Senior Design Manager, International Operations Design Team, Operations Design Team, Operations Design Team

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager, International Operations Design Team Company: Amazon Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Job Type: Full-Time Category: Operations Design / Logistics Design Date Posted: 2025-07-23 Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid to Senior Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the delivery of innovative and efficient designs for Amazon's International Operations Design Team (ODT), focusing on a comprehensive portfolio of projects.
• Manage and optimize design processes, information flow, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure timely and high-quality project execution within a construction and fit-out environment.
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for operations design, driving standardization, identifying efficiency gains, and expanding service offerings within the region.
• Drive year-on-year improvements in stakeholder engagement and operational efficiency through data-driven insights and a proactive, problem-solving approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring that Amazon's international fulfillment centers and operational facilities are designed for maximum efficiency, safety, and customer experience. The "International Operations Design Team" designation suggests a focus on global standardization while adapting designs to local operational nuances and regulatory requirements. The emphasis on "composite designs" implies managing multiple design disciplines (e.g., architectural, structural, MEP, automation) to create a cohesive and functional overall design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design delivery for a portfolio of international operations projects, prioritizing safety, quality, and customer experience.
• Foster a collaborative environment and establish common objectives with cross-functional stakeholders, including Safety, Construction, Engineering, Real Estate, and Procurement teams.
• Identify and implement improvements in design processes, content, and programs to drive cost savings and increase business value through optimized operations design.
• Develop and deliver efficient operational processes and facility layouts that mitigate field execution challenges, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain high quality and consistency.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the Operations Design Team's services within the region by identifying opportunities to expand existing or develop new service offerings.
• Lead and mentor junior ODT Designers and manage third-party contractors to supplement resource needs for portfolio delivery.
• Act as a technical lead and SME for operational processes both within and outside the Global Engineering Services (GES) organization, defining strategy and providing guidance to team members.
• Facilitate program-level meetings, track progress, and ensure timely elevation and resolution of potential risks and issues in collaboration with technical partners.
• Manage strategic non-portfolio program development initiatives to enhance overall operational design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of project management, technical design leadership, and strategic business development. The emphasis on "composite designs," "field execution," and "regulatory compliance" points to a need for deep understanding of construction and fit-out processes within a large-scale logistics or warehouse environment. The expectation to "drive standardization" and "identify opportunities to expand services" indicates a proactive role in shaping the team's future capabilities and operational footprint.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Civil), Architecture, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations design, logistics design, or a similar role within a logistics, warehouse, or construction environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing design processes, project lifecycles, and deliverables within a complex operational setting.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with diverse cross-functional teams and subject-matter experts (SMEs).
• Experience in process design and optimization, focusing on improving efficiency and reducing operational friction.

Required Skills:

• Operations Design & Logistics: Deep understanding of operations processes, warehouse/fulfillment center layouts, and the dependencies involved in construction and fit-out projects.
• CAD Software Proficiency: Professional working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit applications for design, drafting, and modeling.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to foster collaboration, build relationships, and manage stakeholders across various business lines and technical disciplines.
• Problem-Solving & Data-Driven Approach: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to use data to drive decisions and identify improvement opportunities.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Proficiency in both Spanish and English is required for this role.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Working knowledge of project management principles and tools, including Microsoft Office Suite and MS Project.

Preferred Skills:

