Amazon said it expects to create hundreds of jobs at a new 24,000 square metre fulfilment centre in Dandenong South.

After advertising a wide range of positions online last month, Amazon has now confirmed it has begun recruiting for operations managers, pickers, packers, systems technicians, HR specialists and other roles as it prepares to launch a retail offering in Australia.

Hundreds of thousands of products will be stocked in the new fulfilment centre according to Amazon’s director of operations for Australia Robert Bruce, who said the products “will be available for delivery to customers across Australia when we launch our retail offering.”

“We are thrilled to be creating hundreds of new roles in Dandenong South,” Bruce said.

“This is just the start. Over time, we will bring thousands of new jobs to Australia and millions of dollars of investment as well as opening up the opportunity for thousands of Australian businesses to sell at home and abroad through Amazon Marketplace.”

The fulfilment centre is located in the Pellicano’s M2 Industry Park, with nearby access to the South Gippsland Highway, Monash Highway and Eastlink.

“The company’s decision to locate its centre in Dandenong South will create hundreds of local jobs and open up retail opportunities for thousands of local businesses,” said Industry Minister for Victoria Wade Noonan.

No indication was given as to when Amazon will launch operation locally, but recent reports have indicated it may begin operating only in Sydney and Melbourne at first before expanding nationally in 2018.

“We will be focusing on offering our Australian customers low prices on a great selection of products and can’t wait to get started,” Bruce said.