OverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced Lead Planning & Scheduling Program Manager who will be responsible for establishing, developing, and governing Plan of Record (PoR) schedules that support the successful delivery of Microsoft's global data centre portfolio. Acting as the SME for planning strategy and schedule development, this role leads the creation of realistic, defendable, and data-driven schedules from early design concept through Design PoR approval and deployment.
The successful candidate will champion industry-leading scheduling practices, ensuring schedules are developed using sound Critical Path Methodology (CPM), bottom-up planning principles, schedule quality standards, and risk-informed decision-making.
This role requires an experienced planning lead capable of translating complex project requirements into integrated schedules, validating durations and sequencing through stakeholder engagement, resource management, and continuously improving schedule reliability through scenario modelling, schedule analytics, acceleration exercises, and governance frameworks. The individual will serve as a trusted advisor to Project Controls and EPC leaders, influencing planning strategies that improve predictability, schedule confidence, and delivery outcomes across the portfolio.
Culture & Team Fit
- Collaborative team player working closely with Regional Planning Leads
- Proactive, self-driven, and able to operate in a fast-paced global environment
- Passionate about continuous improvement, standardization, and delivering high-quality outcomes
It is our preference that this role is located in Redmond, WA, but the following hubs may be considered: Atlanta, GA, San Antonio, TX, Washington, DC, or Phoenix, AZ.
Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidates must relocate or reside within 50 miles of the hub office location.
This role is eligible for hybrid or remote work, up to 40%.
ResponsibilitiesPlanning & Program Management
- Support global planning initiatives to improve schedule quality, governance, predictability and consistency across EPC Project Controls programs
- Drive standardization of planning and scheduling practices including baseline governance, and change management processes
- Partner with Central Project Controls Estimating, Cost, Risk, regional planning leadership, and cross-functional partners to align global strategy with regional execution needs
- Provide program progress updates to the Central Project Controls and EPC Leadership Team
Schedule & Planning Expertise
- SME in Primavera P6 EPPM and integrated master schedule (IMS) best practices
- Ability to support development of Plan of Record and Integrated Master Schedules, including validation of durations using labor and material quantity estimates
- Drive bottom-up planning methodologies to ensure realistic and defendable project schedules
- Support schedule integration, benchmarking, and performance analysis across the portfolio
Data, Reporting & Analytics
- Support development of enhanced reporting solutions working closely with the Reporting and Analytics Team
- Translate complex schedule and performance data into clear insights for leadership
- Support KPI frameworks for schedule health, performance tracking, and governance
Change Management & Governance
- Lead change management efforts for the planning initiative
- Develop, document, and maintain program processes, procedures, and guidance documentation
- Drive adoption of new ways of working across a global, cross-functional organization.... develop and deliver the training content
- Support continuous learning and uplift of planning maturity across EPC
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Present strategic insights, recommendations, and program updates to Director-level stakeholders
- Build relationships with Directors, Project Controls teams, and cross-functional partners
- Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on planning strategy and performance
Embody our Culture and Values
QualificationsRequired/minimum qualifications- Bachelor's Degree AND 6+ years experience in engineering, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development
- OR equivalent experience.
- 3+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
Additional or preferred qualifications- Bachelor's Degree AND 12+ years experience engineering, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development
- OR equivalent experience.
- 8+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
- 1+ year(s) of experience reading and/or writing code (e.g., sample documentation, product demos).
- Advanced expertise in Primavera P6 EPPM (planning, scheduling, and governance)
- Hyperscale Data Centre Planning and Scheduling experience
#COICareers and #EPCCareers
Technical Program Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 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 is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
