Design Operations London 2026

Sara Yates is a Senior Design Operations leader at Amazon, where she supports large, global design studios in building greater clarity, consistency, and adaptability as the organisation accelerates into an AI-driven future. She leads work to modernise planning and delivery systems, strengthen collaboration with product and engineering, and introduce practical ways for teams to test and improve how they work together.

Sara has also led Product and Design Operations across Amazon and B2B companies, guiding teams through rapid growth, post-IPO integration, and complex organisational transitions. She is known for creating structure in ambiguous environments and for building systems that help teams move quickly without compromising quality or intent.

Her background in literature and writing shapes her context-led, thoughtful approach to operational strategy and design transformation. Outside of work, she balances her love of live music with a longstanding appreciation for science fiction.