At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate teams to deliver operation-ready data centre sites across Europe.
- Company: Join Microsoft, a global leader in cloud services and technology innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech world while empowering billions globally.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 200500 £ per year.
Microsoft is looking for a EMEA Development & Permitting Lead covering Europe to have a key role in coordinating across internal teams (e.g. Environment, Engineering and Design, Construction, Government Affairs, Community Engagement etc.) to ensure delivery of operation-ready data centre sites. They will support the development and execution of permitting strategies for the lifecycle delivery of datacentre development and will be a key contributor in the execution of comprehensive land development and permitting programs and to the Microsoft pre-construction program.
The MS datacentre development portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacentre construction and lease projects. The Microsoft Datacentre Land Development team supports the development and delivery of Microsoft’s datacentre portfolio from site selection through design, construction and handover to operations.
As a CO+I EMEA Development & Permitting Lead, you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's online services including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Azure platform. As a group, CO+I is focused on the personal and professional development for all employees and offers trainings and growth opportunities including Career Rotation Programs, Diversity & Inclusion trainings and events, and professional certifications.
Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team through empowerment, accountability, coaching, and a strong people-first culture.
- Partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to shape strategy, drive workforce planning, strengthen business health, and deliver key organizational priorities.
- Set clear objectives and KPIs, transforming complex information into actionable insights that support business decisions and organizational change.
- Champion culture, engagement, diversity and inclusion, talent development, onboarding, and compliance excellence across the organization.
- Oversee permitting, approvals, and development activities for new data centre projects across South and Central EMEA, ensuring successful project delivery and risk mitigation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies, government authorities, developers, and internal partners to secure approvals, resolve challenges, and accelerate data centre development.
Qualifications:
- Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, Urban Planning or equivalent area.
- Proven ability to shape strategy, inspire teams, and drive execution, ensuring successful delivery of key business objectives and organizational priorities.
- Substantial portfolio management, real estate, or office management experience and people management experience.
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.
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.
EMEA Development & Permitting Lead 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 EMEA Development & Permitting Lead 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 EMEA Development & Permitting Lead at Microsoft.
We think you need these skills to ace EMEA Development & Permitting Lead 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!
