Senior UX Designer, GREF – Global Strategy & Planning

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer, GREF – Global Strategy & Planning

Company: Amazon

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design, GTM Strategy Support

Date Posted: August 03, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX design for new space planning technology tools and improvements to existing systems within Amazon's Global Real Estate and Facilities (GREF) organization.

• Drive customer-obsessed design specifications by collaborating cross-functionally with UX Research, Product, Software, and Business partners to enhance the employee experience in Amazon's corporate office portfolio.

• Apply strategic planning, analytical skills, and problem-solving to design simple, effective tools that address complex system challenges and delight users.

• Contribute to a globally diverse team responsible for Amazon's corporate offices in over 60 countries, impacting facility maintenance, operations, and the overall employee experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior UX Designer," the role's focus on "Global Strategy & Planning" and "space planning tech tools" indicates a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) enablement through operational efficiency and strategic planning support. The role requires deep understanding of business processes and how technology can optimize them, a hallmark of strong Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles applied to internal operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with design leadership and cross-functional partners (UX Research, Product Management, Software Development, Business stakeholders) throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to implementation.

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of space planning customers and their specific use cases to identify pain points and opportunities for UX improvement.

• Develop innovative, simplified solutions for current complex processes within real estate and facility planning, focusing on intuitive user interfaces and efficient workflows.

• Translate customer needs and business requirements into detailed design specifications, wireframes, prototypes, and user flows.

• Define and maintain design patterns, UX standards, and usability principles to ensure consistency and scalability across all GREF-related technology tools.

• Champion user-centric design principles, ensuring that all developed tools and systems prioritize the employee experience and contribute to a thriving culture at Amazon.

• Present design concepts and solutions to stakeholders at various levels, articulating the strategic rationale and anticipated business impact.

• Stay abreast of industry trends in UX design, space planning technology, and corporate real estate to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process definition, workflow optimization, and system design, which are core to Operations roles. The emphasis on "strategic planning," "analytical skills," and "delighting customers with ease of use" aligns with how Revenue Operations and Sales Operations leverage technology to drive efficiency and improve user journeys, even for internal users.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of 7+ years of professional experience in UX design, with a proven track record of delivering impactful design solutions for complex systems.

• Demonstrated experience in defining and maintaining design patterns, style guides, and UX standards for consistency and scalability.

• Strong understanding of usability principles, techniques, and best practices in user-centered design. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

• Expertise in prototyping tools and methodologies, including HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and Ajax, to create interactive and functional prototypes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to dissect complex business problems and propose elegant, user-friendly solutions.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence cross-functional partners and stakeholders.

• Experience with user research methodologies and the ability to translate research findings into actionable design improvements.

• A robust online portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating your design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact on user experience. Preferred Skills:

• Experience applying Agile methodologies, such as Scrum, to visual or UX design processes within a fast-paced environment.

• Proven experience with UX design for complex workflows and enterprise-level applications.

• Experience working with stakeholders to plan and execute programs that are strategic in nature, demonstrating an understanding of business objectives.

• Familiarity with data visualization techniques and tools to represent complex data sets effectively.

• Experience in corporate real estate, facility management, or space planning technology is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7+ years of design experience" and the breadth of technical skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Ajax) indicate a need for a senior-level candidate capable of independent work and strategic contribution, akin to a Senior Operations Analyst or Operations Manager. The emphasis on "design patterns and UX standards" and "usability principles" aligns with the need for robust process documentation and standardization in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end UX design projects, detailing the problem, your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Include case studies demonstrating your ability to understand complex business needs and translate them into user-centered design solutions for technology tools.

• Highlight projects involving workflow optimization, process simplification, or the design of systems that improve operational efficiency.

• Present examples of how you have defined and applied design patterns, UX standards, and usability principles to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Demonstrate your proficiency with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Ajax) through project examples. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating detailed design specifications, wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• Examples of how you have documented design decisions, user research findings, and usability testing results.

• Documentation related to the implementation of design systems or style guides that ensure consistency and efficiency in product development.

• Contributions to or development of processes for defining and maintaining UX standards and best practices within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused candidate, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic design but the strategic thinking behind it. This means showcasing how UX design directly contributed to process improvements, efficiency gains, or better internal stakeholder experiences—elements highly valued in Revenue Operations and Sales Operations. Demonstrating the ability to document processes and standards is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The base salary range for this position in Seattle, Washington, is $137,800 - $186,400 USD annually. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Prescription drug insurance.

• Basic Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, with options for supplemental life plans.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Mental Health Support services.

