Q&A with Nicola, Business Intelligence Manager (BIE) at Stores Finance Analytics and Insights Team (Amazon Private Brands) in Madrid, Spain

Hi Nicola,

Can you tell us about your career at Amazon ?

My journey at Amazon began five years ago in November 2021, when I joined the company as a Financial Analyst in Luxembourg, supporting the Amazon Private Brands business. Delving into financial controllership at Amazon has been instrumental in shaping my business acumen and ability to deeply understand key business concepts and decision-making processes.

After a year as a Financial Analyst, I was eager to boost and expand my career in the field of analytics. I therefore made the decision to transition into a Business Intelligence Engineer (BIE) role, which coincided with my move to Madrid.

This 360-degree change in both my professional and personal life was supported by 亚马逊 , its leaders, my peers, stakeholders, and manager, proving to be a successful transition over the following four years. The BIE team I initially supported, expanded from Europe to Japan and North America, and the scope of the business grew significantly. As my role and responsibilities increased, I was challenged to not only enhance my technical skills, but also strengthen my soft skills to effectively navigate the growing complexity and engage with leaders across various regions. The dedication, business acumen, and technical knowledge I applied in advising the Amazon Private Brands Finance team ultimately led to my promotion to Senior Business Intelligence in April 2022 - a professional and personal achievement driven by my customer-obsessed approach towards peers, customers, and stakeholders.

As the Amazon Private Brands business continues to grow, so does the need for technical support, particularly in the BIE domain. This has led me to my current role as a Business Intelligence Manager, leading a team of five passionate leaders who work tirelessly to raise the bar within the BIE scope for Amazon Private Brands Finance.

A BIE at Amazon blends data and technology to provide actionable insights so we can better serve our customers. They are responsible of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help the company make informed business decisions.

Throughout my journey, challenges, achievements, and hard work have been the common denominators for my success so far. I am excited to see what the future holds and the next steps in my career at Amazon.

What interested you about working in the tech industry and as a Business Intelligence Engineer specifically?

Throughout my career, I have maintained a keen interest in the technology sector. From the very beginning, I have been drawn to the power of data and analysis, driven by a desire to develop solutions that drive tangible results. However, one of the key aspects of my professional journey has been finding the right balance between the technical and business-oriented components of my work.

Since completing my degree, I have steadfastly consistently the perfect equilibrium, aiming to leverage data in a way that truly supports and enhances business operations. The role of a Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon represents the culmination of this pursuit, as it allows me to bridge the gap between business and technology in a meaningful and impactful way. For the past four years, I have been fully dedicated to this position, embracing the challenge, intrigue, and excitement that come with being a BIE at Amazon. This role has enabled me to marry my technical expertise with a deep understanding of the overarching business objectives, ultimately delivering data-driven solutions that drive measurable outcomes.

Can you tell us about your current role and how your team's work impacts customers?

As the Business Intelligence Manager supporting Amazon's Private Brands Finance team, I lead a talented group of 5 Business Intelligence Engineers Globally. In this role, we strive to be strategic technology advisors to our customers, developing solutions that enable the APB team to grow and scale their operations efficiently.

Our business spans three distinct geographic regions - Europe, North America, and Japan – all product families from clothing, to food, to beauty to outdoor equipment. Overseeing the reporting, analytics, and insights for the Finance team, we are responsible for equipping them with the data-driven intelligence needed to effectively serve our customers and drive profitability.

Navigating the complexities of multiple regions, countries, and customer segments requires a nuanced, sophisticated approach to analysis. Translating this inherent complexity into actionable, impactful insights is the most exciting and rewarding aspect of my role. By delivering clarity and strategic foresight to our business partners, we are able to drive meaningful impact and contribute to the overall success of Amazon's Private Brands.

What led you to work at Amazon's Madrid tech hub, and how has the experience been so far?

After several successful years working and living in Luxembourg, I made the strategic decision to leverage my business intelligence and analytics expertise at one of Amazon's EMEA technology hubs in Madrid, Spain. As a Business Intelligence Engineer, I was drawn to the opportunity to apply my skillset at the cutting edge of a global technology leader like Amazon.

