Strategic Planning Manager in London

Overview Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Global Project Controls (GPC) team is responsible for delivering core datacentre infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacentre construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help fill the critical role of Strategic Planning Manager for the Lease Portfolio. 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibility is to lead the development and implementation of EPC planning, processes, and infrastructure for a large global team of lease planners within a project control organization.
• You will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and effective planning of datacentre construction projects, enabling the successful execution of complex initiatives.
• The EPC Strategic Planning Manager will serve as an expert on Project Controls planning methods, procedures, systems and development of historical data.
• This position requires strong technical ability, combined with collaborative communication skills, to develop best practices in alignment with corporate strategies and objectives.
• Work process optimization and updating of procedures, automation of work processes and data integration, knowledge management.
• Consistent execution across global organizational structure.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as engineering, procurement, and construction, to ensure alignment and integration of planning activities across the entire project lifecycle.
• Facilitate communication and information flow to maintain a cohesive approach to construction planning.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance the planning processes to streamline workflows and optimize resource utilization.
• Identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the planning cycle, and implement strategies to increase efficiency and productivity.
• Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the team's planning performance and identify areas that require attention.
• Prepare regular reports and present them to stakeholders, highlighting progress, challenges, and recommended solutions.
• Assess potential risks and challenges in the planning phase and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
• Work closely with project managers and risk management teams to ensure that planning efforts align with overall risk management goals.
• Ensure that planning deliverables meet high-quality standards and comply with relevant regulations, codes, and industry best practices.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits to maintain accuracy and consistency in planning documentation.
• Provide training and mentorship to the planning team members on the proper use of planning templates, tools, and processes.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the team to improve planning capabilities.

Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND vast in engineering, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development OR equivalent experience.
• People management experience.
• Experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.

Additional or preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND significant engineering, technical program management, data analysis, or product development OR equivalent experience.
• People management experience.
• Experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.

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.

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.