Manager, Banana Program

About the role

At Northwest Center @ Amazon, we deliver exceptional experiences in a dynamic corporate environment through innovative programs that connect people, promote wellness, and build community. One of those programs is the highly visible Banana Program, a unique initiative sponsored by Amazon Global Real Estate & Facilities (GREF) that provides free, healthy, and compostable snacks to employees across North America. As the Manager, Banana Program, you’ll lead the strategy, growth, and day-to-day operations of a beloved program that positively impacts thousands of employees. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and results-driven leader who enjoys building scalable solutions, driving innovation, and creating outstanding customer experiences. In this role, you’ll oversee operations across multiple geographic locations, lead expansion initiatives, and partner with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the program continues to grow and evolve. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the program through strategic planning, operational excellence, and continuous improvement efforts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across all banana stand locations
• Create and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, local management, and community partners
• Communicate and collaborate with key stakeholders to implement timely solutions
• In partnership with the Senior Program Manager, assist in budget development, financial forecasting, and gathering of monthly financial reporting information
• Assist in development of business proposals and contracts for new opportunities
• Identify potential challenges and opportunities within the programs
• Understand the root cause of issues and associated impacts to the program and the customer
• Define and closely monitor day-to-day service levels and overall KPIs, including qualitative measures
• Design reports and dashboards to track activity and quality control
• Own general maintenance and presence of online resources, providing clear and concise communication and updates to customers
• Own the building and maintenance of program and operational standard operating procedures and playbooks
• Become the subject matter expert of all banana program related items
• Manage inventory systems and supply chain logistics for multiple locations
• Own the development and delivery of program related training for program participants and stakeholders
• Drive community engagement and coordination of events in conjunction with other programs including vendor partners, NWC internal teams, and employees
• Design and implement innovative approaches to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for program expansion
• Assist in resolving customer escalations and concerns in a timely manner—engaging with management, program owners, PR, and other stakeholders as necessary
• Build and develop high performing teams across multiple locations
• Responsible for employee development through in-the-moment coaching, regular 1:1 meetings, and the creation of individualized goals and training plans
• Responsible for staff performance ensuring that all procedures, processes and policies are understood and followed
• Follow up with corrective employee conversations as necessary related to employee performance, including additional leadership as necessary
• Participate in the interviewing, hiring, and termination process and discussions, partnering with Human Resources as necessary
• Contribute to a positive work environment that encourages retention and talent
• Work collaboratively across the organization with different job levels and departments
• Foster a spirit of teamwork and unity among team members that allows for disagreement over ideas, conflict and expeditious conflict resolution

Requirements

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of people management in client facing role and/or operations of high performing programs with direct supervision of staff
• Must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance
• Personal vehicle to drive between various sites including Herndon, VA, Arlington, VA, Jessup, MD and DC OR the Puget Sound Area – Bellevue, Seattle & Redmond, WA
• Proven track record of scaling programs across different markets
• Experience in community engagement and public facing programs
• Moderate computer skills in Microsoft Office, Advanced skills preferred
• Moderate computer skills in Wiki content creation and publishing
• Experience in facilities, supply chain and inventory management
• Ability to plan, safely execute, and scale ideas
• Ability to work across AMER locations and build relationships with other vendors, points of contact, etc.
• Commitment to Northwest Center’s mission of inclusion and ability to successfully work in a diverse environment
• Ability to practice a high level of confidentiality without exception
• Interpersonal skills to effectively motivate others
• Lead change and innovation
• Maintain good judgment in fast-paced, high-stress environments
• Detail oriented & thorough, with ability to see the “big picture”
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
• A self-starter who takes initiative and can deliver high level results
• Passion to foster an inclusive and diverse culture through initiatives, training & education, communications, and implementing optimizations based on high-level goals
• Responds calmly and professionally to emergencies, angry customers, or other stressful situations in the workplace
• Exercises good judgment in areas of responsibility
• Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations
• Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies for enhancing the effectiveness of organization
• Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities
• Is not averse to change
• Ability to lead a remote team

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Must be able to frequently carry and lift a backpack containing a laptop and other supplies, up to 50 pounds
• Will need to carry supplies to other buildings
• Frequent travel between locations across the region
• Must be able to handle bananas and/or various food products without allergic reaction
• Encompasses a combination of desk work and actively visiting several Amazon buildings so the ability to walk consistently within a 1.5-mile radius is required
• Ability to read, write, communicate, and comprehend the English language
• Ability to see both distance and details at close range, within a few feet of the observer (with or without corrective lenses)
• Ability to identify and understand the speech of another person (with or without a personal auditory hearing device)
• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional changes in schedule according to operational needs
• Variable working hours between 7am–6pm; occasional earlier or later start times, nights and weekends may arise
• This is a dog-friendly environment with over 1000 dogs on campus; individuals with dog allergies or those who do not particularly care for dogs may not be the best fit

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance, effective the month after 30 days of employment
• 17 Accrued Paid Time Off Days Annually
• Additional 10 Annual Floating Holidays, Parental Leave, and Paid Compassion Leave
• Retirement 401(K) with a company match
• Employment Assistance Program (EAP) via Spring Health
• Mental Wellness Program including six free therapy sessions per year
• Opportunity for career development with our NWC Mentorship Match program
• Wellness Reimbursement Program – $25/month
• Student Loan Contribution Program – $50/month
• Arlington, VA: Company-Provided SmarTrip card or Parking Stipend – $153/month
• Seattle, WA: Company-Provided Orca Pass – Unlimited use
• Pet Insurance Discount Program

Pay

$85,800 – $99,278 per year

Schedule

Full-time, 7:30 am–4:00 pm with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.