Transportation Program Manager, Operations

The Amazon South Africa Operations team is hiring a Transportation Manager to improve the experience for our African customers. Africa, while relatively small in economic terms today, represents a large and growing consumer market positioned for growth spurred by the increasing productive potential of its young population, rapid adoption of technology and evolving consumer behavior. This role will allow you to work across various internal and external teams to evaluate the customer landscapes, and invent innovative approaches to solve ambiguous problems. If you are looking for an entrepreneurial role within a fast-paced, ambiguous and collaborative environment please reach out for more info then this is the position for you.

This leadership position plays a key role in shaping Amazon’s operation by developing the transportation strategy and managing the long-term relationship between Amazon and our 3PL transportation service providers. In this context, the leader will be working closely with our carriers and internal stakeholders on a regular basis, and working with cross-functional leaders globally to drive various initiatives and programs. The leader will be accountable for dealing with challenging operational issues that will require a deep analysis of our distribution network, and for innovating and implementing solutions that will influence the short and long-term operations.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and manage the business relationships with 3PL carriers, spanning optimization and resolution of operational issues to supporting commercial and contractual negotiations.
2. Develop domestic and international line haul connections to the highest degree of cost effectiveness and reliability.
3. Partner with cross-functional teams such as Finance and Analytics to develop reports and mechanism to manage operational and financial performance on a daily basis. Responsible for the ultimate business result from delivery experience and cost perspective.
4. Work with Delivery Experience (DEX), Supply Chain, and Fulfillment teams to determine future demand for transportation resources and translate the aforementioned into capacity and operations plans.
5. Drive continuous improvement initiatives with carriers, fulfilment centers, and customer service teams to provide best in class delivery experience, speed, and cost structure.
6. Represent local country and partner with / leverage other internal resources to improve delivery experience and cost structure through system and process enhancement.

Basic Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in logistics, management, engineering, or other related fields from an accredited university.
2. 10+ years of professional experience in transportation, logistic, or supply chain management.
3. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
4. Strong analytical and problem solving skills to develop solutions based on data driven information.
5. Experience in program management and working with cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
6. Solid verbal/written communication, positive influencing skills, and sound business judgment.
7. Highly adaptable to a fast paced, multi-tasking environment and ability to perform in the midst of ambiguity.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Advanced degree such as MBA or Master’s degree in supply chain, engineering, or other related fields.
2. Experience in fast paced multi-national companies renowned for their state-of-the-art supply chain and logistics practice.
3. Ability to manage, motivate, and influence employees and partners.
4. Experience of successfully driving complex, milestone driven projects and carrying out changes across multi-country entities.

Key Job Responsibilities

1. Develop and manage the business relationships with 3PL carriers, spanning optimization and resolution of operational issues to supporting commercial and contractual negotiations.
2. Develop domestic and international line haul connections to the highest degree of cost effectiveness and reliability.
3. Partner with cross-functional teams such as Finance and Analytics to develop reports and mechanism to manage operational and financial performance on a daily basis. Responsible for the ultimate business result from delivery experience and cost perspective.
4. Work with Delivery Experience (DEX), Supply Chain, and Fulfillment teams to determine future demand for transportation resources and translate the aforementioned into capacity and operations plans.
5. Drive continuous improvement initiatives with carriers, fulfilment centers, and customer service teams to provide best in class delivery experience, speed, and cost structure.
6. Represent local country and partner with / leverage other internal resources to improve delivery experience and cost structure through system and process enhancement.

Amazon is an equal opportunities employer, and we value your passion to discover, invent, simplify and build. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. Amazon is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. Amazon requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.