Lease Construction Manager

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) powers the global infrastructure behind Microsoft's cloud platforms. Within CO+I, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) is responsible for delivering hyperscale datacenter programs that enable continued growth of Microsoft's cloud services worldwide. The EPC portfolio spans complex, large-scale, multi-year infrastructure programs across multiple regions, incorporating diverse disciplines across engineering, construction, sourcing, and project controls.

About the role

The Lease Construction Manager (LCM) is a critical member of Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) - Datacenter Construction Build Management (DCBM) team responsible for end-to-end delivery of leased datacenter construction projects. This role ensures timely execution of lease build-outs, compliance with Microsoft standards, and alignment with capacity delivery goals. LCMs act as the primary interface between Microsoft and landlords/general contractors, driving project milestones from site selection through Ready for Service (RFS). The position is located in Vineland, NJ at the project site for one year. At the end of the project, the employee will need to relocate to a different project location.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination:
  • Manage all phases of leased datacenter construction projects, including site readiness, fit-out, commissioning, and handover.
  • Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and risk registers.
  • Facilitate communication plans and ensure alignment across engineering, operations, and security scopes.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords, general contractors, and internal Microsoft teams (DCE, ITIM, EH&S, Security, Operations).
• Safety & Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
  • Enforce Microsoft’s High-Risk Activity (HRA) program and safety standards on all leased sites.
• Financial Management:
  • Ensure adherence to Microsoft financial governance processes.
  • Oversee budget approvals, cost tracking, and vendor invoicing for lease projects.
• Quality & Delivery:
  • Drive readiness for key milestones: Early Access, Ready Network Install (RNI), Security CX Complete, and RFS.
  • Validate construction quality against Microsoft specifications.
  • Identify process gaps and implement best practices for efficiency and scalability across regions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years related experience OR equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements, including but not limited to the Microsoft Cloud Background Check (required upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter).

Qualifications

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years related experience OR equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years experience working on data center projects.
  • Knowledge of lease negotiations, construction contracts, and commissioning processes.
  • Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects under tight timelines.
  • Efficient communication and cross-group collaboration skills.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft CO+I standards and datacenter delivery frameworks.
  • Experience with safety programs and ISO-compliant quality systems.
  • Growth mindset and ability to foster an inclusive team culture.

Pay

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $97,600 - $188,400 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $125,000 - $206,400 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.