• Workspace Design & Layout: Specific experience in workspace design and layout optimization within industrial or operational environments.
• Warehouse/FC Environment Experience: Direct experience drawing and designing within a warehouse or fulfillment center setting.
• Process Optimization: Proven track record in process design and optimization initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
• Data Analytics Tools: Proficiency with data analytics platforms such as MySQL and PowerBI for reporting, analysis, and visualization.
• Project Management Certification: Holding a certified Project Management qualification (e.g., PMP, Prince2, or equivalent).
• Portuguese Language Proficiency: Additional proficiency in the Portuguese language.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual language requirement (Spanish and English) suggests that this role may involve managing projects or interacting with teams in Spanish-speaking regions within Amazon's international operations. Proficiency in both AutoCAD and Revit is standard for design roles, but the emphasis on "composite designs" implies a need to integrate various model types and manage design data effectively. The preferred skills in data analytics (MySQL, PowerBI) and process optimization highlight a growing trend towards data-driven decision-making in operations design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful end-to-end design delivery for complex operational projects, ideally within logistics or industrial environments.
• Include case studies that clearly illustrate the impact of your design decisions on operational efficiency, safety, and cost savings.
• Present examples of how you have managed design dependencies, facilitated cross-functional collaboration, and ensured quality and compliance in previous projects.
• Highlight experience with integrating various design elements (e.g., architectural, MHE integration, safety features) into cohesive and functional operational layouts.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of process documentation related to workflow design, optimization, and implementation within an operations context.
• Showcase experience in creating and maintaining process documentation that supports standardization, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to measure and analyze the performance of implemented processes to identify areas for further refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and impact. It should not only display technical design skills but also evidence of strategic thinking, process management, and stakeholder influence. The emphasis on "composite designs" suggests that showcasing integrated project deliverables will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager role with 7+ years of experience in Brisbane, Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $120,000 - $170,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Brisbane, the specialized nature of operations design, and Amazon's typical compensation structure for senior technical roles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., Superannuation contributions).
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Employee discounts on Amazon products and services.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or stock awards.
• Access to Amazon's global network of learning resources and internal mobility programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of project delivery and international coordination, flexibility may be required to accommodate global team schedules and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for similar roles in Australia and the tech/logistics industry. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's unique qualifications, experience, and successful negotiation. Amazon is known for offering a robust benefits package, including significant professional development opportunities, which are highly valued by operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• E-commerce, Cloud Computing, Logistics, Retail, and Technology. Amazon operates at the forefront of multiple industries, driving innovation and setting benchmarks for operational excellence and customer experience. This diverse industry presence creates a dynamic environment for operations professionals.

Company Size:

• Amazon is a global corporation with hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide. This large scale provides extensive resources, opportunities for specialization, and exposure to best-in-class operational practices. For operations professionals, it means working within highly structured, process-driven environments with significant potential for impact.

Founded:

• Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon began as an online bookstore and has since expanded into a vast array of products and services. This history of rapid growth and relentless innovation shapes its culture, encouraging a continuous pursuit of improvement and a focus on long-term customer value.

Team Structure:

• The International Operations Design Team (ODT) is likely part of Amazon's broader Global Engineering Services (GES) or a similar operational design and planning division.
• The team is expected to be composed of specialized designers, engineers, and project managers responsible for the physical and operational design of fulfillment centers and other logistics facilities globally.
• This Senior Design Manager role will report to a Design Program Manager or a Director within the operations design hierarchy, with direct or indirect oversight of junior designers and external contractors.
• Collaboration is highly integrated, requiring close partnerships with internal stakeholders from Real Estate, Construction, Operations Technology, Fulfillment Operations, and external vendors and consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations design at Amazon heavily relies on data analytics to inform layout decisions, optimize workflows, and measure performance.
• Process Optimization: A core tenet is the continuous improvement of design and operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety and quality.
• Standardization and Scalability: Amazon emphasizes developing standardized design solutions that can be scaled globally, while allowing for necessary local adaptations.
• Customer Obsession: All design efforts are ultimately aimed at improving the experience for Amazon's end customers by ensuring efficient and reliable delivery operations.

Company Website:

• https://www.amazon.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's culture is famously driven by its Leadership Principles, which emphasize customer obsession, ownership, and a bias for action. For an operations design role, this translates to a focus on delivering practical, efficient, and scalable solutions that directly impact the customer experience and the company's bottom line. The sheer scale of Amazon's operations means that design decisions have a significant ripple effect, making this a high-impact role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a senior-level position, indicating a significant level of expertise and responsibility. As a Senior Design Manager, you are expected to lead complex projects, mentor others, and contribute to strategic planning within the operations design function. This role sits above junior designers and potentially team leads, but below senior leadership or directorial positions.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager likely reports to a Design Program Manager or a Director overseeing the International Operations Design Team. They will have direct or indirect management responsibility for junior designers and external contractors, fostering a team environment focused on collaborative problem-solving and execution.

