OverviewMicrosoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a Front End Planning- Build Management Lead to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services.
The Front End Planning- Build Management Lead plays a key role in shaping lease project readiness by driving integration planning, validating scope and delivery assumptions, and coordinating with internal teams, lessors, and subject matter experts to protect schedule, cost, quality, and safety outcomes. This role is for an individual who thrives in complex, cross-functional environments and brings program management, technical coordination, and planning discipline to mission-critical infrastructure delivery.
We are seeking a strategic and execution-focused ITIM Front-End Planning Manager to lead early planning, fit-out integration, and technical readiness activities for leased data center projects. This role is responsible for translating business, operational, and technical requirements into actionable pre-lease planning inputs, aligning cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring projects are positioned for successful handoff into execution.
ResponsibilitiesThe Front End Planning- Build Management Lead is a critical member of Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) team, responsible for the project management of all integration and fit-out activities for Microsoft-owned systems and services within new data center leased facilities.
This role represents Microsoft’s fit-out, integration, and technical delivery interests from early qualification through lease execution readiness. The Front End Planning- Build Management Lead ensures business and technical requirements are translated into actionable project inputs, validates alignment with lessor and stakeholder deliverables, and drives cross-functional coordination to protect scope, budget, schedule, and safety outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead fit-out and integration planning during pre-lease execution for leased data center projects.
- Represent Microsoft’s integration and technical delivery scope across early project phases.
- Review Statements of Qualification (SOQ) and lessor inputs to confirm completeness and alignment with fit-out requirements.
- Validate procurement and installation timelines (PO need-by dates) for telecom, security, FFE, and network infrastructure against Integrated Management Schedule (IMS) milestones and Ready for Service targets.
- Partner with cross-functional Microsoft teams and subject matter experts to align scope, cost, schedule, and technical readiness.
- Identify, track, and support mitigation of technical, integration, and schedule risks through established risk management tools and forums.
- Contribute to pre-lease kickoffs, IMS reviews, constructability assessments, and handover planning activities.
- Lead development of the execution turnover package, ensuring the execution team is positioned to launch with a clear understanding of lease requirements, scope, key assumptions, and delivery risks.
- Ensure project data, assumptions, and handover inputs are complete and suitable for transition into execution.
- Drive compliance with Microsoft safety standards and risk management processes, reinforcing safe and consistent delivery practices.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree AND 4+ years experience in engineering, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development OR equivalent experience.
- 2+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
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:
•Understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, commissioning, and integrated testing.
• Understanding of telecommunications passive infrastructure and working knowledge of active systems integration across IT, AV, and Security systems.
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects and timelines.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
•Willingness to travel (0–25%)
•Experience in leading integration delivery on a portfolio of medium-to-large-scale projects across industries.
• Creative problem-solving, analytical skills to drive keen insights and collaboration across teams within and outside the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in highly collaborative, cross-functional environments.
• Experience with mission-critical facilities and vendor management.
Growth mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and inclusion.
#COICareers and #EPCCareers
Technical Program Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $160,200 - $261,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
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.