Sub Regional Cost Planning Lead

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud.  Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services.    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.    To help us achieve our objectives, growth, and transformation, we are looking for a  Sub Regional Cost Planning Lead  to work alongside the EPC team to actively manage all data center construction projects during the design phase in one of the EMEA regions.    Being part of this team would give you an opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing business and enable regional impact   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   This role location can be flexible within EMEA.    This role may be eligible for hybrid or remote work.

Lead project cost planning and estimating activities across all phases of data centre development, ensuring alignment with approved scope, schedule, budget, and business objectives. Develop, review, and validate detailed cost estimates at key design milestones (30%, 60%, and 90% design completion), ensuring estimates are accurate, traceable, and supported by robust benchmarking and quantity take-offs. Partner with design, engineering, construction, commercial, procurement, finance, and project controls teams to identify cost risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions throughout project delivery. Support site selection and business case development by providing constructability assessments, comparative cost analyses, funding recommendations, and investment decision support. Drive cost governance and stage gate approvals , owning all cost estimate deliverables, assumptions, analysis, reporting, and approvals required to progress projects through key decision milestones. Manage external consultants and estimating partners , ensuring high-quality outputs, consistent estimating methodologies, effective quality assurance, and timely delivery of contracted services. Monitor and optimise project cost performance by tracking cost changes, identifying savings opportunities, managing risks, and implementing corrective actions to maintain alignment with approved project budgets and targets.

Bachelor's Degree in Quantity surveying, Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field OR equivalent experience.  Demonstrable experience in Estimating in Construction Project Management and delivery.  Experience working on data center projects or other large scale construction projects / programs. While not required, we also look for the following   Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field   Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) full membership or equivalent  Good communication skills, ability to collaborate with all other areas of the data center program, being able to think strategically, ability to build the trust of our construction partners Must possess a clear understanding of the full Construction Life Cycle      Strong analytical, problem-solving skills     Develop, maintain, and report out on project scope,