Program Manager (contract)

Microsoft is seeking a Program Manager (Contract) to lead water efficiency initiatives for their global cloud infrastructure operations. This role combines technical expertise in mechanical and sustainability engineering with strategic program management to optimize water usage across data centers.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, own, and manage a comprehensive Water Efficiency technical business framework for global data center operations with the goal of minimizing and reducing water usage
• Identify and coordinate stakeholders for all assigned issues impacting water efficiency in the operational environment
• Manage projects end-to-end, including program communications, risk identification and mitigation, roadblock removal, and decision-making facilitation
• Baseline, define, and implement measures for efficient water usage across data center operations
• Review and develop design documentation to identify measures for water usage, consumption, and other identified metrics
• Partner with data teams to implement algorithms and develop alerting systems to identify inefficient water usage
• Engage with operational teams to track identified issues from identification through analysis, solution development, implementation, and impact measurement
• Use data analytics to identify opportunities for implementing new technologies and changes to existing operations
• Identify opportunities to standardize and improve operations mechanisms and operational excellence
• Define business impact and benefits of assigned initiatives and identify key success measures
• Capture, report, and analyze all metrics and KPIs, and define and implement action plans to ensure program performance
• Develop processes and associated documentation to support water efficiency initiatives
• Think creatively to develop new methods for calculating data points through development of algorithms and business rules

Requirements:

• 5 plus years of experience in a sustainability engineering, operational, or other engineering focused role working with water and HVAC systems
• 5 plus years of experience developing and implementing business frameworks, defining and scoping projects, and collecting requirements in a global environment
• 5 plus years working with operational and design teams
• 5 plus years of experience working in an operational environment
• 3 plus years of experience in project management implementing large projects
• Demonstrated experience delivering cross functional programs with validated ability to influence without direct management authority
• Minimum 12 to 18 months of tenure in previous positions
• Mechanical Engineering or Sustainability Engineering degree, or equivalent experience
• Cloud Attestation required
• Strong technical and business acumen with ability to balance business needs with technical constraints
• Expertise in developing and leading large-scale business frameworks, projects, and programs from initiation through delivery
• Ability to define, assess, and manage risk while identifying technical issues and opportunities
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority and drive project deliverables through collaboration
• Ability to read and understand building design and construction related documentation
• Outstanding speaking, writing, and presentation skills with ability to persuade, inspire, and motivate others
• High attention to detail with proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong analytical skills to synthesize data and make informed decisions and recommendations
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools
• Clear and directed communication skills with proven track record of project implementation
• Experience with process improvement methodologies such as Agile, Lean, or Kaizen
• Project management certification such as PMP or Prince II preferred but not required
• Direct mechanical or sustainability engineering experience with focus on water and HVAC systems