Sales and Operations Strategy Director

Microsoft Marketplace is a strategic growth engine for Microsoft, connecting customers, partners, sellers, and software publishers through a modern commercial platform spanning cloud, AI, business applications, and ecosystem solutions.   We are seeking a Director, Marketplace Strategy & Operations to lead the business management system for Microsoft's Marketplace organization. This leader will drive strategic planning, operational excellence, business insights, investment governance, and execution across a rapidly growing global business.   The role serves as a key advisor to Marketplace leadership and is responsible for translating strategy into action by establishing the operating rhythm, driving accountability across stakeholders, and ensuring alignment across Product, Engineering, Sales, Finance, Partner, Marketing, and Business Planning teams.   This leader will shape the future of Marketplace as Microsoft evolves from a transaction platform to a strategic commerce, distribution, and ecosystem growth platform.

Business Strategy & Planning   Lead annual and multi-year Marketplace strategic planning processes.   Develop business strategies, growth frameworks, and investment priorities aligned with Microsoft's commercial objectives.   Partner with senior leadership to define long-term Marketplace priorities, growth opportunities, and transformation initiatives.   Drive scenario planning, business modeling, and strategic recommendations for executive decision making.   Business Operations & Governance   Own the Marketplace operating system, including business reviews, planning rhythms, scorecards, and executive reporting.   Lead Monthly Business Reviews (MBRs), Executive Business Reviews (EBRs), QBRs, and annual planning processes.   Establish governance mechanisms that improve cross-functional execution and organizational accountability.   Identify operational risks, dependencies, and opportunities and drive mitigation plans.   Insights & Performance Management   Develop executive-level KPIs and business performance frameworks across Marketplace customer, partner, and revenue motions.   Synthesize complex business data into actionable insights and recommendations.   Monitor growth trends, ecosystem health, customer adoption, partner engagement, and commercial performance.   Drive data-informed decision making across leadership teams.   Cross-Company Leadership   Partner closely with Sales, Finance, Engineering, Product, Marketing, Incentives, Partner, and Customer Success teams to drive business outcomes.   Influence senior stakeholders across Microsoft to align priorities, investments, and execution plans.   Lead strategic initiatives that span multiple organizations and require executive-level coordination.   Organizational Effectiveness   Drive organizational planning, headcount strategy, investment prioritization, and resource allocation.   Improve operational efficiency through process simplification, automation, and scalable business management practices.   Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and operational rigor.   Leadership   Lead and develop a high-performing team of strategy, operations, business management, and program leaders.   Coach and mentor talent while building a strong succession pipeline.   Create an inclusive, high-performance culture aligned with Microsoft values.

Required/minimum qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years experience in business consulting, sales, sales operations, information technology (IT), account management, business development, marketing, IT field sales, or a related field OR equivalent experience. 6+ years experience in in Near Term Strategy (2 years out), Management Consulting, Sales, or Finance.   Additional or preferred qualifications Master's Degree in Business Administration or related field AND 5+ years