Data Center Operations Manager

Overview

In alignment with Microsoft values, we are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We are seeking a Datacenter Operations Manager (DCOM) to play a critical role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies that power Microsoft’s cloud services, including Azure, Office 365, Bing, Xbox, and OneDrive.

Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) organization operates a global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and over one million servers, supporting more than one billion customers and 20 million businesses worldwide. CO+I is focused on operational excellence, sustainability, and continuous growth, while investing deeply in employee development through training, certifications, and career programs.

Join CO+I to help empower billions of people around the world.

Responsibilities

People Leadership

• Lead through empowerment, accountability, coaching, and care.
• Model Microsoft values and leadership principles.
• Set clear team objectives, enable cross‑team collaboration, and support adaptability and learning.
• Attract, retain, and develop talent by understanding individual strengths and career aspirations.

Datacenter Operations

• Drive alignment across dependencies, supplier contracts, success metrics, resource readiness, and operational supportability.
• Review and improve SLAs, KPIs, and OKRs across IT and Critical Environment (CE) services.
• Partner cross‑functionally on global and regional initiatives, including EHS, risk assessments, and certifications.
• Manage datacenter budgets, forecast demand, and make trade‑off decisions aligned to sound fiscal practices.
• Ensure datacenter availability, safety, and security through strong execution and adherence to EHS runbooks.
• Report and escalate safety or security issues immediately.

Service Delivery

• Own end‑to‑end service quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage client relationships and ensure expectations are clearly defined and met.
• Apply subject matter expertise to meet SLA/OLA commitments with minimal disruption.
• Share recurring issues and best practices with regional and global teams to prevent recurrence.
• Plan staffing and resource needs based on current and future demand.
• Ensure completion of required training and partner with Learning & Development to evolve training programs.
• Participate in Sev 1 and Sev 2 incident bridges and approve RCA and post‑incident reviews.

Work Environment & Culture

• Remove barriers to agility and enable teams to shift priorities without losing productivity.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, inclusion, and customer obsession.
• Encourage collaboration across organizational boundaries and enable others to scale impact.
• Delegate effectively to support growth and develop future leaders.
• Act as a trusted advisor across a broad network of stakeholders.
• Recognize and reward teamwork and contributions toward strategic goals.

Ownership

• Demonstrate accountability for service quality, risk management, and customer experience.
• Identify, resolve, or escalate unaddressed issues to ensure operational excellence.
• Communicate risks, dependencies, and budget implications to support informed business decisions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience AND 5+ years of mission‑critical service management experience (e.g., IT services, manufacturing, logistics, military, or physical operations in IT or critical environments).
• 3+ years of experience leading diverse, technical teams.

Security Screening

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements.
• Must pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years managing large‑scale, complex projects or programs.
• 6+ years’ experience with Critical Environment infrastructure (e.g., UPS, generators, AHU).
• 6+ years’ experience with physical IT infrastructure (e.g., servers, networking, racks, cabling).
• Experience managing budgets of $1M+.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 5+ years leading global or virtual technical teams.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, CDCP, CompTIA, Microsoft, networking or leadership certifications).

This position will be open for a minimum of five days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations during the application process.