Production Design Manager, Prime Video, Global Shared Services (GSS)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Production Design Manager, Prime Video, Global Shared Services (GSS) Company: Amazon Location: San José, Costa Rica Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations Management / Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-28T00:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years management experience) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of over 20 designers responsible for high-volume digital asset creation for Prime Video's diverse content portfolio.
• Oversee daily operations, work queue management, and ensure adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for creative asset delivery.
• Develop and implement team performance metrics, goals, and conduct regular performance reviews, including coaching and career development for designers.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies within the design team to support Prime Video's expanding global presence and content library.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication and collaboration with global stakeholders and external partners to maintain consistent brand representation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Amazon's Global Shared Services (GSS) for Prime Video, indicating a focus on operational efficiency, standardization, and high-volume output. The "Production Design Manager" title suggests a blend of creative oversight and rigorous operational management, typical of roles supporting large-scale digital content delivery. The emphasis on "Global Shared Services" implies a need for strong process management and cross-cultural communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of 20+ production designers, ensuring they have the necessary information, tools, systems, and resources to perform optimally.
• Oversee the daily operational workflow and actively manage the work queue to meet established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for timely asset delivery.
• Establish, track, and analyze team performance metrics and individual goals, providing regular feedback and implementing performance improvement plans as needed.
• Provide comprehensive coaching, mentorship, and career development support to foster skill growth and professional advancement within the design team.
• Conduct thorough performance reviews, offering constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for talent development and upskilling.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and talent development initiatives to build and maintain a high-performing, scalable design team.
• Proactively identify and champion process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and output within the design operations.
• Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions to ensure clear communication, alignment on objectives, and overall team effectiveness.
• Manage administrative responsibilities, including attendance monitoring, time tracking, performance management, and talent reviews, ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Effectively escalate complex operational issues and project risks to appropriate stakeholders, proposing mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with resource planning and capacity management teams to accurately identify and forecast future resource requirements.
• Partner with designers to conduct in-depth root cause analyses of operational challenges and develop effective, data-driven solutions.
• Facilitate seamless cross-functional communication and foster strong collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on people management, operational oversight, and process optimization. Key areas include performance management (metrics, reviews, PIPs), talent development (mentoring, career growth), and operational efficiency (workflow, SLAs, process improvements). The manager is expected to be hands-on in problem-solving and proactive in resource planning and stakeholder communication, typical for a mid-level operations management role in a large, fast-paced organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field (e.g., Design, Operations Management, Business Administration).

Experience:

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in a management or team leadership role, with a proven track record of leading teams.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and optimizing creative or production workflows, particularly in a high-volume environment.
• Experience with performance tracking, metric analysis, and leveraging data to drive operational improvements.

Required Skills:

• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of designers, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Performance Tracking & Analysis: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in defining, tracking, and analyzing team performance metrics.
• Operational Oversight: Expertise in managing daily operations, work queues, and ensuring adherence to SLAs in a fast-paced production environment.
• Process Improvement: Ability to identify, analyze, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
• English Proficiency: B2 level (written and spoken) to effectively communicate with global teams and stakeholders.
• Project & Time Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and meet tight deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in Design Software: Familiarity with relevant design software and tools used in digital asset creation and production.

Preferred Skills:

• Creative Operations Scaling: Experience in scaling creative operations and managing expansion initiatives within a global context.
• Agile Methodologies: Knowledge of agile principles and their application in creative production workflows.
• Interpersonal & Influence Skills: Trustworthy interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and team members without direct authority.
• Adaptability & Results Orientation: Ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments with a strong focus on delivering results.
• Visual Design Acumen: Experience or knowledge in visual design principles to guide and evaluate creative output.
• Resource Planning: Experience in forecasting and managing resource requirements for design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of leadership, operational rigor, and practical design understanding. The requirement for B2 English proficiency is a key indicator for roles within Amazon's global shared services, highlighting the need for effective communication across diverse teams. The preference for agile methodologies and scaling experience points towards a forward-thinking, growth-oriented operational environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Showcase examples of how you have analyzed existing workflows, identified bottlenecks, and implemented process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, or improve quality in a design or production context.
• Performance Metrics & ROI: Provide evidence of how you've defined, tracked, and improved key performance indicators (KPIs) for a team or process, demonstrating measurable impact and return on investment (ROI).
• Team Management & Development Examples: Illustrate your approach to team leadership, including examples of performance management, coaching, mentoring, and talent development initiatives.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Examples of successful collaboration with other departments or external partners to achieve operational goals and ensure consistent brand representation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing production workflows for digital asset creation, focusing on scalability and efficiency.
• Implementation & Automation: Provide insights into how you have implemented new processes or leveraged technology/automation to streamline operations and improve output.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you establish systems for measuring process performance, analyzing data, and providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not a pure "operations analyst" or "process engineer," the emphasis on process improvement, performance metrics, and system utilization necessitates a portfolio that demonstrates strategic thinking in operational management. Candidates should highlight their ability to document, analyze, and optimize workflows, showcasing tangible results of their leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location in San José, Costa Rica, and the mid-senior level management experience required, a competitive salary range would typically fall between CRC 3,500,000 to CRC 6,000,000 per month (approximately USD $6,500 - $11,200 per month), depending on specific experience, qualifications, and Amazon's internal compensation bands.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension contributions).
• Employee discount programs on Amazon products and services.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Access to Amazon's global network of resources and employee assistance programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. While specific schedules may vary, operations roles often require flexibility to manage global team coordination and meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on typical mid-to-senior management positions in technology and creative services in Costa Rica, adjusted for a global tech giant like Amazon. Benefits are standard for large multinational corporations, with a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Digital Media & Entertainment, Cloud Computing. Amazon operates across a vast spectrum of industries, with Prime Video being a key player in the streaming entertainment sector. Company Size: Amazon is one of the largest technology companies globally, employing over 1.5 million people worldwide. This scale means extensive resources, established processes, and significant opportunities for impact. Founded: 1994. Amazon has a history of innovation, customer obsession, and a relentless focus on operational excellence, which permeates all its divisions, including Prime Video.

Team Structure:

• The Production Design team within Global Shared Services (GSS) is likely a large, specialized unit focused on high-volume digital asset creation. It will comprise various designer roles (e.g., graphic designers, motion graphics artists, production artists) and will report up through a hierarchy of management.
• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior operations leader or director within GSS, overseeing a significant portion of the design operational workforce.
• Collaboration is expected to be extensive, both within the design team and with cross-functional teams such as marketing, content acquisition, product management, and technology development for Prime Video globally.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Amazon heavily relies on data and metrics to inform decisions, optimize performance, and identify areas for improvement. This role will require a strong analytical approach.
• Customer Obsession: The core principle of understanding and serving customer needs will guide the quality and relevance of the creative assets produced.
• Process Optimization: A continuous drive to refine workflows, increase efficiency, and ensure scalability is fundamental to Amazon's operational philosophy.
• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated for design, the fast-paced nature of media and technology suggests an agile or iterative approach to asset creation and workflow management.