The prospect of contributing to data-driven initiatives that power Amazon's operations and services was extremely compelling. EMEA tech hubs like the one in Madrid are central to Amazon's continued innovation and growth across the region. I knew that joining this dynamic environment would allow me to develop new capabilities, collaborate with top talent, and meaningfully impact the business.

Beyond the appealing technical challenges, relocating to Madrid also presented an exciting lifestyle change. The vibrant culture, nice climate, and central location of the city all made this career move really appealing to me. Establishing myself in a new professional and personal setting has certainly come with its adjustments, but the upsides have made it a highly rewarding transition.

In my time as a BIE at Amazon's Madrid hub, I've been impressed by the fast-paced, data-driven nature of the work. Paired with Amazon's customer-obsessed mindset, my role allows me to leverage advanced analytics to drive real business outcomes. It's been energizing to be part of a talented, multinational team united around a common purpose.

Overall, the decision to join Amazon's EMEA tech presence in Madrid has been a strategic career move that has expanded my horizons both professionally and personally. I'm grateful for the opportunity to apply my expertise at the forefront of the industry, while also embracing a new lifestyle in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.

What is your proudest moment at Amazon?

One of my proudest moments at Amazon has been the opportunity to lead and develop an exceptional team of five Business Intelligence Engineers. Throughout my journey at Amazon, I've had the privilege of working alongside this talented group of individuals who share my passion for data, analytics, and driving customer-centric solutions.

As a people manager, I find immense fulfillment in witnessing the growth and success of my team members. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been the chance to mentor and empower this high-caliber group, helping them unlock their full potential.

I strive to create an environment where my team members feel supported, inspired, and empowered to push the boundaries of what's possible. I aim to foster an atmosphere of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Watching my team members take on new challenges, develop new skills, and achieve their professional goals is a constant source of pride for me. In fact, I was thrilled when one of my direct reports was promoted - it was a true testament to the impact of our collaborative efforts. This promotion was a true testament to my commitment to the "Hire and Develop the Best" leadership principle.

The enjoyment I derive from developing and celebrating the successes of my team is a testament to the value I place on people management. Knowing that I've played a role in their growth and achievements is incredibly fulfilling, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Amazon's continued success in this capacity, and I’m also grateful for the trust my team has on me.

What do you find most unique and rewarding about Amazon's culture and work environment?

The most unique and rewarding aspects of Amazon's culture and work environment for me have been the emphasis on data-driven decision making, the customer-obsessed mindset, and the opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

I'm deeply appreciative of how Amazon leverages data and analytics to drive tangible business outcomes. The company's relentless focus on using data to inform strategy and make informed, fact-based decisions is incredibly compelling to me as a tech-minded professional. I'm constantly challenged to enhance my analytical capabilities and find new ways to extract insights that unlock value for our customers.

Equally rewarding is the customer-centric culture that permeates every level of the organization. Rather than optimizing for internal metrics, my team and I are laser-focused on understanding the needs of our end customers - both internal Amazon stakeholders and, ultimately, Amazon's shoppers. This customer obsession pushes us to continuously innovate and deliver meaningful solutions that drive real impact.

Beyond the analytical and customer-focused aspects, I've found the opportunities for growth and learning at Amazon to be unparalleled. In my journey from Financial Analyst to Business Intelligence Engineer to Business Intelligence Manager, I've been consistently supported and empowered to take on new challenges. The ability to learn new skills, expand my scope of responsibility, and drive tangible change has been incredibly rewarding and has significantly contributed to my overall job satisfaction.

Navigating the complexities of a global, technology-driven organization like Amazon is certainly not without its challenges. However, the combination of data-driven decision making, customer centricity, and professional development has created an environment that aligns perfectly with my personal and career aspirations. I'm excited to continue growing and contributing to Amazon's success in the years to come.

How has working at Amazon enabled you to grow as a professional?

My experience at Amazon has been transformative in terms of my professional development. The diverse career journey I've undergone has pushed me to continually expand my skills and adapt to new challenges.

