Head of Innovation Strategy & Design

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.

Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.

You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. The Strategic Permit Manager role - based in Arlington / Herndon VA Seattle WA, or Austin TX – will be responsible for coordinating the planning, execution and evaluation of all critical government (aka Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)) approvals required for land development related to data centers and essential supportive infrastructure. Specifically, the Strategic Permit Manager will support all development permitting processes for their assigned projects and will be responsible for working with partner teams (e.g. transaction, economic development, engineering, construction, utility, and environment teams) to develop, coordinate and negotiate a permit strategy, ensure that strategy is being executed effectively, and identify and mitigate risks associated with AHJ approval processes. Accordingly, the Strategic Permit Manager will crucially be a primary owner of direct AHJ engagement.

A successful candidate in this role will have experience with real estate development regulations and AHJ / government engagement. Candidate should have a proven track record of delivering multiple, high-priority projects with tight timelines that required strong project management and cross-functional coordination with internal partner teams and outside consultants and counsel.

Candidate must be able work in assigned office up to five days each week, with exception of work travel 25-50% of the time.

Identify all government approvals required to construct data center infrastructure.

• Coordinate internal and external project development teams to develop, negotiate and execute a permitting plan, ensuring all internal and external stakeholders are performing required actions at the appropriate time.
• Identify, assess, mitigate and communicate risks to the permitting strategy to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Engage and manage the work of entitlement and permitting scheduling consultants and specialists.
• Track real-time permit delivery metrics and complete after-action reviews to identify and solution opportunities for process improvement.
• 25-50% travel

Coordination communications (emails, calls, messages) with internal teams and consultants to plan and execute projects.

Analyze and develop technical AHJ approval materials.

Travel to in-person internal and external meetings and workshops.

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.

You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. About AWS

AWS values diverse experiences. Why AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.

AWS values curiosity and connection. Our employee-led and company-sponsored affinity groups promote inclusion and empower our people to take pride in what makes us unique. Our inclusion events foster stronger, more collaborative teams. We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Background in Urban Planning

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit for more information. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and / or other benefits. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.