Design Manager, AMER Portfolio, Design, Sustainability & Engineering

The Global Design team is looking for a creative, innovative, results-oriented Design Program Manager who will lead the team that is responsible for the design of tenant improvement projects in the Americas (AMER) portfolio. This role will join the Global Design team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Global Design, and will work closely with the Design & Construction (DSE & C) teams, the Workplace Guidelines & Standards team and the Regional Portfolio Management (RPM) team.

This role will be responsible for guiding the Design Managers that oversee the design of new build and "post-occupancy" tenant improvement projects, which means updating, revising and evolving the design of a space where Amazonians are currently working. The project scope that Design Managers oversee ranges from the design of several floors of a building to suit the needs and behaviors of a new team, to the design of smaller specialty spaces, to developing an overall design solution that can improve the workplace that can be applied to multiple projects (for example, an improvement to acoustics, lighting, or furniture). As the AMER lead, this role will also be responsible for participating in AMER strategy, in-flight, and planning meetings, coordinating closely with AMER leads in GREF partner teams. This role will work closely with the AMER Construction area leads and sub-consultants/vendors on project delivery.

The successful candidate is an experienced professional who can communicate clearly at all levels, and yet is not afraid to dive deep into details. This role works autonomously and creatively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, and will be responsible for overseeing Design Managers working on multiple projects, most of which have very tight delivery timelines. Consistent prioritization, attention to detail and ability to inspect issues and processes brings simplified solutions to complex problems is paramount. They should also understand the nuance of being approachable, while at the same time consultative. The candidate must be able to balance frugality with creativity in offering solutions and approach problem-solving with an emphasis on root cause.

This is a Regional role focused on the Americas, so requires regional travel approximately 10-20% of the time.

Key job responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the Design Managers responsible for tenant improvement projects, to include: (1) leading the design of the space based on customer needs and technical requirements; (2) on some projects of a certain size/scale/priority, collaborate with an external/vendor design team (the Architect of Record); (3) align the design of each project to the overall concept for Corporate Workplace, as developed by the Global Design team; and (4) inform Guidelines and Standards team on design elements needed to translate into global functional Guidelines.
• Participate and lead strategy, planning and program management sessions for the AMER portfolio
• Work cross functionally with regional peers to ensure a consistent experience for customers, whilst respecting local/cultural nuance.
• Collaborate with GREF partner teams, including Regional Portfolio Management, Sustainability and Environmental Health and Safety, and Travel and Events, to elevate program deliverables and improve the quality of Amazon workspace with a focus on resiliency, efficiency, health, and safety.
• Routinely connect to external industry, professional bodies and communities, ensuring new industry standards, best practices, technology, and innovations are adopted into the program.

About the team

The Global Real Estate and Facilities (GREF) team manages Amazon"s real estate and facilities globally. It"s organized into Regional Portfolio Management, Global Centers of Enablement, and Global Centers of Expertise. Design, Sustainability and Engineering includes Global Design, Workplace Guidelines, Sustainability, and Engineering teams. These teams develop design concepts, implement workplace standards, and deliver various spaces across Amazon"s portfolio. GREF emphasizes inclusive team culture, work-life balance, and career growth. The team values diversity and promotes knowledge sharing and mentorship. GREF strives to create spaces that support Amazonians" work while enhancing employee well-being and aligning with the company"s strategic vision.