Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Principal Real Estate Manager to lead portfolio strategy for our global data center real estate portfolio. This role is the strategic decision-maker responsible for evaluating and recommending the optimal disposition of assets across the portfolio lifecycle -including hold, sublease, sell, redevelop, expand, and exit strategies.
The successful candidate will own the end-to-end real estate finance and portfolio optimization function for data center land and leases, driving analysis and recommendations that directly impact billions of dollars in asset value. You will operate at the intersection of real estate investment strategy across the existing portfolio, corporate finance, and infrastructure operations to maximize portfolio value and align real estate decisions with AWS's long-term capacity and growth objectives.
This is a highly visible, individual contributor role requiring deep expertise in commercial real estate finance, portfolio optimization, and strategic planning at scale. You will influence executives across AWS and Amazon to shape the future of our physical infrastructure footprint.
Key job responsibilities
Portfolio Strategy
- Own long-term portfolio strategy for AWS data center real estate (owned, leased, etc.)
- Lead hold/sell/sublease/redevelop analysis using market conditions, demand forecasts, and financial returns
- Build portfolio optimization models to inform capital allocation; identify underperforming assets and develop value recovery strategies
- Define asset lifecycle management framework from acquisition through disposition
Financial Modeling & Performance
- Own valuation methodology (DCF, IRR/NPV, comps, cap rates) and maintain pro forma models for hold/sell/sublease/redevelop scenarios
- Establish portfolio performance benchmarks, KPIs, and standardized analytics tools/templates/reporting cadences
Market Intelligence & Transaction
- Lead complex transactions: asset sales, sale-leasebacks, ground lease restructurings, subleases
- Negotiate key commercial terms; manage external advisors (brokers, appraisers, investment bankers)
- Monitor data center market trends (cap rates, construction costs, land values, lease economics) and track hyperscale strategies, colo M&A, and institutional investor appetite
- Build proprietary market intelligence frameworks; publish portfolio performance reviews and market outlook reports
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with Treasury, Tax, Legal, Engineering, Operations, Capacity Planning, and Accounting to optimize deal structures
- Serve as portfolio strategy SME for leadership at all levels
- Mentor team members in real estate finance and strategic thinking; represent AWS in industry forums, investor meetings, and broker relationships
About the team
AWS Data Center Strategic Solutions (DCSS) plans, acquires, and manages the physical infrastructure powering AWS — the world's leading cloud platform. We operate at the intersection of real estate, engineering, and technology to deliver global data center capacity.
The Strategic Portfolio Management function owns the lifecycle strategy for our data center real estate assets, ensuring each is optimally positioned for maximum value through continued operation, redevelopment, subleasing, or disposition — directly impacting AWS's capital efficiency.
We're experienced real estate professionals and strategic thinkers thriving in high-growth ambiguity. If you're passionate about institutional-grade real estate strategy applied to one of the world's most dynamic portfolios, we want to hear from you.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, management, real estate, or another related field
- Experience building and managing financial models for business forecasting and problem solving
- 6+ years of property management, asset management, portfolio management and/or real estate financial analysis experience
- 5+ years of real estate transactions experience
- Experience working with, presenting to and influencing senior executives up to VP level
- • 12+ years experience in commercial real estate, real estate finance, portfolio management, or real estate investment/asset management
- • Deep understanding of commercial lease structures, ground leases, and real estate contract law
- • Strong proficiency in real estate valuation methodologies, market analysis, and investment underwriting
- Knowledge of data center infrastructure design, operations, or delivery
- Experience working in fast paced environments, and managing workload even during times of stress, or escalated activity
- Experience in commercial transactions
- • MBA, MS in Real Estate, or Master's in Finance from a top-tier program
- • Professional certification: CFA, CRE (Counselor of Real Estate), CCIM, or MAI designation
- • Direct experience with data center, hyperscale infrastructure, or mission-critical real estate portfolios
- • Experience at a REIT, institutional real estate investment manager, or major technology company's corporate real estate team
- • Familiarity with land entitlement, zoning, environmental permitting, and site development processes
- • Experience with portfolio management technology platforms (Argus, CoStar, Yardi, or similar)
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 https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. 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. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, TX, Austin - 192,200.00 - 260,000.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 192,200.00 - 260,000.00 USD annually
