My MBA Career: Amazon cuts hundreds of jobs in cloud computing unit AWS

Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Amazon is making significant job cuts in its cloud computing unit AWS as part of a strategic overhaul. The company announced that it will be trimming a few hundred roles in the team that oversees technology for its physical stores. This decision comes following Amazon’s choice to discontinue its Just Walk Out technology in U.S. grocery stores.

In addition to the cuts in technology roles, several hundred positions will also be eliminated in the AWS sales, marketing, and global service organization. The layoffs are said to be tied to changes in training and certification programs as well as sales operations. Amazon has stated that these cuts are necessary in order to prioritize other business goals and deliver innovation for customers.

While acknowledging that these decisions are tough, Amazon is emphasizing its commitment to finding internal opportunities for affected employees and continuing to hire in priority areas. The company currently has thousands of AWS job openings posted online, indicating that their workforce adjustments are part of a larger strategy shift.

These layoffs are not the first at Amazon this year, as the company previously made job cuts at various subsidiaries. Amazon’s moves reflect a broader trend in the tech industry of companies reassessing their priorities and restructuring their workforce to meet evolving demands.