Lease Construction Manager

Overview

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).

Responsibilities

Key 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. Continuous Improvement:

• Validate construction quality against Microsoft specifications.

• Identify process gaps and implement best practices for efficiency and scalability across regions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field AND 4+ years of experience in mission-critical construction projects, preferably datacenter or large-scale industrial facilities OR equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.

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.

Preferred Skills

• 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.

#COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers

Technical Program Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $160,200 - $261,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

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.