As a Financial Analyst, I gained a deep understanding of financial controllership and business decision-making processes. This foundation in core business concepts has been invaluable as I've taken on roles with increasing technical and strategic complexity. Transitioning to the Business Intelligence Engineer role, for instance, allowed me to marry my financial acumen with advanced data analysis and visualization capabilities.

Navigating the shift from a specialized financial role to a broader, technology-driven position required me to develop new technical competencies as well as crucial soft skills. As the scope of my BIE responsibilities grew to encompass multiple regions and product lines, I had to strengthen my ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, communicate complex insights, and lead a team. These interpersonal and leadership skills have been instrumental in my progression to a managerial role.

In my current position as a Business Intelligence Manager, I've had to further evolve my skillset to excel. Leading a team of five BIEs has challenged me to hone my coaching, mentoring, and people management capabilities. At the same time, I've continued expanding my strategic and business-oriented expertise, serving as a trusted advisor to the Amazon Private Brands Finance team. Balancing the technical, operational, and people-centric aspects of my role has been incredibly rewarding.

Across each stage of my Amazon journey, I've gained new perspectives that have broadened my understanding of how a global, technology-driven organization operates. From the intricacies of financial controllership to the complexities of multinational, cross-functional collaboration, every experience has equipped me with a more holistic view of business dynamics. This well-rounded skillset and mindset have undoubtedly benefited my career progression.

Ultimately, Amazon's focus on continuous learning, development, and challenging the status quo has been a driving force behind my professional growth. The company's willingness to support my transitions between roles, as well as the high-impact nature of the work, has enabled me to develop capabilities that will serve me well both now and in the future. I'm grateful for the opportunity to expand my horizons at Amazon and look forward to the next chapter of my career journey.

Which of Amazon's Leadership Principles resonates the most with you, and how do you apply it in your day-to-day work?

The Amazon Leadership Principle that resonates most strongly with me is "Customer Obsession". This principle is fundamental to how I approach my work.

At the core of my role is a relentless focus on understanding the needs of our internal customers - the APB Finance team but not only - and developing innovative, data-driven solutions to enable their success. I'm driven by a desire to truly comprehend the objectives, pain points, and priorities of our business partners. This customer-centric mindset permeates every aspect of how I and my team operate.

One tangible way I apply Customer Obsession is through the deep, ongoing engagement I maintain with the APB Finance leaders. I make it a priority to regularly meet with them, listen closely to their challenges, and collaboratively ideate on ways my team can provide strategic, impactful support. This close partnership allows us to develop a nuanced understanding of their evolving needs and deliver solutions that drive real, measurable value.

Beyond just understanding our customers, we also strive to exceed their expectations through proactive, creative problem-solving. Whether it's identifying emerging trends in the data, surfacing new analytics capabilities, or pre-empting future business requirements, my team works tirelessly to innovate on the Finance team's behalf. We're not content with simply fulfilling requests - we aim to be trusted advisors who anticipate their needs and bring game-changing ideas to the table.

This customer-obsessed mindset has been instrumental in the growth and success of the APB business. By maintaining an unwavering focus on the priorities of our internal stakeholders, we've been able to provide the strategic, data-driven insights needed to power critical decision-making. The positive feedback and gratitude we regularly receive from the Finance team is a testament to the impact of this leadership principle in action.

Ultimately, Customer Obsession aligns perfectly with my own professional values and passion for driving meaningful, customer-centric change. It's a principle that has guided my journey from Financial Analyst to Business Intelligence Manager, and one that I'm committed to embodying every day in service of our customers' needs. Amazon's relentless focus on the customer is a key reason why I'm proud to be part of this organization.

What unique skill or trait do you possess that contributes to your success at Amazon?

One of the key traits that I believe sets me apart and has been instrumental to my success at Amazon is my ability to blend technical expertise with strong business acumen and empathetic leadership.

As a Business Intelligence Manager supporting the Amazon Private Brands Finance team, I've had to continuously evolve my skillset to excel in this multifaceted role. On the one hand, I possess deep technical proficiency in areas like data analytics and business intelligence. I'm able to leverage cutting-edge tools and techniques to extract valuable insights from complex data sets and develop innovative solutions.