Operations Impact:

• The designs managed by this role directly impact the efficiency, throughput, and cost-effectiveness of Amazon's global fulfillment network. Successful designs lead to faster delivery times, reduced operational costs, improved safety for associates, and a better overall customer experience. This role has a tangible impact on Amazon's ability to scale its operations and maintain its competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into a Design Program Manager role, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple teams, or transition into broader operational leadership positions within Amazon's fulfillment network.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of operations design, such as automation integration, advanced robotics, or sustainable facility design.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related operational planning, project management, or supply chain strategy roles within Amazon.
• Global Exposure: Continued opportunities to work on international projects, gaining exposure to diverse operational challenges and best practices across different regions.
• Continuous Learning: Access to Amazon's extensive learning and development resources, including internal training programs, workshops, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon offers significant opportunities for career advancement, particularly in operations, due to its continuous growth and global expansion. A successful Senior Design Manager can expect clear pathways into leadership roles, with a focus on developing strategic thinking and management capabilities alongside technical expertise. The ability to demonstrate impact through metrics and successful project delivery will be key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This role is based in an office environment, likely within a modern corporate setting in Brisbane. While the work involves designing operational facilities, the day-to-day tasks will be performed in a typical office setup with access to necessary technology and collaborative spaces.

Office Location(s):

