Sr Pre-Construction Manager, GES NA, Design and Construction

About the role

As a Senior Preconstruction Manager within Global Engineering Services (GES) North America (NA) Design & Construction (D&C), you are Amazon's senior owner's representative during the preconstruction phase. You autonomously manage complex, cross-functional industrial building projects from site selection through design completion, permitting, and contract execution across your assigned region. This includes new built-to-suit industrial buildings, tenant improvements, extensions of existing facilities, and renovation projects serving major business customers. You execute deliverables with limited oversight, resolving complex issues creatively and effectively, and deliver a mix of tactical (60%) and strategic (40%) initiatives impacting multiple teams and geographies.

You own project budgets, oversee design management, select external vendor partners, and lead project procurement, while being accountable for the full performance of your external project teams. The role requires 60% regional travel annually, with availability to work from a corporate office when not traveling. Candidates should live near or be willing to relocate within a reasonable commuting distance of a corporate office location; relocation assistance may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Safety & Compliance
  • Own and enforce Amazon's safety programs and standards during preconstruction phases.
  • Lead coordination with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure regulatory compliance and timely permitting.
  • Review noise, traffic, and environmental studies; apply zoning, planning, fire code, and building code requirements.
  • Proactively identify and eliminate compliance risks.
• Preconstruction & Project Management
  • Autonomously manage complex industrial preconstruction projects from site selection through design completion, permitting, and contract execution.
  • Lead site selection, scope development, and design management, ensuring compliance with Amazon's design standards.
  • Oversee design evaluations, conformance reviews, and value engineering assessments.
  • Manage multiple large industrial projects simultaneously with limited oversight.
  • Drive timely decisions, clear blockers, and manage escalations with excellent judgment.
  • Resolve upstream issues to support a clean handoff to Construction Managers.
  • Monitor project performance metrics and ensure corrective actions are taken.
  • Assess project performance through KPIs for safety, quality, cost, schedule, and sustainability.
• Budget, Schedule & Contract Management
  • Own project budgets and oversee spend approvals.
  • Perform conceptual estimating and pricing reviews; lead cost negotiations with developers and contractors.
  • Lead external partner selection, contract negotiations, and project procurement.
  • Review and analyze design and construction contracts, lease agreements, and technical exhibits.
  • Partner with Transaction teams to optimize entitlement strategy and long-lead procurement.
  • Identify and resolve factors impeding successful project handover.
• Stakeholder & Vendor Management
  • Work with internal teams (Real Estate, Design Engineering, Entitlements, Construction, Finance, Launch/Startup) and external partners (architects, engineers, permitting agencies, developers, landlords).
  • Drive results through communication, risk assessment, decision-making, and leadership.
  • Select and manage external vendor partners to ensure efficient resource use.
  • Lead large cross-functional teams and motivate stakeholders at all levels.
  • Act as the primary escalation point for project issues.
  • Support crucial relationships and lead negotiations with customers, suppliers, and partners.
• Communication & Reporting
  • Write effective narratives and present complex decisions to Directors and VPs.
  • Translate technical documents into detailed risk analyses for leaders and customers.
  • Communicate budgets, schedules, and project status clearly to internal and external teams.
  • Run preconstruction meetings to achieve alignment and consensus.
  • Represent Amazon in weekly Architect, Owner, and Contractor (AOC) meetings.
• Process Improvement, Best Practices & People Development
  • Drive continuous improvement and create sustainable, repeatable processes.
  • Develop tools and procedures to improve project efficiency and delivery.
  • Recommend improvements to project scoping, permitting, and execution.
  • Guide preconstruction managers in best practices and serve as an expert resource.
  • Actively recruit, mentor, and develop other preconstruction managers.
  • Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience as an Architect, Engineer, Construction Manager, Development Manager, Owner's Project Management Representative, or in a related commercial development or construction discipline.
• 7+ years of project management experience from design phase through implementation and operation, including negotiating construction, procurement, and labor contracts.
• Experience within packaging, processing, or logistical facilities is preferred.

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 committed to delivering high-quality, innovative facilities on time and on budget while fostering a culture of inclusion and sustainability.