Construction Program Manager - Lease

Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft's cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects.

"Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond."

We are seeking an organized and driven Execution, Operational & Planning (EOP) - Construction Program Manager to help deliver the infrastructure that powers Microsoft's global cloud services on our AMERS Lease portfolio.

Role Summary

The EOP Construction Program Manager supports the broader EOP organization by developing and advancing programs, processes, standards, mechanisms, and tools that improve end-to-end execution, operational readiness, and quality across leased data center delivery.

Working closely with Construction Managers, Integration Technical Infrastructure Management, and other cross-functional delivery teams, the Program Manager applies strong construction and technical acumen, program management, problem-solving, decision-making, cross-functional leadership, change management, risk management, communication, writing and technology skills to translate project execution experience, lessons learned, and business needs into scalable solutions. This includes developing high-quality processes, SOPs, process flows, playbooks, templates, tools, training materials, knowledge-sharing mechanisms, and other program resources that bring structure to complex challenges and enable more consistent execution across the portfolio. These solutions should address recurring execution challenges and improve safety, quality, schedule, cost, and execution excellence across the organization.

The role requires strong experience across the data center construction and delivery lifecycle, including pre-construction, integrated schedule planning, project execution, vendor management, RFS/RNI, fit-out, commissioning, and operational readiness.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Program & Initiative Management

• Lead construction programs and initiatives from concept through implementation, defining scope, objectives, milestones, deliverables, ownership, and measures of success.

• Manage program risks, dependencies, decisions, and stakeholder actions to drive successful implementation.

• Evaluate program effectiveness using data, stakeholder feedback, and performance measures to support continuous improvement.

Program Governance & Documentation

• Develop and maintain program governance, operating mechanisms, tools, and documentation that improve consistency and accountability.

• Create high-quality SOPs, process flows, playbooks, templates, guidance, and other program resources that support consistent execution.

• Establish clear ownership, decision points, standards, and expectations for new and existing programs and processes.

Process Improvement & Standardization

• Partner with project execution teams to identify recurring delivery challenges, process gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

• Translate project experience, lessons learned, and best practices into scalable improvements across the portfolio.

• Simplify and standardize processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and execution.

• Establish mechanisms to capture, share, and apply lessons learned and best practices across projects and teams.

Technology & Innovation

• Leverage technology, AI, automation, data, and digital tools to improve processes, reporting, knowledge sharing, and program delivery.

• Identify opportunities to automate manual activities and develop scalable tools that improve team efficiency.

• Quickly learn and effectively apply new technologies and platforms to evolving business needs.

Rhythm of Business, Training & Knowledge Sharing

• Lead and facilitate rhythm-of-business meetings, program forums, workshops, knowledge shares, and training sessions.

• Develop and deliver training and knowledge resources that support consistent execution and successful adoption of new processes and tools.

• Establish mechanisms that improve organizational knowledge sharing and reinforce program standards and best practices.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Change Management

• Partner across Construction Management, Integration Technical Infrastructure Management, Engineering, Operations, Security, Commissioning, EHS, Project Controls, and other functions to develop and implement program improvements.

• Build stakeholder alignment around roles, ownership, decisions, implementation plans, and success criteria.

• Influence across organizational boundaries and bring structure, clarity, and solutions to complex or ambiguous challenges.

• Drive adoption of new programs, processes, tools, and standards through effective change management and communication.

Tracking & Reporting

• Develop and maintain trackers and reporting that provide visibility into program progress, risks, decisions, dependencies, and outcomes.

• Communicate program health, risks, outcomes, insights, and recommendations to execution teams and leadership.

Travel

• Travel may be required based on project and site needs. At least 25% travel is required.

• This role is located remote or in a hub locations - Atlanta, GA, Redmond, WA, San Antonio, TX or Phoenix, AZ.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years related experience

• OR equivalent experience.

• 2+ years experience in Program Management.

Other Requirements:

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field AND 8+ years related experience

• OR equivalent experience

• 3+ years experience in program management.

• 7+ years experience working on data center projects.

• PMI (Project Management Institute) - PMP (Project Management Professional) certification highly desired

#COICareers and #EPCCareers

Construction Project Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $116,900 - $203,600 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $148,400 - $222,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.