Operations Innovation Manager Jobs in Bellevue, WA

Overview
Microsoft's Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) team is responsible for the full lifecycle of Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, spanning site selection, development, and operations. Our global footprint includes more than 400 datacenters in 34 countries, supported by over 165,000 miles of fiber optic cable. These facilities form the backbone of Microsoft Azure and are central to our commitment to reliable, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure.
As part of the CO+I Energy Team, you will join a team of professionals responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and delivering strategic energy projects. The candidate will manage a portfolio of activities to identify and execute energy opportunities to advance Microsoft's datacenter growth, in line with strategies to leverage sustainability, time to market and economic value in order to solidify Microsoft's leadership in providing infrastructure for the global AI economy.
As a Sr. Energy Markets Program Manager, Strategic Projects you will manage activities to execute power interconnection and energy supply agreements for Microsoft's data centers. This role will specifically lead our special strategic data center portfolio needs with partners that have enabled behind-the-meter energy infrastructure delivery programs. You will also manage and lead the evaluation of energy markets especially in the State of Texas, electric power rates, and tariffs in ERCOT and related utilities that are critical to power delivery and sustainability in that market. In this role, you will manage, build and lead relationships with utilities, strategic energy partners and other stakeholders to execute strategic energy supply opportunities.
A successful candidate will thrive working cross functionally with other business stakeholders that are essential to successful project execution. This includes helping develop and provide financial analytics to support business reviews and recommendations on cost effective power agreements to CO+I leadership. This role will support our Data Center Energy Markets teams principally in the Americas (Canada, the United States, and LATAM).
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.
Responsibilities

• Manage and lead datacenter interconnection, behind-the-meter arrangements and energy supply contract development with utilities and third-party energy suppliers in support of Microsoft's datacenter businesses in the State of Texas and ERCOT.
• Manage and lead in the analysis of energy industry trends, market policy and regulations to proactively identify opportunities to reduce cost, minimize risk, and advance sustainability goals.
• Manage strategy development and execution of regulatory engagements for behind-the-meter power infrastructure needs with utilities, regulators, and related stakeholders important to datacenter infrastructure deliver, cost/range management and sustainability goals.
• Work collaboratively with external vendors and consultants on regional market research.
• Manage and develop internal business cases including providing input on financial models and market research.
• Build relationships with external suppliers and partners, particularly electric utilities, local and regional regulatory agencies, customers, and energy technology providers.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field AND 3+ years experience in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, engineering, operations, or relevant sales-related roles OR Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field AND 4+ years experience in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, engineering, operations, or relevant sales-related roles 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field AND 6+ years experience in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, engineering, operations, or relevant sales-related roles OR Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field AND 8+ years experience in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, engineering, operations, or relevant sales-related roles OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in the digital infrastructure industry, with knowledge of hyperscale data center practices, including site selection, energy procurement, and sustainability initiatives.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, navigate ambiguity, and deliver results in dynamic environments where objectives and requirements may not always be clearly defined.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering commercial solutions and understanding key value drivers in clean energy, power industry finance, and power purchasing contracts for clean energy and/or conventional power systems, including behind-the-meter generation.
• Experience managing commercial and regulatory matters related to ERCOT and PUCT

#COICareers
Sourcing Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $160,200 - $261,000 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.
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 pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.