Job Description

Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers our cloud services. As Microsoft continues to expand one of the world's largest data centre portfolios, we are seeking an experienced programme manager to join our Land Development organisation as an SDD Coordinator & Signal Manager.

In this role, you will serve as the operational hub connecting early-stage portfolio planning, Site Due Diligence (SDD), and development execution activities. You will coordinate complex cross-functional workstreams, manage investment and development signals, and ensure stakeholders across multiple disciplines are aligned to deliver capacity at scale.

This is a highly visible role requiring strong programme management, stakeholder leadership, business rhythm management, and analytical capabilities. You will operate at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution, helping Microsoft make informed investment decisions and accelerate project readiness

Responsibilities

Site Due Diligence (SDD) Coordination

• Coordinate multiple concurrent SDD programmes across the region.
• Partner with Land Acquisition, DCE, Energy, Network, Environmental, Community Affairs, CELA, Cost Management, and Design stakeholders throughout the due diligence lifecycle.
• Facilitate kick-offs, workshops, governance reviews, and Go/No-Go decision processes.
• Track deliverables, action items, risks, assumptions, and critical path milestones.
• Support executive decision-making through structured reporting and readiness assessments.

Signal Management & Portfolio Readiness

• Own the end-to-end lifecycle of development and capacity signals, from issuance through execution readiness.
• Monitor signal progression, dependencies, milestone achievement, and regional delivery readiness.
• Drive alignment between planning, land acquisition, development, engineering, and infrastructure stakeholders.
• Translate signals into actionable workstreams, ensuring clear ownership, accountability, and delivery timelines.
• Identify bottlenecks and proactively drive mitigation actions to maintain portfolio momentum.

Programme Governance & Reporting

• Establish and maintain portfolio reporting mechanisms that provide visibility into signal status, SDD progress, risk exposure, and execution readiness.
• Develop executive-level reporting, business reviews, dashboards, and performance insights.
• Lead governance cadences and operational rhythms supporting the front-end development process.
• Ensure data integrity, transparency, and consistency across planning and development systems.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as a trusted partner across geographically dispersed teams.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external consultants.
• Facilitate complex discussions, resolve conflicts, and drive consensus across competing priorities.
• Influence decisions without direct authority while maintaining focus on business outcomes.
• Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve signal governance, portfolio management, and front-end delivery processes.
• Drive standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Capture lessons learned and institutionalise best practices across the organisation.
• Support development of tools, reporting frameworks, and scalable operational processes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, Business, Program Management, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience managing complex programmes, projects, portfolios, or operational processes.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across different business functions.
• Experience driving governance, reporting, and executive communications.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in data centre development, real estate development, infrastructure delivery, construction, utilities, land acquisition, or large-scale capital programmes.
• Experience managing front-end planning or investment readiness activities.
• Experience with Power BI, Power Platform, SharePoint, Excel, or other reporting and workflow automation tools.
• Familiarity with portfolio management, stage-gate governance, investment planning, and capacity planning processes.
• Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced and ambiguous environment.
• Proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving cross-functional alignment.

Background Check 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.

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Real Estate Portfolio Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is £ 70,300.00 - £ 133,900.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:

https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/united-kingdom-corporate-pay.html

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.