Amazon GM: Mayor of a 3,000-Person Town

Alessandro Carbone, a General Manager at an Amazon fulfillment center, likens his role to being the mayor of a small town. He oversees the well-being of 3,000 associates, manages a vast facility, and handles financial responsibilities, according to a recent podcast episode.

His sprawling southern New Jersey fulfillment center, larger than 30 big-box stores, processes millions of items daily. Carbone's primary job is ensuring seamless operations in this complex environment.

The Daily Grind

The day begins with his team analyzing performance data, leveraging AI tools that now condense hours of analysis into seconds. This efficiency is crucial for the next step: engaging directly with the workforce.

Three times a week, Carbone conducts Gemba walks, a lean manufacturing practice where leaders go to the shop floor to listen to associates' concerns and identify recurring barriers.

He also encourages direct communication through a banner displaying his face and email, receiving 25-30 emails weekly. These often highlight personal issues, like scheduling conflicts impacting family life.

Addressing these problems builds trust and fosters a positive culture.

Operational Flow

Carbone's facility handles approximately 100 inbound and 100 outbound trucks daily. The continuous flow of goods, from receiving to shipping, is critical.

He emphasizes empowering his team to take risks, believing it unlocks potential and drives the building's success.

Maintaining a clean and organized workspace, adhering to the 5S lean manufacturing principle, is another operational pillar. This organization directly contributes to improved safety metrics.

An Unconventional Path

Carbone transitioned to Amazon operations nine years ago after practicing law in Italy. He pursued an MBA and joined Amazon's Pathways program, a leadership development track.

He found the collaborative culture at Amazon, where senior colleagues offered support, a stark contrast to his previous competitive environment.

Carbone has since worked in Germany, Italy, and the U.S., even meeting his wife, also an Amazon fulfillment center GM, during his internship.

His career advice centers on the value of stepping outside one's comfort zone to learn new things, a skill beneficial both professionally and personally.