As a Preconstruction Manager within Global Engineering Services (GES) North America (NA) Design & Construction (D&C), you are Amazon's owner's representative during the preconstruction phase — responsible for independently managing difficult, cross-functional industrial building projects from site selection through design completion, permitting, and contract execution across your assigned region. Preconstruction services refers to the planning of a construction project before actual construction begins.
You will partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure scope, budget, and schedule definition are established, including timely receipt of building and site permits. You are responsible as the project manager to lead planning, design, and preconstruction projects — including new built-to-suit industrial buildings, tenant improvements, extensions of existing facilities, and renovation projects — supporting Amazon's logistics network infrastructure.
You work independently within your assigned region, using your knowledge of construction and project management concepts to decide which actions to take to complete projects, and seeking guidance as needed on strategic components. You are tactical with some strategic components, utilizing well-defined processes and best practices to facilitate delivery of high-quality results. You make trade-offs between time, quality, and resources to keep projects on track.
Key competencies of this position include ensuring that contracted resources deliver work product in support of project durations, permitting, key performance indicators (KPIs), and quality documentation; managing project teams (developers, design engineers, professional consultants); influencing internal teams (Design Engineering, Amazon Robotics); contract management governance; conceptual estimating and budget oversight; and managing multiple large industrial projects in various locations simultaneously. Translating technical documents and information into clear, concise narratives with detailed risk analysis for leaders and customers is essential.
This opportunity combines construction engineering, planning, project management, real estate development, design validation, site visits, understanding of local building and fire code issues, utilities, sustainability, multi-disciplinary design management, and contract management. The Preconstruction Manager is responsible for the planning and design of scope, budget, and schedule prior to handing off to the Construction Manager — focusing on taking ownership to resolve upstream issues and supporting the construction team throughout the process.
This role requires 60% regional travel on a yearly basis. When not traveling, you must have availability to work from a corporate office. Candidates should either live near or be willing to relocate within a reasonable commuting distance of one of the corporate office locations listed. Relocation assistance may be provided.
Key job responsibilities
Safety & Compliance
- Supervise the implementation and management of Amazon's safety programs and standards across all internal and external project teams during the planning and preconstruction phases of a project
- Interface and coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure regulatory compliance, smooth permitting execution, and timely approvals
- Review noise, traffic, and environmental studies; understand zoning, planning, fire code, and building code requirements for assigned projects
Preconstruction & Project Management
- Independently manage difficult, cross-functional industrial preconstruction projects from site selection through design completion, permitting, and contract execution
- Lead site selection and validation, scope development, and design management — coordinating with design teams to develop site plans and composite floor plans in compliance with Amazon's design standards and operational requirements
- Manage multiple concurrent large industrial projects across various locations simultaneously
- Keep scope under control and accelerate progress by driving crisp, timely decisions, identifying and clearing blockers, and escalating appropriately
- Identify and resolve upstream issues proactively to support a clean handoff to the Construction Manager; remain a key support resource for the construction team throughout the project lifecycle
- Assess project performance through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for safety, quality, cost, schedule, and sustainability
- Minimize disruptions and proactively mitigate risks; plan ahead to prevent problems before they happen
Budget, Schedule & Contract Management
- Develop and manage project budgets and costs; own comprehensive schedule management and cashflow forecasting across assigned preconstruction projects
- Perform conceptual estimating and pricing reviews for scope inclusions and exclusions; negotiate the cost of work with developers, general contractors, and design consultants
- Contribute to the selection of external vendor partners and manage vendor procurement; oversee professional service providers to ensure their skills and competencies meet project requirements
- Review and analyze design and construction contracts, related exhibits, and lease agreements; provide detailed analysis of technical matters and site-specific deal structures and terms
- Partner with the Transaction team and developers to optimize schedule and strategy for entitlements and long-lead procurement
Identify and solve factors that may impede a successful permitted project handover to Amazon stakeholders; make trade-offs between time, quality, and resources
Stakeholder & Vendor Management
- Work with internal and external teams — including Real Estate, Design Engineering, Entitlements, Construction, Finance, Launch/Startup, architects, engineers, permitting agencies, developers, and landlords — to secure resources, scope infrastructure builds, set priorities and milestones, and drive delivery to meet deadlines
- Drive results through communicating, weighing risks, making decisions, leading, and influencing; competently represent project and technical information to diverse audiences
- Maintain good working relationships with stakeholders and vendors; lead constructive dialogue to resolve and prevent project issues
- Act as the primary escalation point for project team members; own and track issues to ensure they are addressed, documented, and resolved
Communication & Reporting
- Prepare and present project status and risk reports; provide clear, concise summaries for projects under your ownership to leadership and management teams
- Translate technical documents and information into end-to-end narratives with detailed risk analysis for leaders and customers
- Run preconstruction meetings effectively — putting the right people in the room, checking progress, and driving high-level alignment and consensus
- Communicate budgets, schedules, project status, and priorities clearly to internal teams and external partners; trusted to present decisions to leaders up to 2-3 tiers above level
- Utilize Amazon's information systems to record and update schedule, budget, and other key project developments
- Represent Amazon's interests in weekly Architect, Owner, and Contractor (AOC) meetings; provide input on root causes and corrective actions
Process Improvement & Innovation
- Optimize preconstruction processes and implement improvements in procedures and playbooks to improve project efficiency and delivery
- Look for opportunities to improve operational excellence and influence the team to determine where to iterate and make improvements
- Seek sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions throughout the preconstruction process in alignment with Amazon's building practices
- Adapt to constant change and innovation; find adaptable solutions for an evolving business
A day in the life
Each day, you represent GES NA Design & Construction as Amazon's owner during the preconstruction phase — navigating uncertainty, proactively unblocking project barriers, and influencing the best project decisions. You are tactical with some strategic components, working independently and interacting with leadership to resolve issues. Your day may include:
- Coordinating with architects, engineers, and design consultants on design document development, scope changes, and project status
- Reviewing site plans, composite floor plans, and design documents for compliance with Amazon's standards and operational requirements
- Negotiating contract terms with developers, contractors, and consultants while driving adherence to schedules and budgets
- Coordinating with AHJ on permitting status, zoning, fire code, and building code requirements
- Preparing and presenting project status and risk reports for leadership
- Partnering with Real Estate and Transaction teams on entitlement strategy and long-lead procurement
- Providing estimating support, interpreting drawings, contributing to budgets, and reviewing lease exhibits
- Updating Amazon's project management systems with current budget, schedule, and status information
- Supporting the Construction Manager on active construction projects with preconstruction expertise
About the team
At Amazon, the GES North America Design & Construction team is a diverse group of engineers, construction managers, and preconstruction professionals who deliver the physical infrastructure behind Amazon's logistics network. We are employee owners who take pride in delivering high-quality, innovative facilities — on time and on budget — for our internal customers and the communities we serve. We are committed to being Earth's best employer and to building a more sustainable future through every project we deliver.
