Job Description

In the age of AI, Microsoft Security empowers defenders with unified Microsoft Security products and platforms and new AI-driven solutions to help customers protect their organizations at machine speed. Microsoft Defender Experts (DEX) is Microsoft’s premier Managed Detection & Response (MDR) service, harnessing these advanced technologies to provide 24/7 protection for customers.

The Microsoft Defender Experts (DEX) team provides a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge security technology that spans the entire Microsoft Security platforms and beyond. As part of Defender Experts team, you will help shape a pioneering MDR service that combines automation with human expertise, giving you hands-on experience in threat hunting, triage, investigation, incident response, and Generative AI–powered security operations.

Working in our diverse global team offers continuous learning and professional growth: you will expand your product management skills and stay at the forefront of evolving cybersecurity trends. Being part of a recognized industry leader in managed detection and response service enhances your professional network and career trajectory, while enabling you to make a significant impact on keeping our customers safe.

We are seeking an Principal Group Product Manager to lead product strategy, define the roadmap for the Defender Experts service, while managing and developing a team of Product Managers. In this role, you will collaborate closely with security researchers, the Defender Experts engineering team, and partner teams across Microsoft Security to create, scale, and deliver innovative, high‑quality security features and services. You will drive end‑to‑end security solutions and Go‑To‑Market strategies by partnering with Marketing, Sales, Business, Commerce, and third‑party partners. Success in this role requires deep expertise in cybersecurity, along with a passion for leveraging cutting‑edge technologies—such as Generative AI—to enable faster, smarter threat detection and response.

Responsibilities

• Customer Focus & Problem Solving Engage deeply with internal and external customers to understand security operation’s tools & processes, identify unmet needs, and drive innovative integrations that deliver measurable customer value and delight.
• Product Strategy, Definition & Roadmap Own the end‑to‑end product strategy and roadmap for MDR capabilities; Identify gaps and opportunities in the competitive landscape and translate them into actionable plans; define and prioritize requirements, translate them into clear customer scenarios, backlog items, and success metrics (OKRs).
• Technical & Security Excellence Ensure solutions are grounded in strong technical and security fundamentals by partnering closely with engineering to drive automation and advanced AI (including Generative AI). Apply deep SOC operations expertise and threat landscape awareness to deliver effective detection, response, and resilience capabilities.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making Define, instrument, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) across the DEX service. Leverage analytics and telemetry to generate insights, guide prioritization, and drive continuous product and service improvements.
• Leadership & Team Development Act as a senior leader in MDR product management by managing and mentoring a high‑performing team of Product Managers. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability while aligning priorities across Microsoft’s global security initiatives.
• Cross‑Team Collaboration Identify broad security challenges and lead cross‑team solutions by working closely with partner teams across Microsoft Security. Build inclusive, high‑trust partnerships that bring together diverse perspectives to deliver high‑quality, timely outcomes.
• Operational Excellence & Execution Partner with engineering to establish disciplined execution rhythms, accurate project planning, and scalable operational processes that ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery.
• Evangelization and amplification Represent the product/service in executive reviews, customer briefings, internal and external forums.

Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND 10+ years experience in product/service/program management or software development OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years people management experience.

Other Requirements

• Candidates must be able 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.

Additional or preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND 15+ years experience in product/service/program management or software development OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ years people management experience.
• 7+ years of experience delivering and scaling enterprise products or managed cloud security services as a Product Manager or Product Leader.
• Demonstrated success driving complex product initiatives from conception to launch in fast-paced environments.
• Proven ability to lead a team of Product Managers to innovate, execute, and ship solutions that meet customer needs.
• Proven ability to drive alignment across multiple teams and partner effectively with diverse stakeholders, including Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Business Development across Microsoft to achieve business goals.
• Hands-on SOC or incident response experience.
• Demostrated technical problem‑solving skills with a proven ability to adopt emerging technologies, including applying Generative AI to deliver innovative security solutions.
• Experience operating at scale in global, high‑availability services environments.
• Demostrated data analytics and metrics skills, with an ability to derive insights and drive data-informed decisions for product improvements.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, including the ability to inspire and develop teams, advocate for customers, and drive results in ambiguous situations.

#Defender #Cybersecurity #ProductLeadership

Product Management M6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $296,400 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 $220,800 - $331,200 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.