EMEA Regional Planning Director

at  Microsoft

Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind one of the world’s largest cloud infrastructures, responsible for powering all Microsoft online Products and Services as well as powering Microsoft’s “Cloud First” mission. Our Global Project Controls team supports the delivery of CO+I’s mission and vision as the trusted advisors that deliver a definitive, responsive, and timely project controls program to all business areas via the industry’s best people, work processes, systems, and tools. We are composed of project management professionals who are committed to providing timely delivery of cost and schedule solutions to positively affect project outcomes. 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.
Microsoft’s CO+I team is seeking a Director of Datacenter EPC Integrated Planning Lead for EMEA. You will be responsible for leading a team of full-time employees and vendors in overseeing the planning, scheduling, execution, and delivery of large-scale datacenter construction projects, from inception to completion for EMEA. The ideal candidate will have experience in datacenter design, procurement, and construction, with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and to the satisfaction of clients. The role requires exceptional leadership and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree AND significant experience in engineering, construction management, related field OR equivalent.
• Significant experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
• Significant experience in direct construction planning
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent skills in project planning software, such as P6 and/or MS Project
• Familiarity with Risk Schedule Analysis
• Excellent understanding of Project Planning, Earned Value Management and Key Commodity Tracking.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant experience in planning medium sized capital projects ($50MM - $200MM+). This experience should specifically include engineering and procurement, with specific examples of integrating capital projects into existing operating process plants during maintenance turnarounds.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale datacenter construction projects on time and to the satisfaction of clients.
• Ability to analyze EPC plans/schedule and provide deep insights into trends, issues, mitigations
• Good verbal, written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work.
• Experience in managing teams and working collaboratively with cross-functional groups.
• Strong familiarity with CPM scheduling methodology
• Ability to present data from a detailed to high-level depending on audience
• Experience with Data Center construction programs

OTHER 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. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations

Project Planning and Strategy:

• You will lead the delivery of regional EPC plans, including timelines and resource allocation to guide the execution of datacenter construction projects.
• You will lead portfolio level planning across EMEA, ensuring compliance to business OKRs and scheduling standards, providing guidance and direction to cross-functional teams.
• Manage cross-functional teams, including engineers, procurement, and construction to ensure project milestones are met and deliverables are completed on time.
• Develop and lead planning and scheduling standards and process for EMEA, while ensuing consistency with global standards and strategic priorities.
• Responsible for coordination and regional planning input into monthly Portfolio Health reviews aligning with Cost and risk teams to manage risk to project delivery.
• Monitor project risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential issues.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across EPC and partnering groups including Energy, Land Development, Permitting.
• Continuously improve project management processes and tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Provides leadership and direction across the planning portfolio and partnering teams, leading employees and vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities to team members, ensuring alignment with project goals and individual strengths.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, promoting open communication and knowledge sharing.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for professional development.

Project/Program Management:

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that each project meets its objectives and is delivered on time.
• Provide integrated planning input to support project funding and approvals processes.
• Communicate project status, risks, and key milestones to senior management and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
• Develop and implement project management processes and tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Provide regular project updates to senior management and other stakeholders.

Embody our Culture and Values