Overview:

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.

Responsibilities Role Scope:

As Principal Strategy Program Manager EMEA, you will join an exceptional team responsible for designing and implementing strategic initiatives that remove systemic barriers and optimize delivery pathways for global infrastructure expansion. This role operates at the intersection of policy, strategy, and execution, partnering closely with government affairs, legal, energy, and engineering teams to create conditions that accelerate development while maintaining compliance and sustainability commitments across the EMEA region.

You will influence global decision-making, advocate for modernization of regulatory frameworks, and build scalable processes that align with Microsoft’s long-term growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

• Qualifications- 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

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.

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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.