Field Operations Construction Program Manager

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Date posted

Oct 15, 2025

Job number

1890385

Work site

3 days / week in-office

Travel

0-25%

Role type

Individual Contributor

Profession

Data Center

Discipline

Data Center Operations Management

Employment type

Full-Time

Microsoft Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers our cloud services. As a Field Operations Construction Program Manager, you will help deliver the core infrastructure behind Microsoft's online services, including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and Azure. Our infrastructure spans over 100 datacenters and 1 million servers, supporting more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses worldwide. With a focus on environmental sustainability, we continue to grow and evolve to meet changing business demands—maintaining Microsoft's position as a world-class cloud provider.

Join us in CO+I and be at the forefront of innovation

The Field Operations Construction Program Manager leads the end-to-end delivery of a portfolio of complex datacenter construction projects ranging from $250,000 to $100 million. This role requires interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills, with expertise in datacenter operations and construction. Responsibilities include managing cross-functional teams and vendors, ensuring safety, quality, and cost-efficiency, and aligning execution with Microsoft's data center development strategy. The role also champions Microsoft's values by fostering an inclusive work environment and upholding customer availability and safety as core operational pillars. Reporting to the Director of Operations Construction, this position plays a strategic and tactical role in delivering mission-critical infrastructure.

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Qualification or equivalent AND 3+ years experience supporting IT equipment or related technology or delivering server and network deployment projects in large-scale environments OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years' experience datacenter construction or mission-critical environments OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years' experience managing end-to-end delivery of complex datacenter construction projects or related mission-critical environment projects with cross-functional teams and meeting delivery deadlines independently OR equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of construction management including cost, schedule, and safety management.

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 Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Technical College Degree in Computer Science, Math, Telecommunications, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management or related field AND 8+ years experience in critical environment infrastructures (e.g., UPS, Generator, AHU), or working in physical IT infrastructures (e.g., Servers, SANs, Networking, Capacity, DC Rack/Enclosures, structured cabling) OR High School Qualification or equivalent AND 10+ years experience in critical environment infrastructures (e.g., UPS, Generator, AHU), or working in physical IT infrastructures (e.g., Servers, SANs, Networking, Capacity, DC Rack/Enclosures, structured cabling) OR equivalent experience.
• 8+ years' progressive experience in the development of mission-critical facilities.
• Professional licenses in Construction Management and/or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering.
• Applicable certifications: APICS/Inventory Control, CompTIA, Microsoft, Network Certifications, CCNA Certifications, ITIL v3 Foundation, Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) Certifications.

Data Center Operations Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,600 - $202,800 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 $137,500 - $225,800 per year.

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

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 25, 2025.

Business Processes:

• Develop and maintain best practices to identify and implement cost-effective solutions.
• Manage the selection, contracting, and integration of multiple vendors and internal partners.
• Drive the deployment of scalable solutions across Operations Construction projects.
• Facilitate decision-making to support solutions, schedules, and change management.
• Apply influence, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills to evaluate options and recommend effective solutions.

Communication:

• Regularly review cost and KPI metrics, invoices, and policy/process communications with client partners.
• Serve as the single point of contact for project development and delivery.
• Coordinate meetings and activities with vendors, cost managers, and incorporate lessons learned.
• Attend owner/architect/contractor (OAC) and other project meetings, providing updates as needed.
• Report project progress on scope, schedule, and budget weekly or as required.
• Provide consistent weekly project status reporting.

Accountability:

• Lead the development, management, and reporting of safety, scope, schedule, budget, and risk.
• Maintain direct fiscal responsibility for the approved project budget.
• Operate independently in support of datacenter operations.

Vendor Management & Contract Compliance:

• Oversee vendor (contractor) performance and ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Prepare Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Project Execution Requests (PERs), and other approval documentation.
• Validate vendor costs, including pay application and change order review and approval.

Embody the Microsoft One culture and values.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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Industry leading healthcare

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Educational resources

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Discounts on products and services

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Savings and investments

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Maternity and paternity leave

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Generous time away

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Giving programs

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Opportunities to network and connect

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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.