Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for FBA Associate

🎯 Role Definition

As an FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) Associate, you are the operational backbone and growth catalyst for our Amazon e-commerce channel. You will take complete ownership of the product lifecycle on the platform, from creating compelling listings and managing complex logistics to analyzing performance data and ensuring customer satisfaction. This role requires a unique blend of analytical rigor, logistical precision, and a commercial mindset. You will be responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels, enhancing our brand's visibility through SEO and marketing efforts, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of Amazon's ecosystem. Your ultimate goal is to drive profitable growth, improve operational efficiency, and ensure our products are perfectly positioned to win in a competitive marketplace.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

E-commerce Assistant
Warehouse or Logistics Coordinator
Data Entry Clerk
Customer Service Representative (E-commerce)

Advancement To:

FBA Manager / E-commerce Operations Manager
Amazon Brand Manager
Supply Chain Analyst / Manager
E-commerce Strategist

Lateral Moves:

PPC Specialist (Amazon Advertising)
E-commerce Merchandiser
Digital Marketing Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage and optimize product listings, including writing compelling copy for titles, bullet points, and descriptions, while performing keyword research to enhance organic search ranking (Amazon SEO).
Develop, create, and oversee FBA shipment plans from our warehouse or suppliers to Amazon Fulfillment Centers, ensuring 100% accuracy in quantities, labeling, and documentation.
Conduct daily and weekly analysis of inventory levels for all SKUs, utilizing sales velocity and forecasting data to prevent stockouts and mitigate overstocking risks.
Proactively manage and improve the Inventory Performance Index (IPI) score by addressing excess inventory, stranded units, and sell-through rates.
Monitor account health metrics daily, including Order Defect Rate (ODR), Late Shipment Rate (LSR), and policy compliance notifications, taking immediate corrective action to maintain a healthy standing.
Open, manage, and meticulously follow up on cases with Amazon Seller Support to resolve a wide variety of complex issues, such as listing suppressions, reimbursement claims, and policy clarifications.
Analyze sales performance, conversion rates, page traffic (sessions and page views), and other key data points to identify actionable insights and opportunities for growth.
Track inbound shipments closely, troubleshoot receiving issues, and reconcile discrepancies with Amazon's fulfillment network to ensure inventory availability.
Manage unfulfillable, stranded, and reserved inventory by creating removal or disposal orders and investigating root causes to prevent future occurrences.
Assist in the management and optimization of Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaigns, monitoring key metrics like ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sale) and RoAS (Return on Ad Spend).
Monitor and respond to customer feedback, product reviews, and questions in a professional and brand-consistent manner to enhance customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
Perform regular, in-depth competitor analysis, tracking their pricing strategies, promotional activities, listing changes, and review velocity to inform our own strategy.
Implement and monitor pricing strategies, utilizing automated repricing tools and manual adjustments to maximize sales velocity and profitability while maintaining buy box ownership.
Prepare and present weekly and monthly performance reports that detail key metrics, including sales, profit margins, advertising performance, and inventory turnover.
Collaborate with the supply chain and purchasing teams by providing accurate inventory forecasts based on sales trends, seasonality, and planned promotional activities.

Coordinate the launch of new products on the Amazon platform, overseeing everything from initial listing creation and content population to launch-day execution and performance tracking.
Manage and reconcile Amazon's bi-weekly payments and transaction reports, identifying and disputing incorrect fees, uncredited returns, and lost/damaged inventory claims.
Oversee the customer returns process, evaluating the condition of returned items and making decisions on their disposition (restock, liquidate, or dispose).
Stay relentlessly current with Amazon's terms of service, policy updates, industry news, and emerging platform features to ensure full compliance and capitalize on new opportunities.
Manage promotional activities, including the creation and scheduling of coupons, lightning deals, 7-day deals, and Prime Day events, to boost sales and improve brand visibility.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc reporting requests from leadership on sales performance, advertising metrics, and inventory health.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of FBA operational processes and help create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Collaborate with marketing, supply chain, and customer service teams to ensure cohesive e-commerce strategy execution.
Participate in regular team meetings to review performance, plan upcoming promotions, and align on strategic priorities for the Amazon channel.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Amazon Seller Central Mastery: Deep, hands-on experience navigating and operating within the Amazon Seller Central platform is essential.
E-commerce Analytics: Proven ability to analyze e-commerce data (sales, traffic, conversion rates) to derive actionable insights.
Advanced Spreadsheet Skills: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/INDEX MATCH, and complex formula creation for data analysis.
Inventory Forecasting: Solid understanding of inventory management principles and experience with forecasting demand to prevent stockouts and overstock.
Amazon Keyword Research Tools: Experience using tools such as Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or Merchant Words for keyword research and listing optimization.
FBA Logistics: Comprehensive knowledge of the FBA shipment creation process, including case-packed vs. individual units, labeling requirements, and carrier management.
Amazon PPC Familiarity: Foundational knowledge of Amazon Advertising (Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands) and key metrics like ACoS and CTR.

Soft Skills

Extreme Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to all tasks, from data entry to shipment creation, is critical.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Mindset: Ability to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions, especially when dealing with Amazon's ecosystem.
Proactive & Self-Starting: A strong sense of ownership and the drive to identify and tackle issues without waiting for direction.
Superb Organizational Skills: The ability to manage dozens of SKUs, track multiple shipments, and prioritize competing tasks effectively.
Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and can quickly pivot in response to changing Amazon policies or business needs.
Resilient Communicator: Clear, concise written communication skills for effectively managing cases with Seller Support and reporting to internal teams.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, coupled with direct, relevant experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Business Administration
Supply Chain Management
Marketing
Finance or Economics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of hands-on experience in an e-commerce role, with a strong preference for experience directly related to the Amazon FBA model.

Preferred:

Demonstrable track record of managing and growing an Amazon FBA account, with specific examples of improving key metrics like IPI score, sales rank, or ACoS. Experience with a product-based business is highly valued.