Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers Microsoft's cloud services and our team is focused on delivering high quality infrastructure to support cloud operations. As Microsoft’s Cloud business continues to mature, our infrastructure expansion accelerates, and Data Centers are central to this growth. To support this, the acquisition and development of our owned, designed and constructed Data Center facilities will scale to meet the demands of our customers, while we also continue to lease and acquire Data Center capacity at pace, particularly in our high growth markets, working closely with Data Center operators in each region, and across the Globe.

The Global Acquisition team is responsible for delivering high quality Data Center capacity in line with our projected growth. This role will be a pivotal member of the EMEA team, who owns the delivery in region to support our Cloud and AI growth in both existing and new geographies, as needed by the wider business. As we grow rapidly in both new and existing markets, we will develop clear business strategies, aligning our land and lease portfolio, to ensure we can deliver high quality Data Centers both now and in the future, to tie to our Customer growth. We are responsible for the development and ownership of key strategic partnerships with lessors, working collaboratively to ensure we deliver contracted capacity safely and effectively, on time and within budget.

The role of the Lease Acquisition Manager is a unique individual contributor role, working together with our Site Acquisition team to support the delivery of a strong, reliable leased portfolio, to support our Global Cloud and AI.

The role will be involved in all leasing activities, by helping with strategic purchasing opportunities, contract amendments, completion of post lease/contract paperwork, ownership of contract expansions in stabilized markets, and building new partnerships within the region. The successful candidate will be involved in multiple, complex, high profile regions, becoming an expert in key areas of our business, to ensure efficient and seamless delivery.

Responsibilities

• Support the site acquisition team on all lease transactions, including specialized bespoke projects, upgrades and amendments as needed
• Assist with site selection process and strategy development across the region
• Develop a strong knowledge of the assigned regions/metro, understand market dynamics and support the region to ensure our success in every region
• Drive and support commercial and legal negotiations with partners in assigned regions/metro
• Support multiple lease projects within critical timelines, working closely together with internal teams, consultants, vendors and external stakeholders
• Build and develop new partnerships in existing and new regions
• Align with internal stakeholders to ensure effective co-ordination of activities to ensure region success
• Ensure data integrity in supply planning and execution systems related to infrastructure supply options including cost, capacity, key dates, and contractual terms
• Develop and oversee the implementation of continual process improvement initiatives related to operational efficiency, team effectiveness and new value added initiatives
• Develop processes and procedures to streamline delivery of multiple contracts across the team; create single points of communication and focus to improve delivery timescales
• Work with internal law & corporate affairs personnel to drive successful contracts
  

Qualifications

• Experience in real estate, project management, finance or supply chain management
• Experience in contract development or administration
• Experience managing transactions successfully, including supplier communication, cost analysis, negotiations and contract development (supplier or customer), and supplier performance management
• Experience successfully managing commercial relationships with vendors and knowledge of vendor management best practices
• Excellent reporting, verbal and written communication skills
• Confident, takes ownership, be able to work independently, handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, with a willingness to “do what it takes” to get the job done
• Bachelor's degree in Arts or Sciences or Business or technical discipline
  

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.

#COICareers

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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.