How To Become an Amazon Operations Manager: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as an Amazon operations manager, including education, skills, salary and more.
Amazon operations managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of Amazon fulfillment centers. They oversee a team of employees who work in the fulfillment center to ensure that orders are processed and shipped in a timely and efficient manner. If you are interested in a career in operations management, learning more about what Amazon operations managers do and the steps you can take to become one can help you determine if this is the right career path for you. In this article, we explain the primary responsibilities of Amazon operations managers and outline the steps to become one.
What Does an Amazon Operations Manager Do?
Amazon Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an Amazon Fulfillment Center. Their duties include:
- Managing a team of employees in a fast-paced environment
- Planning and executing work schedules to ensure efficient operation of the fulfillment center
- Monitoring employee productivity and providing feedback and coaching to improve performance
- Investigating and resolving operational issues
- Ensuring compliance with safety regulations
- Maintaining accurate inventory records
- Coordinating with other departments to ensure smooth operation of the fulfillment center
- Preparing reports on operational metrics
- Participating in continuous improvement initiatives
Amazon Operations Manager Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for an Amazon operations manager is $68,850.35 per year. However, salaries can vary based on a number of factors such as location, education, and experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the job outlook for operations managers will grow at an average rate over the next decade. This growth is attributed to the increasing efficiency that these professionals can bring to organizations. As businesses continue to expand, they will need operations managers to help streamline their processes and procedures.
How to Become an Amazon Operations Manager
Here are several steps you should take to become an Amazon operations manager.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or a related field
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for an Amazon operations manager position. Many candidates have a business or engineering degree, but any major that includes coursework in statistics and process improvement can be helpful.
During your undergraduate studies, consider taking courses in business analytics, project management and organizational behavior to help you develop skills relevant to this role. You may also want to take computer science classes if you plan to work at Amazon Web Services.
2. Gain experience in project management, process improvement and Six Sigma methodologies
Amazon operations managers typically have several years of experience in project management, process improvement and Six Sigma methodologies before they are considered for this role. Many professionals who work at Amazon start out as engineers or other technical roles and then move into project management over time.
Working in a similar role at another company can also be helpful when applying to become an Amazon operations manager. Candidates with more than five years of experience are often preferred by the company.
3. Consider pursuing a master’s degree in business administration (MBA)
While an MBA is not a requirement for this position, it can help you advance in your career. An MBA can also provide you with additional skills that may be useful in managing a large organization. Many business schools offer specializations or concentrations in supply chain management and other relevant topics.
You should consider researching the different MBA programs to find one that aligns with your professional goals. You may also want to research whether any of these programs have partnerships with Amazon.
4. Develop strong leadership skills
Amazon operations managers must be able to lead teams of employees and develop their skills. They should also be able to motivate their team members to work efficiently and meet company goals. Candidates for this position should have experience leading others in a business or engineering setting.
Amazon operations managers may need to train new hires, so they should know how to teach others the necessary skills to do their jobs well. They should also be able to recognize when an employee needs additional support or training.
5. Understand how to use data to improve processes
Data is an important tool for Amazon operations managers to use when identifying opportunities for process improvement. They must be able to analyze data from customer surveys, sales reports and other sources to identify areas where the company can make its processes more efficient or improve its products and services.
For example, if a large number of customers complain about shipping delays, an operations manager may work with their team to find ways to speed up delivery times.
6. Stay up to date on changes in technology
Technology is constantly changing, and it’s important for Amazon operations managers to stay up to date on the latest developments. For example, e-commerce platforms are always improving their features to make shopping easier for customers. It’s also important for Amazon operations managers to understand how technology can be used to improve processes.
For instance, many companies use software to manage inventory levels. Technology can also help streamline other aspects of business, such as customer service or shipping.
7. Join professional organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI)
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is an organization that provides training and certification for project managers. Joining this organization can help you learn new skills, network with other professionals in the field and stay up to date on industry standards.
To become a certified project management professional (CPP), you must first be a member of PMI and have at least three years of experience managing projects. You then need to pass an exam covering topics such as risk management, stakeholder management, scope management and more.