• The primary location is Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Amazon often has multiple offices within major cities, so the specific address would be provided upon further engagement.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will support collaborative efforts, with access to meeting rooms, project rooms, and standard office amenities. Expect a dynamic environment where team members frequently interact on projects, share information, and conduct design reviews.
• The necessary tools and technology, including high-performance workstations for CAD/Revit, access to internal databases, and communication platforms, will be provided.
• Opportunities for interaction with operations subject matter experts, project teams, and management will be frequent, fostering a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• While the standard work week is 40 hours, the nature of international operations design may require occasional flexibility to attend meetings or address urgent issues that arise in different time zones. This adaptability is common in global organizations like Amazon.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Brisbane emphasizes the need for in-person collaboration, which is often crucial for detailed design reviews and team cohesion in complex operational projects. Amazon's office environments are typically designed to be functional and conducive to productivity, supporting the rigorous demands of its operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will typically conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience in operations design, project management, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss your background using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Technical/Team Interviews: You may have interviews with other members of the Operations Design Team or cross-functional stakeholders. These sessions will likely delve into your technical proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit, your understanding of logistics operations, and your ability to collaborate effectively.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio, presenting key projects, design decisions, and the quantifiable impact of your work. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your capabilities and strategic thinking.
• Final Interview/Debrief: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader or a debrief session to discuss overall fit and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects that showcase your skills in operations design, logistics, and process optimization.
• Focus on Impact and Metrics: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design solutions implemented, and the resulting improvements (e.g., % increase in efficiency, % cost reduction, safety improvements, delivery time reduction). Quantify outcomes wherever possible.
• Illustrate Collaboration: Highlight instances where you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder expectations, and navigated complex project environments.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your design process using AutoCAD and Revit, including how you manage complex models, ensure data integrity, and collaborate with other disciplines.
• Structure Your Narrative: Present your portfolio logically, explaining the context of each project and how your contributions led to positive outcomes. Practice your presentation to ensure it is concise and impactful.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical operational challenge or a partial design scenario and asked to outline your approach to solving it, including process considerations, stakeholder engagement, and potential design solutions.
• Process Improvement Case Study: Be ready to discuss a time you identified and implemented a significant improvement in a design or operational process. Focus on the methodology used, the challenges faced, and the measurable results.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare for questions related to leadership, conflict resolution, managing ambiguity, and adapting to change, all within an operations context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon interviews are known to be rigorous and data-driven. For this role, demonstrating a clear link between your design decisions and tangible business outcomes (efficiency, cost, safety) is paramount. The portfolio review is your opportunity to showcase not just your technical skills but also your strategic thinking and ability to deliver results in a complex, fast-paced environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting, design documentation, and layout creation. Expect to use it for detailed drawings, schematics, and site plans.
• Revit: Critical for BIM (Building Information Modeling), enabling 3D design, clash detection, and integrated project data management. Proficiency in creating and managing complex Revit models is expected.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for communication.
• MS Project: For project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking project timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MySQL: Preferred for database management and querying, particularly if managing large datasets related to design or operational performance.
• PowerBI: Highly valued for creating interactive dashboards, visualizing data, and generating reports to communicate insights to stakeholders and drive decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as CRM, familiarity with systems that manage project workflows, data, and stakeholder interactions is beneficial. Amazon utilizes various internal tools for project tracking and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is non-negotiable. The preference for MySQL and PowerBI indicates a strong emphasis on data analysis and visualization to support operational decision-making and performance tracking. Experience with project management software like MS Project is also a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: All design decisions must ultimately serve the needs of Amazon's customers by ensuring efficient and reliable operations.
• Ownership: Take responsibility for your projects and drive them to completion, proactively identifying and solving problems.
• Bias for Action: Move quickly and decisively, making informed decisions and iterating as needed to achieve goals.
• Invent and Simplify: Continuously seek innovative solutions and strive to simplify complex processes and designs.
• Dive Deep: Thoroughly analyze data and understand the root causes of issues to implement effective solutions.
• Deliver Results: Focus on achieving measurable outcomes and driving business impact through your design work.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and open communication. Expect frequent interaction with engineers, operations managers, construction professionals, and other stakeholders.
• A culture of constructive feedback and continuous improvement, where team members are encouraged to challenge assumptions and propose innovative solutions.
• Knowledge sharing is valued, with opportunities to learn from colleagues and contribute to the collective expertise of the Operations Design Team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's Leadership Principles are deeply ingrained in its culture. As a Senior Design Manager, embodying these principles in your daily work, particularly customer obsession, ownership, and delivering results, will be crucial for success and integration into the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Design Standards: Balancing the need for global standardization with local operational requirements, regulations, and cultural nuances in different countries.
• Complex Stakeholder Management: Navigating the diverse needs and priorities of multiple internal and external stakeholders across various departments and disciplines.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to Amazon's rapid pace of change and continuous drive for innovation, requiring agility and efficiency in design delivery.
• Technical Complexity: Working with advanced automation, robotics, and material handling systems integrated into facility designs.
• Data Interpretation: Effectively translating large volumes of operational data into actionable design insights and improvements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Operations Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge design methodologies and technologies within a leading global logistics network.
• Project Management Excellence: Development of robust project management skills through exposure to large-scale, complex international projects.
• Leadership Development: Formal and informal training opportunities focused on people management, strategic planning, and influencing skills.
• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED).
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deep insights into various facets of Amazon's operations, from fulfillment to last-mile delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in a dynamic global company like Amazon. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for professionals looking to advance their careers in operations design and leadership within a world-class organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe how you would approach developing a standardized design process for new fulfillment centers in emerging international markets, considering varying regulatory environments and local labor practices." (Focus on process mapping, risk assessment, stakeholder alignment, and adaptability.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting priorities from different stakeholders on a design project. How did you ensure alignment and deliver a successful outcome?" (Use STAR method, highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)
• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a scenario where a critical design element for a new facility is causing significant delays in construction. How would you diagnose the issue, propose solutions, and ensure minimal impact on the project timeline and budget?" (Emphasize data analysis, root cause identification, and phased implementation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "Based on your understanding of Amazon, how do you see your role contributing to our 'Customer Obsession' principle within the Operations Design Team?" (Research Amazon's Leadership Principles and connect your skills to specific principles.)
• Team Dynamics: "How do you typically approach mentoring junior designers or leading a team of external contractors to achieve project goals?" (Focus on leadership style, communication, performance management, and fostering a positive team environment.)
• Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success of a new fulfillment center layout? What key performance indicators (KPIs) would you track, and how would you present this data to senior leadership?" (Discuss metrics related to throughput, efficiency, safety, cost, and utilization.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Framing: Start each project with a clear objective and the business problem it aimed to solve.
• Your Role & Contribution: Clearly define your specific responsibilities and actions taken.
• Design Solutions: Present the innovative design choices and technical aspects, using visuals (drawings, renderings, flowcharts) where appropriate.
• Quantifiable Results: Crucially, present the impact of your work using specific metrics and data. Show the "so what?" of your design decisions.
• Lessons Learned: Briefly touch upon any challenges faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating adaptability and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your experience using concrete examples and quantifiable results. Amazon interviews are heavily behavioral and data-driven. For this role, demonstrating how your design expertise directly translates into operational efficiency and business value will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Amazon Jobs portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your most relevant experience in operations design, logistics, AutoCAD, Revit, process optimization, and stakeholder management, using keywords from the job description.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details achievements with quantifiable metrics, demonstrating your impact on efficiency, cost savings, or safety improvements in previous roles.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method, prepare specific examples for your portfolio presentation, and research Amazon's Leadership Principles to align your responses with the company culture.
• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of Amazon's operations, its global supply chain, and its approach to innovation in logistics and fulfillment. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding compensation, specific team structures, and interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization or recruiter before making application decisions.