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Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) team is seeking a Principal Strategy Program Manager EMEA to support Strategic Affairs for global land acquisition and development across the EMEA region. This role is pivotal in shaping and advancing strategic frameworks, partnerships, and governance models that enable Microsoft to scale its physical infrastructure with speed, predictability, and resilience—powering the next generation of cloud services and AI innovation. CO+I manages the full lifecycle of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, from site selection and land development to operational readiness. Our global footprint spans datacenters in 34 countries and thousands of megawatts of capacity, forming the backbone of Microsoft Azure and supporting billions of customers worldwide.
Job Responsibility:
Support Strategic Enablement Initiatives: Support the development and advancement of strategies to inform permitting, regulatory compliance, and land development processes across the EMEA region, aligning with business objectives and regional regulatory environments
Policy & Advocacy: Partner with Government Affairs to shape external policy environments that support hyperscale infrastructure growth
Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner across land acquisition, energy, network, legal, environmental, and engineering teams to align priorities, clarify interdependencies, and support integrated delivery planning
Risk Mitigation: Identify systemic risks impacting infrastructure timelines and design proactive mitigation strategies through strategic analysis and cross-functional coordination
Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted relationships with internal executives and external partners to drive consensus on strategic priorities
Data-Driven Insights: Contribute to metrics, reporting, and analytical frameworks that measure impact, track progress across a portfolio of initiatives, and inform executive and senior leadership decision-making
Thought Leadership: Represent Microsoft in industry forums and regulatory discussions to advance cloud infrastructure
Requirements:
Significant experience in strategic affairs, regulatory policy, or infrastructure development within technology or industrial sectors
Proven track record of influencing policy and driving systemic improvements in complex, global environments
Deep understanding of land acquisition, permitting, and regulatory frameworks for large-scale infrastructure projects
Experience influencing and working with regulatory policy makers in the environmental, land use and construction sectors
Experience in the permitting of projects via accelerated permitting processes (designated projects of economic interest etc)
Experience managing a portfolio of projects and associated budgets and schedules
Ability to establish and maintain cross-functional and positive working relationships with internal and external teams including environmental consultants, engineering firms, attorneys, contractors, and regulatory agencies
Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and high standards for quality of deliverables
Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing global, cross-functional teams
Strong analytical and negotiation capabilities
ability to simplify complexity and drive clarity
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, law, business, Engineering (incl. Environmental Engineering), Construction, or related field
advanced degree preferred
Proficiency in English
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements
Ability to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter