Lease Sustainability Program Manager

Microsoft is committed to its 2030 sustainability goals as it builds infrastructure to deliver cutting-edge cloud and AI solutions to our customers. Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind Microsoft's Cloud infrastructure and is responsible for innovating, planning, designing, building and operating one of the largest data center fleets in the world. We support product teams by providing a secure and compliant, cost-effective and highly available global infrastructure that Microsoft's customers depend on.

We are seeking a Program Manager - Lease Sustainability, who will be instrumental in executing our sustainability and ESG program within the Leased Data Center portfolio of Microsoft CO+I. In this role, the Program Manager - Lease Sustainability will engage directly with lease providers, coordinate with internal teams to provide sustainability data and solutions, oversee in-flight programs, and ensure continuous sustainability compliance and transparency in the context of rapidly scaling global datacenter operations. The ideal candidate should be adept at navigating ambiguity, possess strong cross-group collaboration skills, utilize a data-driven approach to assessing and articulating risk, and have a continuous desire to learn and grow. Their dedication to excellence and Microsoft's goals will be crucial in leading our company to new levels of success and sustainable practices.

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. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with datacenter lessor partners to build sustainability and ESG readiness capabilities through creative, mutually-beneficial approaches
• Align cross-functionally with Microsoft sustainability SMEs on programs and success metrics
• Ensure the timely delivery of sustainability and ESG metrics from leased sites
• In partnership with datacenter lessors, develop sustainability and ESG roadmaps and monitor progress against them
• Support CO+I efforts to prepare data, documentation, internal and external reports, and CO+I sustainability leadership reviews; prepare and review ad hoc blogs, slide decks, and briefs
• Build and maintain strong internal partnerships with cross-functional teams involved in datacenter operations, sustainability execution, ESG planning, implementation and disclosure, energy, data center engineering, sales, and other functions
• Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities
• Ensure the highest standards of responsiveness and accuracy in addressing lessor inquiries, setting the benchmark for excellence in stakeholder communication.
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge base to facilitate quick and informed responses to a wide range of external requests.
• Cultivate a proactive approach to lessor engagement, anticipating needs and providing preemptive support to foster partnerships.
• Champion data transparency and collaboration, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and mutual benefit in sustainability efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree AND indepth experience in supplier/vendor/lessor program management, environmental sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Philanthropies, Corporate Affairs, Government Affairs, Business and International Development, or related area 
• Contract negotiation or data analytics experience
• Demonstrated global program impact with clear targets and milestones
• Experience working with individual contributors, technical specialists, managers, and executives across disciplines
• Exceptional written, presentation, and interpersonal skills

While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA preferred
• Datacenter experience
• Operations experience
• Experience with carbon accounting or other sustainability reporting
• Demonstrated adaptation and flexibility in the face of change
• Regulatory compliance experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 6+ year's experience in supplier/vendor/lessor program management, environmental sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Philanthropies, Corporate Affairs, Government Affairs, Business and International Development, or related area 

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.