“Amazon has given me my career, my confidence and my family”: From associate to site leader – Tomislav marks 25 years with Amazon

Tomislav joined Amazon in September 2000, just one year after moving from Croatia to the UK in search of new opportunities. He began in an entry-level associate role at Amazon’s Milton Keynes fulfilment centre, rotating through core operational processes including pick, pack, receiving and shipping.

Within his first year, Tomislav moved to Amazon’s Milton Keynes fulfilment centre to support its launch, where he progressed into a Team Leader role. Over the following 16 years at Milton Keynes, he continued to develop his career, progressing from associate to Senior Operations Manager and at one stage leading an operation of around 1,500 people.

One moment that still stands out from his early career came when Amazon founder Jeff Bezos visited the Milton Keynes site and personally presented Tomislav with his five-year service badge.

“At the time, it felt amazing, but looking back now it feels even more special,” Tomislav says.

“Back then, Amazon was still small in the UK and Jeff came to recognise employees in person. He was very down to earth and took the time to speak with us. It’s one of those moments that really stays with you.”

Reflecting on his early progression, Tomislav says the opportunities he was given shaped his confidence as well as his career.

“I didn’t have a degree and English wasn’t my first language, but Amazon believed in my potential before I fully believed in myself,” he says. “I was given opportunities to learn, develop and prove what I could do.”

Alongside professional growth, Amazon also became central to Tomislav’s personal life. He met his wife at Amazon and credits the company as playing a significant role in his life.

“Amazon has given me my career, my confidence and my family,” he says. “It’s more than just a workplace for me.”

In 2016, after completing an MBA, Tomislav took on an international opportunity in the Middle East with Souq.com. When Amazon acquired Souq.com in 2017, he rejoined Amazon and held regional leadership roles across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, supporting fulfilment centre launches, leading technology transitions and running large-scale operations.

“Working in new countries was a huge challenge,” Tomislav says. “You’re often building things from the ground up, solving new problems every day, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped make me a better leader.”

After five and a half years overseas, Tomislav returned to the UK in 2022 as a Senior Manager at Amazon’s Daventry fulfilment centre. In September 2023, he was appointed Site Leader at Amazon’s Peterborough fulfilment centre.

Reflecting on his 25 years with Amazon, Tomislav says it’s the constant learning and variety that have kept him motivated:

“Amazon never stands still. Every day is different and every role I’ve had has taught me something new. What’s kept me here for 25 years is the change, the opportunities and the people. I’ve made friends for life, built a career I’m proud of and even met my wife along the way. When I look back, it’s been a really fulfilling journey and I’m incredibly grateful for everything Amazon has given me.”

Amazon in Peterborough has been a key part of the company’s UK operations since it opened in 2010. The fulfilment centre has created thousands of jobs in the Peterborough area and continues to play a vital role in delivering for customers across East England and beyond.