Application Guide

How to Apply for Regional Manager, Customer Success (D&I - APJ)

at Planet

🏢 About Planet

Planet is a unique company that operates the world's largest constellation of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily, global coverage. This data enables governments and organizations to monitor environmental changes, manage natural resources, and support national security. Working here means contributing to impactful stewardship of our planet while being at the forefront of geospatial intelligence technology.

About This Role

As Regional Manager for Customer Success in APJ, you will lead a team of CSMs to drive value and satisfaction for defense and intelligence customers in Asia. You'll act as an executive sponsor, co-own renewal and expansion targets, and ensure customers maximize their use of Planet's satellite data. This role is critical to retaining key government clients and expanding Planet's footprint in the region.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up with your CSM team to review customer health scores and upcoming renewals. You'll then join a call with a defense client to discuss their evolving mission needs and how Planet's data can support them, followed by a strategy session with Sales to plan expansion into a new APJ market. Afternoon could involve mentoring a CSM on handling a complex account issue or reviewing quarterly business reviews for key customers.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For

  • A seasoned professional with 10-15 years in customer-facing roles, specifically in defense or intelligence sectors, with a deep understanding of space-based ISR and geospatial intelligence.
  • A proven leader who has directly managed teams and can mentor CSMs while also handling high-stakes executive relationships.
  • An expert in negotiation and communication, able to align customer needs with Planet's capabilities to drive renewals and expansions.
  • Someone with a firm grounding in defense industry sales, business development, or program management, and experience in intelligence collection and dissemination.

📝 Tips for Applying to Planet

1

Highlight specific examples of managing customer success in defense/intelligence, such as leading renewals or expansions for government contracts.

2

Demonstrate your knowledge of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) by mentioning relevant tools, data types, or missions you've worked on.

3

Quantify your achievements in team leadership, such as percentage growth in customer retention or expansion revenue under your management.

4

Tailor your resume to show a blend of customer success and defense domain expertise—use keywords like 'ISR', 'GEOINT', 'satellite imagery', and 'national security'.

5

Include a cover letter that explicitly addresses Planet's mission and how your background in defense aligns with their goal of empowering stewardship through Earth-imaging.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your direct experience in defense or intelligence, particularly with satellite or geospatial data, and how it relates to Planet's offerings.", 'Highlight your leadership in customer success, with concrete metrics on team performance, customer satisfaction improvements, or revenue growth.', "Show your understanding of the APJ region's defense landscape and how you can navigate cultural and regulatory nuances.", "Express enthusiasm for Planet's mission and how your work can contribute to global stewardship and security."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Planet's satellite constellation capabilities (e.g., Dove, SkySat, and their tasking capabilities) and how they compare to competitors like Maxar or Airbus.
  • → Review Planet's recent contracts or partnerships with defense and intelligence agencies, especially in APJ (e.g., with Japan's Ministry of Defense or Australia's Geoscience).
  • → Understand the regulatory environment for satellite imagery in APJ countries, including data sharing and security restrictions.
  • → Learn about Planet's approach to diversity and inclusion (D&I) and how it applies to their leadership and team culture.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a CSM team to effectively support defense clients with unique security and compliance needs?
2 Describe a time you turned around a struggling customer relationship in a government or defense context.
3 How do you balance customer advocacy with Planet's business goals, especially regarding renewals and expansions?
4 What strategies would you use to expand Planet's footprint in the APJ defense market?
5 How do you stay current with geospatial intelligence trends and integrate them into customer success strategies?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't generalize your experience—be specific about defense/intelligence work, not just any customer success role.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of technical knowledge in satellite imagery or geospatial analysis; the role requires domain expertise.
  • Don't ignore the D&I aspect; failing to address how you foster inclusive teams could be a missed opportunity.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Planet!

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