Company Website: https://www.amazon.com | https://www.primevideo.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's culture is characterized by its "Leadership Principles," which emphasize customer obsession, ownership, bias for action, and continuous learning. These principles are deeply embedded in daily operations and management practices, shaping team dynamics and decision-making. The GSS structure implies a focus on centralized, efficient, and standardized operational support for various business units.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position, requiring individuals with proven leadership experience and the ability to manage significant team operations and drive process improvements. It sits within the operational management track, focusing on team performance, workflow efficiency, and stakeholder alignment. Reporting Structure: The Production Design Manager will report to a higher-level manager within Prime Video's Global Shared Services organization, likely a Director or Senior Manager of Operations. They will, in turn, manage a team of individual contributor designers. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on Prime Video's global marketing and promotional efforts by ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of digital assets. This supports customer acquisition, engagement, and retention by effectively showcasing content across various platforms and campaigns. Efficient operations directly contribute to cost savings and scalability, enabling Prime Video to support its growing content library and global expansion.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Management Roles: Potential progression to Senior Manager or Director roles within GSS or other operations departments at Amazon, overseeing larger teams or broader functional areas.
• Specialization in Creative Operations: Deepen expertise in scaling creative production, managing complex workflows, and implementing innovative solutions within the media and entertainment industry.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into related operational roles in areas like program management, content operations, or marketing operations within Prime Video or other Amazon divisions.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Amazon's extensive internal training and development programs focused on leadership, strategic thinking, and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon is known for providing numerous career paths for high performers. This role offers a solid foundation in managing a large operational team within a critical business unit, providing ample opportunities for growth into more senior leadership or specialized operational roles. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making and process optimization aligns with core operational career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where team members collaborate face-to-face. Amazon offices are typically modern, well-equipped, and designed to foster collaboration and productivity. Office Location(s): San José, Costa Rica. This location is part of Amazon's growing global shared services presence, offering a blend of local talent and international operational integration. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a shared office environment, potentially with dedicated team areas. Collaboration is highly encouraged, with common spaces and meeting rooms available for team discussions, project planning, and stakeholder meetings.
• Access to the necessary design software, hardware, and internal Amazon systems will be provided, ensuring designers and managers have the tools required for efficient production.
• Opportunities for interaction with other operational teams within GSS and potentially with global Prime Video stakeholders (virtually) will be frequent.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the global nature of Prime Video and the need to support various markets and campaigns, there may be a requirement for occasional flexibility to accommodate different time zones or urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in a global shared services hub like Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity to be part of a diverse, international team while contributing to a globally recognized brand. The environment is expected to be fast-paced and demanding, typical of Amazon's operational culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager, focusing on leadership experience, operational management skills, problem-solving abilities, and specific examples of past achievements. Expect questions related to team management, process improvement, and performance metrics.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with potential team members or peers from other departments. These sessions will likely assess collaboration skills, communication style, and how well you align with the team's and Amazon's culture.
• Case Study/Presentation: A common step for management roles at Amazon involves a case study or a presentation based on a hypothetical or past scenario. This may involve analyzing a business problem, proposing an operational strategy, or presenting a past project's success. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio.
• Final Round: Potentially an interview with a senior leader or director, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term vision, and overall leadership capability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Operations & Leadership: Focus on projects where you demonstrated strong leadership in managing teams and driving operational improvements in a production or creative context.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and specific data to demonstrate the results of your process improvements, team management strategies, and operational initiatives (e.g., "reduced turnaround time by X%", "increased team productivity by Y%", "improved asset quality scores by Z%").
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail a specific operational or team challenge you faced, your analytical approach, the solutions you implemented, and the outcome.
• Process Documentation Examples: Include brief examples or summaries of how you've documented and optimized workflows, emphasizing clarity and efficiency.
• Tailor to Amazon: Research Amazon's Leadership Principles and try to weave them into your examples. Connect your experience to the needs of Prime Video's high-volume digital asset production.

Challenge Preparation:

