Amazon is reportedly working on some kind of new “platform for inventors”. Details about just what this might entail are far from plentiful, but there are some job listings Amazon has, which hint at the project.
Re/code’s Jason Del Rey came across said listings, and spoke to some unidentified people about Amazon’s plans. He writes:
But sources say it could be connected to a recent initiative Amazon has been pursuing. Amazon is attempting to build close relationships with young, promising hardware and electronics companies — think robotic toys, fitness and health gadgets — with the goal of convincing them to build their business using Amazon as the main sales channel.
“They are trying to figure out how to engage with startups in new product categories in a more thoughtful way,” one source said, citing robots and wearables as the kind of products Amazon is targeting.
One of the aforementioned Amazon job listings is for Senior Manager of Product Management, New Venture in Seattle. Its description says:
Are you inspired by inventors who develop and launch new products? Do you want to build the world’s best end-to-end platform for startups? Do you see the opportunity to connect these entrepreneurs with Amazon’s hundreds of millions of customers?
If you live for these kinds of challenges, we’ve got the job for you!
As the Senior Manager of Product Management, you will define, build, and manage a new large-scale program to serve startups-as-customer. You will hire and lead a scrappy team of product managers and designers, and you will work in close partnership with software developers, business developers, and marketers to bring this new venture to life in a short amount of time. You will lead the creation of the product strategy and vision, including the definition and management of high quality product roadmaps. This is a highly visible role, and you will work with business and technical leaders across the company to realize this vision.
The ideal candidate will be experienced in developing customer-facing products for PC and mobile platforms, and will have a portfolio of successful product launches. He/she will be an experienced people leader, adept at inspiring other product managers and designers to create world-class customer experiences. The candidate must be able to understand customer needs deeply and translate those needs into innovations that surprise and delight. The role requires excellent judgment, communications skills, and the ability to get stuff done in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
Read Del Rey’s piece for some additional insight into things Amazon might have in mind with this.
Amazon isn’t commenting on its plans.
Image via Amazon