Shipping Lead, Amazon Manufacturing Services

Amazon Manufacturing Services is an internal Amazon service specializing in the production of high-quality components through additive manufacturing (3D printing), CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, powder coating, and assembly. We serve design engineers, product developers, operations engineers, and retail product concept testing teams across Amazon.

About the Role

AMS seeks a Shipping Lead to oversee outbound shipping operations and lead a team of shipping associates. You will ensure accurate, timely delivery of manufactured products to customers and other Amazon facilities while managing daily shipping operations, crating, freight coordination, and logistics planning. This role requires strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance operational execution with team development.

Key job responsibilities

Shipping Operations Leadership

• Lead and coordinate daily shipping operations to meet customer delivery commitments
• Process and oversee outbound shipments according to standard operating procedures
• Verify package contents, weights, and shipping labels for accuracy across all shipments
• Manage shipping priorities and coordinate with production teams on order readiness
• Coordinate with carriers, freight forwarders, and transportation providers to optimize delivery schedules and costs
• Plan and execute freight shipments including LTL (less-than-truckload) and FTL (full-truckload) logistics
• Use internal shipping systems to track, document, and report on shipment performance
• Troubleshoot shipping issues and implement corrective actions

Crating and Packaging Operations

• Oversee custom crating operations for large, fragile, or high-value manufactured components
• Design and build crates to protect machined parts, welded assemblies, and 3D-printed items during transit
• Select appropriate packaging materials and methods based on component size, weight, and fragility
• Ensure proper bracing, cushioning, and securing of items within crates
• Manage crating materials inventory and procurement
• Perform quality checks on packaged and crated items before shipment

Logistics and Freight Management

• Evaluate and select optimal shipping methods (parcel, LTL, FTL, expedited) based on cost, timeline, and product requirements
• Negotiate rates and service levels with freight carriers
• Coordinate freight pickups and manage carrier relationships
• Track freight shipments and proactively communicate delays or issues
• Manage freight claims for damaged or lost shipments
• Optimize shipping routes and consolidate shipments to reduce costs

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor shipping associates
• Assign daily tasks and manage workload distribution
• Conduct training on shipping procedures, crating techniques, safety protocols, and equipment operation
• Provide performance feedback and coaching to team members
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Quality and Safety Management

• Maintain organized shipping/receiving areas and enforce 5S standards
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and OSHA standards
• Conduct safety audits and address potential hazards
• Oversee safe operation of material handling equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, and crating tools
• Ensure proper handling of hazardous materials and compliance with shipping regulations

Process Improvement and Reporting

• Track and report shipping metrics including on-time delivery, accuracy, damage rates, and freight costs
• Identify opportunities to improve shipping efficiency and reduce costs
• Implement process improvements to streamline crating and logistics operations
• Maintain accurate shipping records and documentation
• Communicate shipment status and issues to manufacturing managers and customers
• Support ISO 9001 compliance through proper documentation and procedures

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with manufacturing managers on production schedules and shipping capacity
• Coordinate with quality engineers on packaging requirements for sensitive components
• Work with Customer Success team on delivery expectations and issue resolution
• Support inventory management and cycle counting activities
• Collaborate with procurement on crating materials and freight services