Principal Technical Program Manager Data Center Leasing

About the Role

Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation (MCO+I) is the team behind the cloud. CO+I is responsible for delivering over 200 Microsoft web portals, Live and Online Services around the world including infrastructure, security and compliance, operations, globalization, and manageability. Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering trusted experience to customers and partners worldwide. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the network that powers the world’s largest online services.

The Datacenter leasing Principal TPM will be part of a team responsible for the delivery of leased datacenters globally. The Principal TPM will program manage technical and delivery alignment between Microsoft requirements and Lessor’s proposal, handle escalations, and close technical and program gaps as the primary point of contact between internal and external parties.

Working closely with Data Center Engineering (DCE), the role will evaluate lessor’s design proposal against technical requirements and mitigate non-compliance through technical and commercial solutions, clarify requirements, and standardize processes.

The role will program manage site risks including technical and resolve issues swiftly to reduce business impact. The role establishes a robust feasibility assessment process for new leases and retrofits on existing sites.

The position will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders throughout construction, RFS, and operations handover, addressing technical challenges that may impact the timely delivery of the datacenter to customers.

This position will oversee the lease technical due diligence program, offering leadership, technical guidance, and decision-making. It also involves evaluating feasibility, costs, scheduling, risks, and site limitations. The Principal TPM will enhance program efficiency through process improvements affecting related (Objective and Key Result) OKRs.

The Principal TPM needs excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, the ability to work independently, extensive knowledge in data center design, engineering, controls, and operations, and significant experience in project/construction management and the data center lease market.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical solutions for leased datacenters in partnership with Microsoft’s and Lessor’s core engineering teams. Build strong relationships with our technology and development partners to drive solutions.
• Govern lessor’s technical compliance with Microsoft’s requirements through review of technical documents, site assessments, and stakeholder engagement.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders during construction, RFS, and operations handover to unblock any technical issues risking the on-time delivery of Datacenter to customers.
• Lead program reviews and executive communications on delivery status, risks, and blockers.
• Establish a cost impact analysis program for non-compliance and specification changes. Escalate and provide visibility and feedback to leadership on cost drivers.
• Partner with Microsoft engineering, Integration, Security, Operations, and Energy teams on evolving requirements and handover criteria.
• Drive partner accountability on contractual milestones and commercial commitments.
• Own overall program tracking, risk identification, and mitigation; creating clear visibility for leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Telecom Engineering, or related technical field AND extensive experience in engineering, operations, Technical Program Management or commissioning.
• Extensive experience managing cross functional and/or cross-team projects.
• Extensive experience in data center design, infrastructure, and critical environments.
• Broad infrastructure knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and controls systems with a focus on Datacenter integration and performance.
• Familiarity with high-density power and cooling solutions, sustainability initiatives, and emerging technologies for AI workloads.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in engineering and technical program management.
• Extensive experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
• Extensive experience with mission critical environments, such as Data Centers.

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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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.

Key skills/competency

• Technical Program Management
• Data Center Leasing
• Engineering
• Construction Management
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Technical Due Diligence
• Process Improvement
• Lease Market Analysis
• Data Center Operations