Description
Amazon is seeking an experienced Principal Supply Chain Manager to lead complex, cross-functional programs that drive successful launches and operational excellence across our food production sites worldwide. This individual contributor role combines deep expertise in site launches, item launches, process implementation, and operational readiness with strategic program management and leadership influence to deliver transformative solutions across our global food manufacturing network. This role includes stretch leadership opportunities through mentoring, influencing cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives.
Key job responsibilities
Program Leadership & Strategic Influence
Own end-to-end program strategy and execution for site launches, item launches, and process implementations across multiple food production sites globally
Define and drive program vision, mission, tenets, and objectives for launch excellence and operational readiness initiatives
Lead large-scale, complex initiatives spanning multiple organizations, geographies, and business units with significant business impact
Influence strategic direction and decision-making at the director and VP level through data-driven recommendations and thought leadership
Build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups including senior leadership, field operations, engineering, commercialization, quality, and food safety teams
Serve as a subject matter expert and thought leader in site launch methodologies, operational readiness, and manufacturing excellence
Drive organizational change and process improvements that have measurable impact across the entire food production network
Site Launch & Ramp-Up Management
Lead comprehensive site launch programs from planning through stabilization, ensuring successful first production and operational readiness
Develop and execute launch plans that address all critical workstreams including equipment commissioning, process validation, team readiness, and supply chain integration
Create and implement ramp-up strategies that achieve productivity, quality, and safety targets within defined timelines
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for launch success including production throughput, quality metrics, safety performance, and cost targets
Coordinate cross-functional launch teams including operations, engineering, quality, food safety, supply chain, and commercialization
Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to address potential launch blockers and operational challenges
Lead post-launch reviews and capture lessons learned to continuously improve launch methodologies and playbooks
Item Launch & Commercialization
Own item launch programs across food production sites, coordinating with commercialization teams, process engineers, and quality teams
Develop and execute launch readiness plans for new product introductions including scale-up trials, production qualifications, and first production runs
Partner with commercialization teams to translate product requirements into manufacturing specifications and operational procedures
Lead cross-functional teams through stage-gate processes ensuring all technical, quality, and regulatory requirements are met
Coordinate with process engineers to validate manufacturing processes, equipment capabilities, and production parameters
Ensure seamless handoff from development to production including documentation, training, and standard operating procedures
Monitor item launch performance and drive corrective actions to achieve quality, cost, and throughput targets
Process & Program Implementation
Design and implement scalable processes, programs, and mechanisms that drive operational excellence across all food production sites
Create standardized launch playbooks, templates, and tools that can be leveraged across multiple sites and regions
Develop and deploy training programs and change management strategies to ensure successful adoption of new processes and systems
Lead process improvement initiatives that eliminate waste, reduce complexity, and improve operational efficiency
Build mechanisms to capture and share best practices across the global manufacturing network
Establish governance frameworks and decision-making processes for launch and implementation programs
Work with the analytics team to design dashboards and reporting mechanisms to provide visibility into program status, risks, and performance
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
Partner with field operations teams across regions to understand site-specific needs and ensure launch plans are tailored appropriately
Work closely with process engineers to ensure manufacturing processes are optimized, validated, and ready for production
Collaborate with commercialization teams to align product development timelines with manufacturing readiness
Engage with quality teams to ensure all quality systems, testing protocols, and documentation are in place prior to launch
Partner with food safety teams to validate HACCP plans, food safety controls, and regulatory compliance
Coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure material availability, vendor readiness, and logistics support
Build strong relationships with leadership at all levels to drive alignment, remove barriers, and accelerate decision-making
Leadership & Mentorship (Stretch Responsibilities)
Serve as a mentor and coach to program managers, operations leaders, and cross-functional team members
Lead knowledge-sharing sessions and training initiatives to build launch and implementation capabilities across the organization
Guide and develop others on complex program management scenarios, stakeholder management, and problem-solving approaches
Act as a thought leader in operational excellence, sharing insights and innovations with broader teams
Take ownership of cross-functional initiatives that require influencing stakeholders without direct authority
Represent launch and implementation expertise in strategic discussions with senior leadership
Identify and develop talent within the organization by providing constructive feedback and growth opportunities
Ramp-Down & Transition Management
Develop and execute ramp-down strategies for product discontinuations, site closures, or production transfers
Create transition plans that minimize disruption to supply chain, customers, and operations
Coordinate with all stakeholders to ensure orderly wind-down of operations including inventory management, equipment disposition, and documentation archival
Manage communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders during ramp-down activities
Capture lessons learned and ensure knowledge transfer for future ramp-down scenarios
Supply Chain Leadership & Integration
Lead end-to-end supply chain strategy process implementation for food production sites including inbound ingredient sourcing, inventory optimization, and outbound distribution coordination
Drive supply chain excellence initiatives that improve fill rates, reduce lead times, and optimize inventory levels across multiple production facilities
Cross-Functional Supply Chain Collaboration
Collaborate with procurement and sourcing teams to align supplier readiness with production launch timelines and capacity requirements
Work with distribution and logistics teams to optimize outbound flow, reduce transportation costs, and improve customer service levels
Partner with demand planning and forecasting teams to ensure production schedules align with customer requirements and inventory targets
Lead supply chain risk mitigation strategies including safety stock optimization, and contingency planning
Facilities & Supply Chain Integration
Coordinate with facilities teams to ensure infrastructure readiness supports supply chain requirements including receiving, storage, and shipping capabilities
Drive alignment between facilities operations and supply chain processes to optimize material flow and reduce handling costs
Lead initiatives that integrate facilities planning with supply chain network design and capacity planning
A day in the life
Work Environment
Position may require up to 10% travel to food manufacturing sites globally
Flexibility to work across time zones to support global operations and launch activities
Significant time on manufacturing floor observing processes, engaging with teams, and validating readiness
Ability to work in food manufacturing environments (temperature-controlled, production areas)
Occasional evening or weekend work during critical launch phases or production ramp-ups
Basic Qualifications
7+ years of working cross functionally with tech and non-tech teams experience
7+ years of program or project management experience
7+ years of managing, analyzing and communicating results to senior leadership experience
7+ years of working cross functionally across several teams experience
10+ years of supply chain experience
Bachelor's degree
Experience implementing repeatable processes and driving automation or standardization
Experience defining program requirements and using data and metrics to determine improvements
Preferred Qualifications
Experience delivering projects within scope, time, budget and quality
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits .
USA, TX, Austin - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually
