Critical Environment Program Manager. at Microsoft

Overview

• The Critical Environment Program Manager is a strategic leadership role within Microsoft Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I), responsible for driving operational excellence, reliability, and program execution across the critical infrastructure supporting Microsoft’s global cloud services.
• This role requires an individual who can operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, connecting global CO+I priorities with local execution and ensuring that Critical Environment programs are delivered consistently, safely, and to the required availability standards.
• Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. 
• Do you want to empower billions across the world? Come and join us in CO+I and be at the forefront of the action! 

Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership

• Lead and deliver strategic Critical Environment programs aligned to CO+I business objectives, ensuring clear scope, priorities, milestones, ownership, and measurable outcomes.

Operational Reliability & Availability

• Drive programs that improve the reliability, resilience, and availability of Critical Environment infrastructure supporting Microsoft cloud services, proactively identifying systemic risks and opportunities for improvement.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Own governance frameworks for operational risk, compliance, audit readiness, and risk remediation, ensuring risks are clearly assessed, mitigated, tracked, and escalated appropriately.

Cross-Functional Stakeholder Leadership

• Lead through influence across Site Operations, Engineering, Projects, Security, Safety, Engineering, landlords, suppliers, and global CO+I teams to achieve program objectives and resolve complex operational challenges.

Operational Excellence & Standardization

• Identify and implement opportunities to standardize processes, improve operational maturity, eliminate recurring issues, and establish scalable best practices across Critical Environment operations.

Performance Management & Data-Driven Decision Making

• Establish and monitor meaningful KPIs, operational metrics, and program health indicators, using data and trends to drive informed decisions, prioritize investment, and demonstrate measurable business impact.

Capability, Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Develop organizational capability through knowledge sharing, training, technology adoption, automation, and continuous-improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, safety, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent AND 5+ year(s) industry experience in a datacenter or other critical environment facility, OR 5+ years industry experience and college course work. 
• 5+ years’ experience in Critical Environment infrastructures (e.g., UPS, Generator, AHU) 
• Bachelor’s Degree or Technical College certification in mechanical or electrical engineering and/or services 
• Experience working on large scale CE projects 

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.