• Medical Advice Line for health-related inquiries.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Comprehensive Parental Leave benefits.

• In addition to base salary, the compensation package includes sign-on payments and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While specific schedules may vary, flexibility may be available depending on team needs and project deadlines, though the role is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Designer role in a high-cost-of-living area like Seattle, considering Amazon's compensation structure which often includes significant equity (RSUs) and potential sign-on bonuses. The detailed benefits list reflects typical large tech company offerings, emphasizing comprehensive wellness and financial planning support, which can be attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and a strong benefits package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Cloud Computing, Digital Streaming, Artificial Intelligence, Retail, Real Estate & Facilities Management. Amazon operates across a vast spectrum of industries, with GREF specifically focusing on the corporate real estate and facilities sector. This provides a unique context where operational efficiency directly impacts the employee experience and the company's ability to scale.

Company Size: Amazon is one of the world's largest corporations, employing over 1.5 million people globally. This massive scale means that operational processes and systems must be robust, scalable, and highly efficient. For operations professionals, this translates to opportunities to work on impactful projects that affect a significant number of employees and contribute to the company's global footprint.

Founded: 1994. Amazon's long history, starting as an online bookstore, has fostered a culture of innovation, customer obsession, and a willingness to experiment and iterate. This "Day 1" philosophy encourages continuous improvement and a proactive approach to problem-solving, which is essential for operations roles focused on optimization.

Team Structure:

• The Global Real Estate and Facilities (GREF) organization is a significant division within Amazon, managing a vast corporate office portfolio across more than 60 countries.

• The UX Design team within GREF is a specialized unit focused on creating location-based visualizations and space planning tools specifically for internal GREF employees.

• This role requires close collaboration with various internal departments, including UX Research, Product Management, Software Engineering, and Business Strategy teams, highlighting a highly cross-functional and integrated operational environment. Methodology:

• Customer Obsession: A core Amazon leadership principle, driving the focus on understanding and meeting the needs of internal users (GREF employees) through user-centered design.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for UX, Amazon's culture emphasizes using data to inform decisions. For this role, this translates to using user research, analytics, and performance metrics to validate design choices and measure impact.

• Think Big & Invent and Simplify: Encourages creative, forward-thinking solutions to complex problems, aiming for simplicity and effectiveness in tool design and process implementation.

• Bias for Action: A culture that values swift execution and iteration, meaning operations professionals must be adept at driving projects forward in a dynamic environment.

Company Website: https://www.amazon.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's culture, particularly its leadership principles, provides a strong framework for understanding how operations roles function and are evaluated. "Customer Obsession," "Invent and Simplify," and "Bias for Action" are directly applicable to improving operational processes, designing efficient systems, and driving GTM strategies through internal tools.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior" UX Designer, implying a level of autonomy, strategic contribution, and mentorship capability. In an operations context, this translates to a mid-to-senior level role where the individual is expected to not only execute but also to influence design direction, define processes, and potentially guide junior team members. The scope involves complex systems and strategic planning, indicating a significant impact on internal operations and GTM enablement.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will collaborate with "design leadership" and "cross-functional partners." While the direct reporting line isn't specified, it's common in such roles to report to a UX Design Manager or Director within the GREF organization. The role's success hinges on effective collaboration with Product Managers, Software Engineers, and Business Analysts, emphasizing a matrixed or project-based reporting dynamic common in large tech operations.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, even though it's an internal-facing UX design position. By designing and improving space planning tech tools, this role directly influences the efficiency, productivity, and strategic planning capabilities of the GREF organization. Optimized tools lead to better real estate decisions, more effective space utilization, and improved employee experiences, all of which have downstream effects on operational costs, employee retention, and the overall ability of Amazon to scale its operations globally. This aligns with how Revenue Operations and Sales Operations leverage technology to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, and enable sales teams for greater effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX design for enterprise-level internal tools, corporate real estate technology, and large-scale operational systems.

• Leadership: Transition into UX Design Lead roles, managing projects or a small team, and contributing to design strategy at a higher level within GREF or other Amazon organizations.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Leverage understanding of business processes to move into Product Management, Program Management, or even operational strategy roles within Amazon, particularly in areas related to GTM enablement or internal systems optimization.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of design best practices and standards across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Senior UX Designer at Amazon, especially one focused on internal operational tools, mirrors that of senior operations professionals. The emphasis is on strategic impact, process improvement, and potential leadership within specialized operational functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is explicitly listed as "On-site" in Seattle, Washington. This suggests a traditional office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are prioritized for design and development processes. Amazon's corporate offices are known for their dynamic and fast-paced atmosphere, often featuring collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington, USA. Amazon's Seattle campus is extensive, offering various amenities and a hub for innovation and technology. The specific building or floor would depend on team placement within the GREF organization.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a work environment that encourages close collaboration with Product Managers, Software Engineers, UX Researchers, and other stakeholders. This is essential for rapid iteration and problem-solving in a complex system design context.

