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Description

Amazon is seeking an experienced Principal Site Launch & Operations Implementation Program 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

• • Contribute to OP1/OP2 narratives and own organizational goals related to manufacturing excellence

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

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

- Experience influencing senior leaders/stakeholders

- Experience in written and oral communication, including the ability to communicate with all levels in the organization (technical, business, executive)

- Experience in written and verbal communication with the ability to present complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to executives and non-technical leaders

- • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Supply Chain Management, or related technical field

- • 10+ years of program management or operations experience in food manufacturing, CPG, or related industries

- • 7+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional programs across multiple sites or regions

- • Demonstrated experience leading site launches, production ramp-ups, or large-scale operational implementations

- • Strong expertise in food manufacturing processes including production operations, quality systems, and food safety requirements

- • Experience working with process engineers, commercialization teams, and technical development organizations

- • Demonstrated ability to operate with high autonomy in ambiguous environments and drive clarity through complex problems

- • Excellent analytical skills with experience using data to drive decisions and measure program success

- • Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

- • Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or MBA

- • Professional certifications such as PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, or Lean Manufacturing

- • Experience specifically in food manufacturing including fresh prepared foods, dairy, meat processing, or similar categories

- • Knowledge of food safety regulations including HACCP, FSSC22000, GMP, and FDA requirements

- • Experience with stage-gate product development processes and commercialization methodologies

- • Track record of delivering measurable business impact through operational excellence initiatives

- • Experience managing programs across multiple countries and regions with diverse regulatory requirements

- • Demonstrated thought leadership through publications, presentations, or industry recognition

- • Experience with manufacturing automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, and digital transformation initiatives

- • Strong technical depth in process engineering, equipment validation, and production optimization

- • Experience developing and deploying training programs and change management initiatives

- • Proven ability to build and scale operational capabilities across large organizations

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 - 137,600.00 - 186,200.00 USD annually