Lease Construction Manager

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). This position will be based in Austin, TX, USA.  Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidate will need to relocate and work 100% onsite.  In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day. 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.

Key Responsibilities 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.

Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 10+ years related experience  OR equivalent experience. 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.

10+ years of experience in  mission-critical construction projects , preferably datacenter or large-scale industrial facilities 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 Construction Project Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $116,900 - $203,600 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