Principal Real Estate Development Manager, Data Center Supply Solutions

Amazon • Herndon, VA

2d

About The Position

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking an experienced Real Estate Principal to lead the strategy, identification, acquisition, and development of properties for data centers that will power AWS’s expanding global cloud infrastructure. This individual will play a critical role in securing strategic sites that meet the technical, environmental, and financial needs of AWS while aligning with our long-term growth goals. The ideal candidate brings significant experience in real estate site selection, acquisition, and development, with experience specifically focused on data center-related projects. This role requires deep expertise in navigating zoning regulations, utility partnerships, environmental constraints, and ownership structures to secure the most viable properties. The Principal will also have demonstrated success in complex negotiations, including purchase agreements, build-to-suit arrangements, and colocation deals. At AWS, the Real Estate Principal will collaborate with internal teams, including engineering, construction, legal, and finance, to ensure the seamless delivery of land for data center projects. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape AWS’s future by identifying high-value locations that meet the rigorous power, latency, and capacity requirements of the largest cloud infrastructure in the world. You will work at the intersection of real estate strategy, development, and business growth, helping AWS meet the ever-increasing demand for cloud services globally. In addition to managing a pipeline of strategic real estate transactions, the Principal will drive the continuous improvement of AWS’s land acquisition processes. This includes streamlining our site development process, overseeing entitlement work, and fostering relationships with developers, utility providers, and municipalities. The ideal candidate is a results-driven, strategic thinker with the ability to balance speed, quality, and cost in high-stakes real estate deals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 15+ years of real-estate development experience
• 5+ years of data center real estate experience
• Knowledge of data center infrastructure design, operations, or delivery
• Experience structuring and negotiating complex agreements and leading cross-functional groups to orchestrate and successfully complete deals
• Knowledge of both mechanical and electrical equipment or design related to data center electrical and mechanical topology

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree or higher (including Juris Doctor) in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of alternative real estate transaction approaches, structures, and best practices, related development processes, and commercial/industrial site selection.

Responsibilities

• Site Selection & Acquisition: -Identify, evaluate, and secure sites that meet AWS’s data center needs, considering key factors like geographical latency, access to power and water, and zoning regulations.
• -Lead the due diligence process, evaluating environmental conditions, ownership structures, and regulatory hurdles.
• -Collaborate with local governments, landowners, brokers, and developers to source strategic locations and assess potential risks.
• Real Estate Negotiations & Transactions: -Develop and execute complex real estate deals, including purchases, leases, build-to-suit agreements, and colocation contracts.
• -Negotiate favorable terms with developers, landlords, and municipalities to meet AWS’s operational and financial goals.
• -Manage deal flow across multiple regions, ensuring timely execution while balancing risk and scalability.
• Development Oversight: -Oversee entitlement, zoning, and permitting processes to ensure smooth site delivery.
• -Coordinate with engineering, design, and construction teams to align project requirements with site characteristics.
• -Ensure pre-construction work, such as grading, fencing, and offsite improvements, is completed to support timely development.
• Stakeholder Engagement: -Partner with internal teams across legal, finance, construction, and operations to align real estate strategies with AWS’s long-term growth objectives.
• -Build and maintain relationships with local municipalities, utility providers, and economic development agencies to support project success.
• -Provide regular updates to senior leadership on site acquisition progress, risks, and market trends.

Benefits

• Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees