization
- Driven and outcome-oriented; able to navigate complex project dynamics
- Hands-on attitude, strong ownership mentality, and resourcefulness
- Inquisitive and not afraid to speak up to get necessary information or input
- Eagerness to navigate ambiguity and make good decisions with imperfect knowledge
- Desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment
- Located in the SF Bay Area or willing to relocate for 100% in-person role
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in procurement, supply chain, or logistics for construction projects
*A note on qualifications: Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- Mostly desk work using standard office equipment
- Occasional travel to supplier or vendor facilities
PHILOSOPHY ON QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPENSATION
Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Additionally, we believe compensation should reflect the value people bring and give them a real stake in what we're building. Our total compensation package includes a base salary, meaningful equity through stock options, and benefits including company holidays, paid time off (PTO), and in-office lunches. Individual pay may vary within the posted range and is determined by a number of factors including relevant experience, skills, and location.
HOW WE WORK
We are using sunlight, software, and robots to power the world. It is historic work, and it is hard work. If you want a paved, predictable path, this isn't for you. If you'd rather invent the path, this is the best job you'll ever have.
- Call it out. We put big robots in the field alongside our crews and partners. Anyone can stop any operation at any time. The same trust runs everywhere: a bug in the code, a flaw in the plan, a risk in the dirt, a design that no longer makes sense. Say it while it's small and cheap to fix, directly to the person who can fix it. Sometimes that person is you.
- Commit and complete. We work problems, not tasks. A confident guess is not a commitment; “I'll find out by Thursday” is. If a date slips, say it early and bring the new plan. Every decision has one owner: bring data, argue hard, push back in the room, then the owner calls it and we lock arms. Execution compounds.
- Convention isn't evidence. “Industry standard” is a red flag. Most conventions were answers to constraints that no longer exist. We respect physics and obey the law. Everything else is a choice, and we get to make it.
- Let machines do the work. We are system builders: AI and robots do repetitive work in the field and in the office. Every task a machine takes over is a person out of harm's way or off the critical path. Solve a problem once, then build the tool, write the spec, and commit the doc so nobody has to solve it again. Doing it by hand once is fine. Twice means we need a tool.
Planted is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.
