Q&A with Rohith Hanumantha Raju, Principal Technical Program Manager

Rohith joined Amazon in 2014 as a Quality Assurance Engineer II, and is currently a Principal Technical Program Manager with Global Logistics based in Bellevue, WA.

What accomplishment at Amazon are you most proud of?

I am most proud of building the first seller-facing upstream storage program for FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) sellers. This program provides low-cost storage upstream to the Amazon Fulfillment network, removing quantity limits and enabling bulk handling for sellers. The product has now evolved with automated replenishment into the AFN (Amazon Fulfillment Network) and B2B distribution, bundled with Amazon's transportation services. This was announced to be the "Supply Chain by Amazon" product at the Seller Accelerate event in 2023. This accomplishment is significant because it addresses a key pain point for FBA sellers - the ability to efficiently store and replenish inventory closer to Amazon's fulfillment centers. By creating an upstream storage solution, we were able to unlock greater scale and flexibility for sellers, allowing them to better meet customer demand. The program has had a meaningful impact, empowering sellers to grow their businesses on Amazon while also improving the overall supply chain efficiency. Seeing this solution go from concept to a widely adopted product that is now a core part of Amazon's seller services is incredibly rewarding. I take pride in being part of a team that was able to innovate and deliver a solution that solves real problems for our customers. Contributions like this, which drive value for both sellers and the broader Amazon ecosystem, are what motivate me and make me proud to be part of this organization.

What brings you passion/excitement to your role and team?

Global logistics has been an industry grappling with complex challenges for decades. From manufacturing to last-mile delivery, the ever-changing needs around data privacy, customs, and customer expectations put constant pressure on the technologies powering this space. The need to build customized solutions for individual customers, while also standardizing core technology, creates a tug-of-war with entropy. This unique challenge - simplifying global logistics to serve a wide range of customers, from sophisticated aggregators to new businesses exploring international expansion - requires innovative solutions. Guided workflows, automated processes, and a cohesive approach are needed to tackle the intricacies of shipping, returns, compliance, and integration with broader supply chain systems. It's an exciting canvas for leveraging technology to build solutions that work for logistics providers, sellers, shippers, vendors, and operators alike. The ability to simplify these complex global logistics problems is not just beneficial for the industry itself, but also crucial for plugging into the broader supply chain ecosystem, such as that of Amazon. By tackling this multifaceted challenge head-on with a focus on innovation, we have the opportunity to create technological solutions that drive efficiency, flexibility, and customer-centricity throughout the global logistics landscape.

What advice would you give to aspiring software developers who are starting out in the field and what qualities do you think are essential for success in this industry?

When you're starting out as a developer, apart from mastering the fundamentals of software design and problem-solving skills, embracing learning and adaptability will be key. Although technology moves quickly, bringing changes within the logistics industry could take time. Working backwards from the customer by understanding their pain points, including the big picture of the domain, goes a long way. This also helps you build the right solutions that your customers would love. This may include understanding manual processes that operators follow on how they manage and handle disruptions, as well as how different regulations are applied. Knowing how your work impacts the customers and the overall business helps you design better solutions that are more pan-optic. There will be failures along the way, but they always come with good learning. Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Being resilient and persistent on solving problems would be key to success. This industry has been around long enough that we have subject matter experts (SMEs). Collaborate and learn the domain from these SMEs. Every day is an opportunity to improve millions of customers. With almost all goods and raw material moved by ocean shipping, bringing the world closer also presents a social responsibility of sustainability.

Essential Qualities for Success:

• Embracing continuous learning and adaptability
• Understanding customer pain points and the big picture of the domain
• Resilience and persistence in solving problems
• Collaboration with subject matter experts
• Empathy for the customer and the social impact of your work

What do you do for fun/work life balance?

In spring and summers, I enjoy hiking in the Pacific Northwest and taking motorcycle rides into the forests and mountain roads. There's something very peaceful and revitalizing about being out in nature, whether it's exploring lush green trails or carving through winding mountain passes. In the winter, it's great to get up into the mountains to go snowboarding. The rush of the air, the serenity of being surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and the thrill of the slopes provide a wonderful contrast to the busy workweek. It's the perfect way to recharge and find balance. Overall, I make sure to regularly take time away from work to pursue activities that I'm passionate about. Maintaining that work-life balance is crucial for me to avoid burnout and stay energized, creative, and focused when I'm on the job. Finding ways to get outdoors, exercise, and engage in hobbies I love is key to my overall wellbeing and productivity.

Best place you have ever traveled?

A motorcycle ride to the Arctic Ocean from Seattle to Tuktoyaktuk, NT (Arctic Ocean) was the ride of a lifetime. After doing the Dalton highway in Alaska in 2019, riding on the road to the Arctic ocean in Canada in 2022 is one of the most stunningly enchanting places I've been to. You are completely cut off from the modern world with no communication. Being completely isolated in the wilderness and riding on a gravel road built on permafrost is an experience that I'll never forget. Throughout the journey, riding through the Canadian Rockies (Banff and Jasper), seeing the continental divide puts things into perspective of how large the world is and the history of this planet. Being immersed in nature's beauty is truly healing. Riding through the remote landscapes, witnessing the rugged terrain, and feeling the vastness of the Arctic tundra was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. The sense of adventure, the challenges of the journey, and the connection to the untamed wilderness made this trip unforgettable. It's the kind of experience that resets your perspective and reminds you of the beauty and grandeur of our natural world.

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