Lease Construction Manager

Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) powers the global infrastructure behind Microsoft's cloud platforms. Within CO+I, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) is responsible for delivering hyperscale datacenter programs that enable continued growth of Microsoft's cloud services worldwide.

The EPC portfolio spans complex, large‑scale, multi‑year infrastructure programs across multiple regions, incorporating diverse disciplines across engineering, construction, sourcing, and project controls. This work requires strong cross-functional collaboration to drive alignment, manage risk, and execute with precision at scale.

Responsibilities

The position is located in Plano, TX at the project site for one year. At the end of the project, the employee will need to relocate to a different project location.

The Lease Construction Manager (LCM) is a critical member of Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) - Datacenter Construction Build Management (DCBM) team responsible for end-to-end delivery of leased datacenter construction projects. This role ensures timely execution of lease build-outs, compliance with Microsoft standards, and alignment with capacity delivery goals. LCMs act as the primary interface between Microsoft and landlords/general contractors, driving project milestones from site selection through Ready for Service (RFS).

Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination:

• Manage all phases of leased datacenter construction projects, including site readiness, fit-out, commissioning, and handover.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and risk registers.
• Facilitate communication plans and ensure alignment across engineering, operations, and security scopes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords, general contractors, and internal Microsoft teams (DCE, ITIM, EH&S, Security, Operations).

Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Enforce Microsoft’s High-Risk Activity (HRA) program and safety standards on all leased sites.

Financial Management:

• Ensure adherence to Microsoft financial governance processes.
• Oversee budget approvals, cost tracking, and vendor invoicing for lease projects.

Quality & Delivery:

• Drive readiness for key milestones: Early Access, Ready Network Install (RNI), Security CX Complete, and RFS.
• Validate construction quality against Microsoft specifications.
• Identify process gaps and implement best practices for efficiency and scalability across regions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years related experience 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

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years related experience OR equivalent experience.
• 7+ years experience working on data center projects.
• Knowledge of lease negotiations, construction contracts, and commissioning processes.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects under tight timelines.
• Efficient communication and cross-group collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft CO+I standards and datacenter delivery frameworks.
• Experience with safety programs and ISO-compliant quality systems.
• Growth mindset and ability to foster an inclusive team culture.

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Construction Project Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $97,600 - $188,400 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 $125,000 - $206,400 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.