Director, Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud.  Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) team 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. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services. 

We are seeking a Director, Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives, responsible for driving the Engineering Procurement Construction Strategic Initiatives Roadmap, enhancing operational excellence, and managing key Executive Office functions. This includes overseeing Executive Business Reviews, Key Account Sponsorship, Conferences, Supplier/Partner Assurance Programs, Strategic Communication Plans, and supporting the EPC Executive Leader.

The role involves collaboration with internal stakeholders and Microsoft teams to create and implement execution plans aligned with strategic initiatives. The Director identifies and applies best practices, leverages data to advocate for business cases, and presents recommendations to leadership. Additionally, they track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and may define measurement plans to evaluate success.

In partnership with the leadership team, the Director will coordinate and execute strategic initiatives, ensuring integration across the organization. They will optimize the team's rhythm of business (ROB) by managing participation in key business events, preparing for business reviews, and supporting other strategic activities. The role also includes articulating objectives that align with organizational goals and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve results.

This role is based in one of the following hub locations: Primary Location: Redmond, WA, with additional options in Atlanta, GA, San Antonio, TX, Phoenix, AZ, or Washington, DC. Relocation support is available, and successful candidates are required to either reside within or relocate to within 50 miles of the designated hub office.

This role is eligible for hybrid, up to 50% from home.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

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

Required Qualitifcations:

• Bachelor's Degree AND 6+ years experience in engineering, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.

Additional 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 background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree AND 10+ years experience in engineering, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development

• OR equivalent experience.

• 8+ years experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.

• 1+ year(s) experience reading and/or writing code (e.g., sample documentation, product demos).

• Exceptional ability to build partnerships across functions and organizations to deliver results.
• Strong executive presence and ability to engage, support and communicate with executive leadership and all levels of the organization
• Able to independently operate in a fast pace and complex environment, align work with strategic priorities, and influence without authority
• Creative problem solving, with the ability to synthesize multiple points of view and inputs into a singular charter
• Strong ability to understand big picture priorities and develop business case for discrete initiatives in support of overall business strategy
• Exceptional communication capabilities--written, presentation building, meeting facilitation, etc.
• Ability to express a vision, develop a clear charter with next steps, define success metrics, build stakeholder commitment and buy-in, and mobilize diverse teams to execute and deliver on metrics

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

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until February 6, 2025.

#COICareers and #EPCCareers #DataCenter 

• Strategic Project Roadmap: Develop and execute the EPC strategic projects and initiatives roadmap to drive organizational growth and operational effectiveness.

• Operational Excellence: Evolve the EPC organization's operational capabilities to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability.

• Rhythm of Business (ROB): Establish and manage the ROB for major suppliers and partners, including business reviews, executive briefings, and quality assurance plans for the EPC Executive Office.

• Research and Analytics: Conduct primary research and analytics on business topics such as market positioning, competitive landscape, partner/supplier relationships, and labor markets.

• Thought Leadership: Lead the development and publication of whitepapers to inform and influence organizational strategy and decision-making.

• Strategic Communications: Manage strategic communications across EPC, CO+I, and broader Microsoft stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment.

• Execution Planning: Collaborate with internal stakeholders and Microsoft teams to oversee the creation and implementation of execution plans, ensuring alignment with strategic initiatives and organizational goals.

• Performance Metrics: Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs), define measurement plans, and provide insights to inform strategic decisions.

• Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with the leadership team and cross-company counterparts to coordinate team participation in business reviews, strategic events, and other key activities.

• Leadership Support: Support the leadership team in articulating objectives, developing business cases, and optimizing the team's ROB to align with organizational goals.

• Other
  • Embody Microsoft’s and