Land Development & Permitting Program Manager

Summary

Microsoft is seeking a Land Development & Permitting Program Manager to support datacenter development across markets in the Southeastern United States. The role manages permitting, approvals, utility connections, contracts, budgets, stakeholder relationships, and integrated planning throughout the datacenter development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Manage the permitting and approvals process for a portfolio of datacenter projects across the region to enable timely development and construction
• Conduct comprehensive assessments during due diligence, design, and construction phases to identify regulatory requirements and associated risks
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align on project objectives, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies
• Manage utility connections, construction agreements, and development contracts to support project execution
• Oversee integrated project planning, ensuring coordination across land development, design, construction, operations, and environmental teams
• Administer contracts and budgets throughout the datacenter development lifecycle
• Communicate key risks, mitigations, and permitting policies to internal Microsoft stakeholders
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that address schedule delays and permitting challenges
• Represent Microsoft in meetings with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), external stakeholders, and the public to facilitate project approvals
• Own and manage strategic relationships with AHJs, government officials, and other key external stakeholders as the primary point of contact for permitting and pre-construction discussions
• Support the development and continuous improvement of program tools and processes to streamline permitting, approvals, and entitlements
• Educate project teams on permitting requirements to ensure compliance and timely approvals
• Monitor and manage permit approval conditions to maintain regulatory compliance
• Track and report on key metrics, including permitting and delivery timeline predictability

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Real Estate, Project Management, or related field, AND 3+ years relevant experience. OR 5+ years equivalent experience
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Construction, Urban Planning, Architecture, Land Use, Law, Real Estate or a related field
• 7+ years of experience delivering large-scale and/or complex land development projects
• Proven experience securing permits, planning approvals, and other entitlements for large-scale construction initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of projects, including associated budgets and schedules
• Ability to build and maintain cross-functional relationships with internal teams and external partners such as environmental consultants, attorneys, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Mission critical design and/or construction experience
• Experience in delivering projects in multiple jurisdictions

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Real Estate, Project Management, or related field, AND 3+ years relevant experience. OR 5+ years equivalent experience
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter

Nice to Haves

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Construction, Urban Planning, Architecture, Land Use, Law, Real Estate or a related field
• 7+ years of experience delivering large-scale and/or complex land development projects
• Proven experience securing permits, planning approvals, and other entitlements for large-scale construction initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of projects, including associated budgets and schedules
• Ability to build and maintain cross-functional relationships with internal teams and external partners such as environmental consultants, attorneys, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Mission critical design and/or construction experience
• Experience in delivering projects in multiple jurisdictions

Benefits

• Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.