Principal Site Launch & Operations Implementation Program Manager

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


- 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
- Bachelors 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

- Masters 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 for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt 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 TX Austin - 137600.00 - 186200.00 USD annually