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for common behavioral questions related to leadership, conflict resolution, performance management, and teamwork.
• Operational Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific operational challenges, such as managing underperforming team members, dealing with sudden increases in workload, or implementing new process changes.
• Data Analysis: Be ready to discuss how you use data to make decisions and improve team performance.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio or case study clearly, concisely, and confidently, anticipating questions from interviewers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon interviews are known for being rigorous and data-driven. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates operational achievements and leadership capabilities, supported by quantifiable results, is crucial. Preparing for behavioral questions using the STAR method and understanding Amazon's specific cultural nuances (Leadership Principles) will significantly improve your chances.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro), Figma, Sketch, or similar.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, Monday.com, or similar for managing workflows, task assignments, and project timelines.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Amazon's internal communication tools for team and cross-functional collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or Amazon's internal analytics platforms for creating dashboards and reporting on team performance and operational metrics.
• Performance Tracking Systems: Familiarity with systems used for tracking SLAs, output volume, quality scores, and other key performance indicators.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM management role, understanding how creative assets integrate with marketing campaigns managed via CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial.
• Workflow Automation Tools: Experience with or understanding of tools that can automate repetitive design tasks or workflow steps (e.g., scripting, batch processing, specialized plugins).
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with DAM systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific tools, the nature of high-volume digital asset production for a major streaming service implies the use of robust design software, efficient project management systems, and comprehensive analytics tools. A manager in this role would be expected to understand how these tools integrate to support operational goals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: Every design decision and operational process should ultimately serve the Prime Video customer experience.
• Ownership: Taking responsibility for team performance, process outcomes, and proactive problem-solving.
• Bias for Action: The ability to make quick, informed decisions and execute efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Invent and Simplify: Constantly seeking ways to improve processes, tools, and team effectiveness.
• Deliver Results: A strong focus on achieving and exceeding performance targets and delivering high-quality assets on time.
• Dive Deep: Thoroughly analyzing issues, understanding root causes, and making data-driven decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing, content, product, and technology teams, requiring clear communication and a collaborative approach to align on creative and operational objectives.
• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly given and received to drive continuous improvement in both individual performance and team processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, insights, and learnings to elevate the collective skill set and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's core values, known as Leadership Principles, are fundamental to its culture. successful candidates will demonstrate these principles in their approach to managing teams, solving problems, and driving operational excellence within the Prime Video context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Volume Demand: Managing a large team to consistently produce high-quality digital assets under demanding deadlines for a global entertainment brand.
• Maintaining Quality at Scale: Ensuring creative excellence and brand consistency across a vast number of assets and campaigns, while scaling operations to meet growing content needs.
• Balancing Creative & Operational Rigor: Effectively leading a team of creative professionals while adhering to strict operational processes, SLAs, and performance metrics.
• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying abreast of design trends, platform changes, and evolving customer expectations in the dynamic digital media landscape.
• Global Team Coordination: Effectively managing and motivating a distributed team (potentially with varied cultural backgrounds and work styles) to ensure cohesive performance and communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Access to Amazon's comprehensive leadership development programs, focusing on strategic management, people leadership, and operational excellence.
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge creative operations, digital asset management techniques, and workflow optimization strategies within the entertainment industry.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Amazon and to mentor junior team members, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Gaining insights into various facets of the entertainment business, from content acquisition and marketing to technology and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to managing a large creative operations team within a fast-paced, global tech company. These challenges also present significant opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement, particularly in areas of operational efficiency, leadership, and strategic planning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "How would you structure your team's workflow to maximize efficiency and meet aggressive SLAs for digital asset delivery for a major film release campaign?"
• Team Management: "Describe a time you had to manage a team member who was consistently underperforming. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?"
• Process Improvement: "Walk me through a process you identified as inefficient in a previous role. What data did you use to support your findings, and how did you implement a more effective process?"
• Stakeholder Management: "How would you collaborate with a global marketing team to ensure their creative needs are met while maintaining operational standards for asset creation?"
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design tool suddenly becomes unavailable before a major deadline. How would you manage your team and ensure project continuity?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Leadership Principles: "Give an example of how you've demonstrated 'Ownership' or 'Bias for Action' in a leadership role."
• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a diverse team?"
• Metrics & Performance: "What metrics do you believe are most important for tracking the success of a production design team, and why?"
• Adaptability: "Describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly to a significant change in project scope or company strategy."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key operational achievements and leadership experiences. Use a clear narrative for each case study, highlighting the problem, your approach, the actions taken, and the measurable results.
• Quantification: Ensure all your examples include quantifiable data. Numbers speak volumes in operations – focus on improvements in speed, cost, quality, or efficiency.
• Relevance: Tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of this role. Emphasize experience in managing high-volume production, creative operations, and team leadership.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful examples within a limited timeframe. Practice your delivery to be clear, confident, and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon interviews focus heavily on demonstrating the Leadership Principles through past experiences. Candidates should prepare specific examples using the STAR method and be ready to discuss how their operational expertise and leadership style align with Amazon's culture and the demands of the Prime Video business.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Amazon Jobs portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your success in managing production design teams, optimizing workflows, and achieving measurable operational improvements. Focus on examples relevant to high-volume digital asset creation and creative operations.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your management experience, operational leadership skills, proficiency in relevant design and project management tools, and quantifiable achievements. Tailor your resume with keywords from the job description, such as "team leadership," "process improvement," "performance metrics," and "creative operations."
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method, focusing on how you embody Amazon's Leadership Principles. Prepare to discuss your operational strategies, problem-solving approaches, and how you drive team performance. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, ensuring it's concise, data-driven, and aligned with the role's requirements.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Amazon and Prime Video, paying close attention to their strategic goals, recent content releases, and company culture. Understanding their operational priorities and leadership principles will be key to articulating your fit and asking insightful questions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.