Description

Overview

Microsoft's Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers our cloud services. As a CO+I Critical Environment Program Manager, you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's online services including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Azure platform. As a group, CO+I is focused on the personal and professional development of all employees and offers trainings and opportunities including Career Rotation Programs, Diversity & Inclusion trainings and events, and professional certifications.

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 200 datacenters in 32 countries and millions of servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide.

The Critical Environment Program Manager (CEPM) is responsible for driving end-to-end delivery of operational and engineering programs across Microsoft Data Center campuses, ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable infrastructure operations. This role acts as the bridge between engineering, operations, compliance, and leadership, owning programs that directly impact availability, risk reduction, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Program Ownership & Delivery

Own and deliver critical CE programs including:
• Break-Fix (BF) reduction and conversion into projects
• Preventative Maintenance (PM) performance improvement
• Infrastructure upgrade and lifecycle programs (e.g. transformers, systems reliability)
• Drive program execution from initiation → prioritization → execution → closure, ensuring measurable outcomes
• Maintain clear ownership and accountability across all program deliverables

Operational Excellence & KPI Management

Track and improve key KPIs including:
• Availability / SEV reduction
• Break-fix backlog and TTR
• PM compliance and execution quality
• Build and own performance dashboards, data insights, and action plans

Lead monthly business reviews (MBRs), highlighting:
• Risks, issues, and improvement actions
• Performance gaps and recovery strategies

Risk, Compliance & Standards
• Drive compliance with Microsoft standards (DCOS, ISO, audit requirements)
• Own risk registers and mitigation tracking across programs
• Ensure all work aligns with:
• MOP/SOP standards
• Change management (RFC/CAB processes)
• Partner with engineering and operations to close audit gaps and compliance issues

Cross-Functional Leadership

Collaborate across:
• CE Operations Managers (CEOMs)
• Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
• Vendors and external partners
• Regional and global program teams
• Drive alignment on priorities, sequencing, and execution strategy
• Act as a single threaded owner for cross-campus or metro-wide initiatives

Project & Portfolio Management
• Translate operational issues into scalable programs and projects
• Build and manage program roadmaps, dependencies, and resource plans

Prioritize work based on:
• Business impact
• Risk exposure
• Customer availability

Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Provide clear, structured updates to senior leadership
• Drive accountability across teams through regular cadence (reviews, syncs)
• Communicate risks, blockers, and decisions with transparency

Culture, Ownership & Leadership
• Demonstrate extreme ownership and accountability in program delivery

Drive a culture of:
• Continuous improvement
• Data-driven decision making
• Collaboration across teams
• Act as a role model for Microsoft values (growth mindset, inclusion, One Microsoft)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
• BSc in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent proven experience working in Critical Environment infrastructures

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.

While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in Critical Environment infrastructures (e.g., UPS, Generator, AHU) or working in physical IT infrastructures (e.g., Servers, SANs, Networking, Capacity, DC Rack/Enclosures, structured cabling).
• Technical College degree in Computer Science, Math, Telecommunications, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Applicable certifications: ASICS/Inventory Control, CompTIA, Microsoft, Network Certifications, PMP, ITIL, CDCP.
• Experience working with the operation of building cooling, electrical, mechanical, and life safety systems
• Experience with Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), Branch Circuit Monitoring (BCM), and Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• Experience with project management or relevant certification/training in project management
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in applicable engineering field or mechanical or electrical trades
• Experience working on large scale projects.

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.