At the same time, I've cultivated a robust understanding of core business concepts, decision-making processes, and strategic priorities. Drawing on my background as a Financial Analyst, I have the ability to contextualize the technical work of my team within the broader commercial and operational objectives of the organization. This blend of technical and business expertise allows me to serve as a trusted advisor to my stakeholders, translating data-driven insights into tangible, impactful recommendations.

Importantly, I've also developed a highly empathetic and collaborative leadership style that complements my technical and business acumen. As a manager, I strive to deeply understand the individual strengths, challenges, and career aspirations of my team members. I aim to create an environment of psychological safety where they feel empowered to take calculated risks, share ideas openly, and grow in their roles. Through regular 1-on-1s, performance feedback, and customized development plans, I empower my team to reach their full potential.

I also proactively solicit input from my team on how I can better support their work and overall well-being. I believe that fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose through empathy and active listening is crucial. By blending my technical expertise, business savvy, and empathetic leadership, I'm able to drive positive outcomes for both my team and our stakeholders.

Additionally, I've been incredibly blessed with the team of five Business Intelligence Engineers that I lead. They are a group of super capable, clever individuals who are not only highly skilled, but also genuinely nice people. Working alongside this talented, collaborative team has been immensely rewarding and has further amplified my own contributions to the organization.

This unique combination of skills, traits, and the exceptional team I'm fortunate to lead has been a key differentiator in my success at Amazon. It allows me to seamlessly bridge the gap between the technical and business worlds, while also cultivating a high-performing, engaged team that is laser-focused on delivering customer-centric solutions. I'm grateful for the opportunity to leverage these strengths in service of Amazon's mission, and I look forward to continuing to grow in this regard.

What is your favorite Amazon product or service, and why does it interest you?

The Amazon Kindle is my favorite product - as an avid reader, it's transformed my relationship with books by seamlessly blending technology with a genuine appreciation for the written word. The e-ink display provides a wonderfully natural reading experience, and features like instant word lookup have made me even more immersed in whatever I'm reading. As a lifelong bookworm, the Kindle feels tailor-made for someone like me, and I can't wait to see how Amazon continues innovating in this space.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what are some of your hobbies or passions outside of work?

Keeping a healthy balance between work and the rest of my life is super important to me. As much as I love the fast-paced, brainy work I do at Amazon, I make sure to carve out time for the activities that energize me outside the office.

The cornerstone of that is my regular yoga practice. Being able to step away, get on the mat, and focus on my breath and body provides such an amazing counterpoint to the analytical work I do. The mindfulness and stress relief I gain from yoga keeps me grounded and focused when I'm back at my desk.

I'm also really passionate about plants - tending to my indoor and outdoor garden is such a calming, rewarding hobby. Watching those plants thrive under my care is the perfect way for me to unwind and reconnect with nature.

And of course, I love to travel whenever I can. Immersing myself in new cultures, hiking beautiful landscapes - it opens up my mind in ways that spark fresh ideas I can bring back to work. The change of pace and scenery is vital for recharging my batteries.

Striking the right balance isn't always easy, but these are the things that are non-negotiable for me. They keep me healthy, happy, and able to bring my best self to my job at Amazon. It's all part of what makes me who I am.

What's the best tip you would give someone who wants to apply and interview for an Amazon role in the EMEA tech hubs?

The primary recommendation I would offer is for candidates to thoroughly research Amazon's distinctive culture and core values, and thoughtfully reflect on how their own skills, experiences, and professional aspirations align with the company's ecosystem. Equally important is conducting a thorough self-assessment to ensure the role and work environment at Amazon's EMEA tech hubs will be a mutually beneficial fit that supports the candidate's long-term career objectives.

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a Business Intelligence Engineer (BIE) at Amazon, you can view our open EMEA BIE positions at this link. If you are interested in a Sr. BIE role and to join Nicola in Madrid, we are hiring for Amazon Business.. check this job!

You can also learn more about our BIE hiring process here.

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