At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead front-end planning for data centre projects and ensure successful delivery.
- Company: Join Microsoft, a leader in cloud services and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and inclusive culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while working on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 122600 £ per year.
Overview
Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers our cloud services.
As a Program Manager for Integrated Lease Delivery (ILD) team, you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's online services including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, One Drive, and the Microsoft Azure platform.
As a group, CO+I is focused on personal and professional development for all employees and offers training and growth opportunities including Career Rotation Programs, Diversity & Inclusion training and events, and professional certifications.
This role sits within the Integrated Lease Delivery (ILD) function and focuses on Pre-Constrcution and Front End Planning across the Data Centre leasing portfolio, ensuring projects are set up for successful delivery through partnership with Lease Providers, robust planning, governance, and risk management.
If you bring strong technical and business acumen, leadership capability, and a proactive, data-driven mindset—this role offers the opportunity to shape one of Microsoft’s most strategically important global portfolios.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more.
We operate with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realise shared goals.
Responsibilities
- Front End Planning & Delivery Readiness
- Lead the front-end planning process across the EMEA lease portfolio, ensuring all projects meet defined readiness criteria prior to execution.
- Define and implement standardised planning frameworks, checklists, and governance gates aligned with lease requirements and Global Design standards.
- Ensure scope clarity, contract alignment, and deliverable completeness prior to delivery handover.
- Lease Provider Engagement & Performance Alignment
- Act as the primary interface for lease providers during front-end planning, ensuring early alignment on scope, timelines, and deliverables.
- Drive consistent planning expectations and standards across lease providers, aligned with Microsoft requirements.
- Support onboarding and integration of lease providers into standardised processes and requirements.
- Identify and mitigate risks arising from lease provider capability, capacity, or performance gaps at early stages.
- Partner with performance management functions to ensure front-end readiness aligns with broader lease provider performance frameworks.
- Portfolio Pipeline Planning
- Provide end-to-end visibility of the project pipeline, supporting delivery planning across a large-scale portfolio.
- Partner with regional teams and partner teams to prioritise projects based on demand, readiness, and risk profile.
- Drive consistency in pipeline forecasting, tracking, and reporting.
- Risk Management & Escalation
- Identify and mitigate front-end risks with Lease Providers, including design readiness, contract gaps, permitting dependencies, power risks, and stakeholder misalignment.
- Lead structured risk management for pre-construction issues prior to lease execution.
- Ensure risks are clearly tracked, communicated, and escalated through governance channels.
- Contract & Compliance Alignment
- Ensure delivery alignment to the lease contract, including Exhibit requirements and compliance criteria.
- Support early identification and resolution of contract gaps in the Integrated Master Schedule.
- Ensure lease providers meet contractual and documentation requirements prior to delivery.
- Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Alignment
- Act as the central coordination point across ILD, Design, Finance, and lease providers.
- Drive alignment, accountability, and timely decision-making across internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide leadership with clear visibility of readiness, risks, and priorities.
- Process Standardisation & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and embed scalable, repeatable front-end planning processes across EMEA and lease providers.
- Lead lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives, incorporating lease provider feedback where appropriate.
- Drive tooling, automation, and reporting enhancements.
- Reporting & Governance
- Provide executive-level reporting on readiness, risks, pipeline, and lease provider alignment.
- Support governance forums including lessor engagement and portfolio reviews.
- Maintain high levels of data quality and consistency across systems.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related experience
- Strong experience in project/programme management within construction or infrastructure environments
- Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder and vendor ecosystems
- Demonstrated experience in planning, risk management, and governance frameworks
- Strong analytical capability with experience using data and reporting tools
- While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:
Proven experience in
- Data centre / mission-critical infrastructure (MEP-intensive environments).
- Pre-construction / front-end planning.
- Portfolio pipeline planning and programme delivery.
- Understanding of power, cooling, redundancy systems.
- Experience working with lease providers, contractors or developer partners, including:
- Early-stage engagement and alignment.
- Performance and capability assessment.
- Driving consistency across multiple external delivery partners.
Experience within lease-based or large-scale infrastructure delivery models.
Strong understanding of contract structures, compliance, and construction lifecycle.
Proven track record in standardisation, operational excellence, and process improvement across portfolios.
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.
- #COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers
Technical Program Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is
£ 74,700.00 - £ 122,600.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here
https://careers. microsoft. com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/united-kingdom-corporate-pay. html
Technical Program Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across Ireland is
€ 77,400.00 - € 130,000.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here
https://careers. microsoft. com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/ireland-corporate-pay. html
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.
Data Centre Pre-Construction Program Manager - Lease Portfolio (EMEA) in London employer: Microsoft
Microsoft in Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from competitive compensation, a supportive environment, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in cloud solutions. The strategic location in Oxford further enhances the experience, providing access to a vibrant tech community and rich cultural resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Centre Pre-Construction Program Manager - Lease Portfolio (EMEA) in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Microsoft, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Data Centre Pre-Construction Program Manager - Lease Portfolio (EMEA) at Microsoft.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Centre Pre-Construction Program Manager - Lease Portfolio (EMEA) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Microsoft
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