• Tools and Technology: Access to Amazon's internal suite of design and development tools, as well as standard industry software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, prototyping tools). The environment will likely be equipped with robust IT infrastructure to support complex software development and design processes.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for team meetings, design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional project discussions, facilitating knowledge sharing and alignment on operational goals.

Work Schedule: The role requires a standard 40-hour work week. While Amazon fosters flexibility where possible, the "on-site" nature and the collaborative demands of a Senior UX Designer role focused on product development suggest a structured work schedule, with potential for occasional extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value Amazon places on in-person collaboration for complex projects, which is often mirrored in high-impact operations roles where team synergy is critical for driving initiatives like revenue enablement or process optimization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and experience. Be prepared to articulate your relevant experience clearly.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: This stage typically involves discussing your background, design philosophy, and specific project experiences. Expect behavioral questions focused on collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership principles.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio. This is a critical step to showcase your design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be ready to discuss your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes. Focus on projects that demonstrate experience with complex systems, workflow optimization, and user-centric design for internal tools.

• Design Challenge/Whiteboarding Session: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or participate in a whiteboarding session to assess your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to think on your feet. This could involve sketching out solutions for a hypothetical space planning problem or a complex workflow.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential peers (other designers, PMs, engineers) to evaluate your collaborative skills, communication style, and how well you align with Amazon's culture and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term vision, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best align with the job description – specifically those involving complex systems, internal tools, workflow design, and strategic planning. Showcase your end-to-end process, not just final mockups.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the challenges faced, your design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), and the measurable impact or outcomes. Use data and metrics where possible to quantify success.

• Highlight Process & Impact: Emphasize how your design thinking led to process improvements, increased efficiency, or solved complex operational challenges for internal stakeholders. Connect your UX work to business objectives.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and prototyping technologies (HTML, JS, CSS, Ajax).

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle feedback, your collaboration style, and how you approach ambiguous problems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Amazon's GREF organization and the typical challenges in space planning and corporate real estate operations.

• Focus on Process: For any design challenges, think about the underlying processes and workflows. How can design simplify or optimize these?

• Think Systemically: Consider how your proposed solutions fit into a larger system and how they might impact other areas or stakeholders.

• Communicate Clearly: Articulate your thought process step-by-step, even if you don't reach a perfect solution. Explain your assumptions and trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior UX Designer at Amazon is rigorous and mirrors that for senior operations roles, emphasizing problem-solving, strategic thinking, and the ability to demonstrate impact through a portfolio. The portfolio review is particularly crucial, requiring candidates to showcase not just design skills but also their understanding of business processes and operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign are explicitly mentioned as required. Proficiency in these tools is fundamental for creating visual assets, mockups, and graphics.

• Prototyping & Development: Experience with HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and Ajax for prototyping is required, indicating a need for designers who can create interactive, functional prototypes that closely resemble the final product and can be understood by developers.

• UX Design & Collaboration Tools: While not explicitly listed, expect to use tools common in the industry for wireframing, user flows, and collaboration, such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Miro, or similar platforms. Amazon often utilizes internal tools for many functions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Usability Testing Tools: Experience with tools for conducting usability tests and gathering user feedback is implied by the need for "usability principles and techniques."

• Data Analysis: While not a primary data analyst role, understanding how to interpret user data, analytics from implemented tools, and performance metrics to inform design decisions will be critical. Familiarity with Amazon's internal analytics platforms would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Amazon likely uses a suite of proprietary internal tools for project management, workflow automation, and data management. Familiarity with how to integrate UX designs into such systems or understand their constraints is key.

• Workflow Management: The role involves designing for "complex workflows," suggesting an understanding of how to map, analyze, and optimize business processes using technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a blend of traditional design tools and front-end development skills for prototyping. For operations candidates, understanding the integration of these UX tools with broader business systems (like CRM, ERP, or internal workflow tools) and how they contribute to operational efficiency is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: This is paramount at Amazon. For this role, it means deeply understanding the needs of internal GREF employees and designing solutions that genuinely improve their daily work and strategic planning capabilities.

• Invent and Simplify: A drive to create novel solutions that are also easy to use and implement. This means avoiding overly complex designs and focusing on elegant, efficient tools that solve real problems.

• Bias for Action: A culture that values moving quickly and decisively. Operations professionals are expected to be proactive, take ownership, and drive initiatives forward without excessive deliberation.

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for the success of the products and processes you design, from conception through implementation and iteration. This includes anticipating potential issues and proactively addressing them.

• Deliver Results: A focus on measurable outcomes. Designs must not only be aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly but must also demonstrably improve efficiency, productivity, or achieve specific business goals within GREF.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work hand-in-hand with Product Managers, Software Engineers, UX Researchers, and Business stakeholders. Open communication and shared understanding are vital.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces constructive feedback. Designers are expected to be open to critique, iterate on their work, and engage in thoughtful discussions to arrive at the best solutions.

• Data-Informed: While design is creative, decisions should be informed by user research, data analytics, and business requirements. This requires a collaborative approach to gathering and interpreting information.

• Global Perspective: Working within a global organization means being sensitive to diverse perspectives and needs across different regions and cultures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's leadership principles directly inform the expected values and collaboration style for all employees, including UX Designers and operations professionals. Understanding how these principles translate into daily work and decision-making is key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Systems: Designing for large, complex, global systems within GREF requires a deep understanding of intricate workflows and interdependencies. Navigating these complexities to create simple, intuitive user experiences is a significant challenge.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Juggling the diverse requirements and priorities of various stakeholders (Product, Engineering, Business, end-users across different regions) can be demanding. Effective negotiation and communication are critical.

• Pace of Innovation: Amazon operates at a rapid pace. Keeping up with evolving business needs, technological advancements, and the constant drive for innovation while maintaining design quality can be challenging.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the precise impact of UX design on internal operational efficiency and strategic planning can be difficult. Developing robust metrics and tracking systems is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Expertise: Deepen skills in designing for enterprise-level internal tools, complex business processes, and large-scale operational systems.

• Strategic Business Acumen: Gain a deeper understanding of corporate real estate, facilities management, and GTM strategy support through close collaboration with business partners.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on lead roles on projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to defining design strategy and best practices within GREF.

• Cross-Functional Skill Building: Develop stronger skills in product management, program management, and business analysis by working closely with these functions.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into how a global leader like Amazon manages its vast real estate portfolio and leverages technology for operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities reflect the demanding yet rewarding nature of working in a high-impact role at a company like Amazon. Operations professionals can draw parallels to their own experiences with complex projects, stakeholder management, and the continuous pursuit of efficiency and scalability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a solution for a complex, ambiguous problem with many stakeholders. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder management, and ability to simplify complexity.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your understanding of trade-offs and your ability to find optimal solutions.)

• "Imagine you need to design a new tool for tracking real estate inventory across multiple countries. What would be your initial steps, and what key considerations would you have?" (Showcase your strategic thinking, process-oriented approach, and understanding of global complexities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Amazon's Leadership Principles, such as Customer Obsession and Invent and Simplify, influence your design approach?" (Be ready to connect your work and philosophy to these principles.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to work with a diverse team with different perspectives. How did you ensure alignment and achieve a common goal?" (Highlight your collaboration skills and ability to manage diverse opinions.)

• "How do you measure the success of your UX designs, especially for internal tools where direct customer feedback might be different from external products?" (Focus on metrics, KPIs, and demonstrating operational impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., "Reduced process time by X%", "Improved data accuracy by Y%", "Increased tool adoption by Z%").

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. Walk through wireframes, prototypes, and final designs, explaining your design decisions at each stage.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process, research methodologies, and how you iterated based on feedback and data. This is crucial for operations-minded interviewers.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your specific contributions, design rationale, and the challenges you encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just UX expertise but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and an understanding of business impact – qualities highly valued in operations roles. Connecting your design process to operational efficiency and stakeholder success will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position at Amazon:

• Submit your application through the Amazon Jobs portal using the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Carefully select 2-3 of your strongest UX design projects that best demonstrate your experience with complex systems, workflow optimization, and user-centered design for internal tools. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, your process, your solution, and the measurable impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly from the job description, such as "UX design," "space planning," "complex workflows," "strategic planning," "Photoshop," "Illustrator," "InDesign," "HTML/JavaScript/CSS," "prototyping," "usability principles," and "cross-functional collaboration." Quantify achievements with data where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly. Be ready to articulate your design decisions, explain your process, and discuss the impact of your work, particularly in relation to operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Research Amazon's Culture: Familiarize yourself with Amazon's Leadership Principles and how they relate to design and operations. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these principles in your work.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.