Metro Planning (Scheduler) Leader

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind Microsoft's cloud infrastructure. Within CO+I, Datacenter Engineering delivers complex, large-scale datacentre programmes that support Microsoft's global cloud platform. We are seeking a high-performing planning professional to provide independent schedule leadership across projects, translating integrated schedule data into actionable insights, establishing consistent planning governance, and enabling timely decisions across engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational readiness.  Position location is in Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia and will be a site based role supporting construction projects in this region.

Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for datacentre construction projects. Coordinate with engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and partner teams to ensure key milestones are achieved. Support General Contractor baseline schedule reviews, evaluations, and compliance assessments. Perform schedule analysis, variance analysis, delay impact assessments, and schedule health checks. Lead weekly and monthly schedule reviews with project teams and contractors. Prepare reporting and planning deliverables in accordance with Microsoft Rhythm of Business requirements. Identify schedule risks and develop mitigation and recovery strategies. Support collaborative planning workshops and project execution activities. Interface with project managers, contractors, vendors, and regional leadership to ensure schedule alignment and delivery success Qualifications Required / Minimun Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience. Experience in project controls, planning, engineering, construction management, or programme management. Experience developing and managing integrated project schedules. Knowledge of critical path scheduling methodologies and schedule controls. Experience using Oracle Primavera P6. Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.

Significant experience supporting large capital construction programmes. Datacentre, industrial, energy, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, or mission-critical project experience. Experience with earned value management and schedule risk analysis. Advanced Primavera P6 expertise. Ability to present schedule data and executive-level insights to senior stakeholders. Experience working across cross-functional and geographically distributed teams   Background Check 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. #COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers Technical Program Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across Germany is € 90,100.00 - € 152,500.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/germany-corporate-pay.html 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