Engineering Project Manager, Operations Engineering (AMET)

Do you want to be part of a team of builders, directly responsible for the expansion and upgrade of Amazon network across AMET (Africa, Middle East and Turkey) region? Keep reading.

This Engineering Project Management role requires versatile and technical individuals with strong Ownership to deliver impactful results within:

• Multiple Business segments: The role will support both Amazon Fulfillment and Sort Centers (FC/SC), Delivery Stations (DS), Sub-Same-Day (SSD) and Quick Commerce (QC).
• Different Project types: The role will support both new launches (Greenfield), as well as retrofit of our existing buildings (Brownfield).
• Large engineering scope: The scope for this role is focusing on automation technologies (conveyance, sortation), Good-lifts (VRC) and Storage solutions (Pick Tower, Pallet racks, High Racks).
• E2E Project lifecycle: This role will own End-to-End project lifecycle for the above-mentioned systems. From business requirement to Go-Live, including concept design, budget request, vendor selection, detailed engineering, planning, execution, testing and qualification.
• During pre-execution phase, the PM has 2 main responsibilities.
• 1. They are expected to develop the overall operational site design on CAD, influence building selection and building size, and define the technologies required to achieve capacity requirement.
• Their design will account for Operations, Safety, Maintenance, Engineering highest standards, while remaining optimized and frugal, aiming to design the most efficient buildings at Amazon (
• 2. Specifically for MHE, Storage and goods-lift Systems, the PM is expected to own their E2E delivery, including developing the detail design and specify technical requirements; secure the budget (i.e. $50MM); run RFP with procurement teams; decide vendor selection; benchmark cost efficiency with Finance teams; understand individual pieces of equipment, their application, benchmark performance, propose innovation and value engineering.
• The PM will be focused on meeting the needs of our internal customers to deliver systems which are safe, easily maintainable, ergonomic and reduce manual labor.

The PM will thoroughly prepare the integration of these 3 key systems (MHE, Storage, Goods-lift) into the building shell and utilities (MEP, IT), with heavy interface with Pre-Construction teams.

In case of retrofit project within existing Amazon facilities, the PM is also expected to build the complete business case, demonstrate financial viability of the project, and prepare integration of new system within existing building without Operational disruptions.

During execution phase, the PM is responsible to install, test and commission the 3 above-mentioned systems they have designed (MHE, Storage, Good-lifts). This person will be responsible for the budget they requested (i.e. $50MM), quality, safety and schedule of the projects. They will act as the main interface point for both Amazon internal and external stakeholders.

They will provide accurate updates and risk forecast to Senior Leaders. They focus on cost-saving while ensuring quality and performance.

They will manage multiple vendors and sub-contractors (~300-600 workers) to deliver these systems. In terms of magnitude, they are expected to simultaneously manage the deployment of multiple km of conveyance systems with WMS integration, a dozen of goods-lift handling multiple tons load, and ~400,000 cubic meters multi-tier storage system made of ~7,000 tons of steel.

All this within a building under construction and with integrations with MEP and other GC deliverables. These deployments involve high risk operations (i.e. lifting activities with cranes) and the PM is expected to enforce highest standard of safety with their vendors.

They are responsible for the supply chain of their material, overlooking >300-500 containers coming from different countries, ensuring on-time arrival and smooth custom clearance with brokers. Upon installation of the systems, they are responsible for testing and qualifying the system before handing over to Operations teams at Go-Live.

For this, they define and lead the test plans, and extensively inspect the systems with Maintenance, Safety, Operations and 3rd party companies. Upon Go-live, the PM provide support to the Operations and maintenance team to ensure adoption of best practices and track, report performance of the systems, and take corrective action if needed.

Key Job Responsibilities

• End-to-end ownership for large-scale engineering projects (Requirement gathering, planning, design, business case, procurement, installation, commissioning and qualification, launch support)
• Dive deep into technical details and provide value engineering and innovative solutions to drive frugality and continuous improvements
• Lead technical design reviews and propose design solutions for material handling and storage solutions that meet both business needs and Amazon high standards
• Create, submit and track relevant CAPEX requests to ensure that all projects are delivered within budget and best overall value
• Assess and communicate project status, drive escalations on potential risks and delays across multiple teams
• Own the budget for the scope of the project. Give accurate updates and risk forecast. Gain savings while ensuring quality and performance
• Assist in providing equipment specifications and technical support to Procurement, Change Management, Operations, Maintenance team.
• Collaborate closely with various internal teams such as Construction, Operations, Reliability Maintenance Engineering, Procurement and Change Management
• Responsible for contractor management & teams above 300 people in construction site
• Become Subject Matter Expert for a specific piece of technology/equipment used at Amazon, advising Engineering teams internationally.

For this experienced project manager role there is a high level of autonomy to manage the projects E2E and develop versatility. The role will be based in Johannesburg area, between construction sites and corporate office, with expected travel within the AMET region, up to 50% per year.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of industrial engineer, operations engineer, manufacturing engineer, or project engineer in a manufacturing environment experience
• Bachelor's degree
• Ability to speak multiple languages including English and any of the twelve local languages is a must. Other languages such as French, German, Polish, Arabic, Portuguese, Turkish, Chinese (Mandarin) are considered preferred qualifications.
• Experience in managing cool chains, refrigeration equipment and installations, temperature-controlled environments are considered a strong plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with and managing third party vendors
• Experience with Six Sigma, lean manufacturing
• Knowledge of automated material handling systems, packaging technologies and storage solutions

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.

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.

Company - Amazon Commercial Services (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd

Job ID: A10441999