Principal Program Manager - Capacity Planning

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

17h

About The Position

Microsoft’s Cloud business is expanding, and the Cloud Supply Chain (CSCP) organization is responsible for enabling the hardware infrastructure underlying this growth including AI! CSCP’s vision is to empower customers to achieve more by delivering Cloud and AI capabilities at scale. Our mission is to deliver the world's computer with an industry-leading supply chain. The CSCP organization is responsible for traditional supply chain functions such as plan, source, make, deliver, but also manages supportability (spares), sustainability, and decommissioning of datacenter assets worldwide. We deliver the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's over 200 online businesses including Bing, MSN, Office 365, Xbox Live, OneDrive and the Microsoft Azure platform for external customers. Our infrastructure is supported by more than 300 datacenters around the world that enable services for more than 1 billion customers in over 90 countries. Microsoft Cloud Planning (MCP) is the central planning function within CSCP focused on forecasting, demand planning, and supply planning for all Microsoft Cloud services and associated hardware, directly impacting the success of Microsoft's cloud business. 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. #CSCP #CSCPJobs

Requirements

Master's Degree in Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in project management, operations, or engineering OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in project management, operations, or engineering OR 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

Master's Degree in Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years experience in project management, operations, or engineering OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, or related field AND 15+ years experience in project management, operations, or engineering OR equivalent experience.
Strong analytics and data fluency
Deep experience with data analysis and visualization (e.g., SQL, Python, R, Power BI) and the ability to turn complex analysis into clear insights for leadership decisions.
Enterprise scale program leadership
Proven ability to lead complex, cross functional programs with multiple workstreams, setting direction and driving outcomes in ambiguous environments.
Financial and investment understanding
Experience working with Finance to assess CapEx impacts, tradeoffs, and investment decisions, and clearly explain financial implications of planning choices.
Executive level communication and influence
Strong ability to communicate with senior leaders, clearly explaining tradeoffs, recommendations, and risks, and influencing decisions with or without direct authority.
Comfort operating in ambiguity
Demonstrated ability to create clarity, set direction, and move work forward in fast changing, highly ambiguous situations.
Cross functional leadership mindset
Track record of building trusted partnerships across planning, engineering, finance, and data science to drive enterprise level outcomes.

Responsibilities

Strategic buffer planning leadership & executive alignment
Lead buffer planning at a strategic level by framing tradeoffs, scenarios, and implications for senior leadership. Drive executive level alignment on buffer strategy, priorities, and decisions, serving as a trusted advisor to Capacity Planning, Capacity Management, Engineering Group, Finance, and Data Science leadership.
Buffer target planning & optimization
Own and lead monthly planning cycles to generate optimal buffer targets by orchestrating scenario simulations and data analytics, building strategic and operational alignment with key stakeholders and leadership. Deploy changes to improve buffer plans with accountability.
Buffer planning transformation & operating model evolution
Define and drive the long term roadmap for buffer planning transformation, including planning processes, models, and operating mechanisms. Anticipate future business complexity and scale requirements, and proactively evolve the buffer planning operating model to remain resilient and fit for purpose.
Enterprise risk & opportunity management
Identify, assess, and communicate systemic capacity and buffer related risks and opportunities across the business. Lead the development of strategic mitigation plans and investment recommendations to address structural risks, rather than point in time issues.
Cross functional strategy & influence
Establish strong partnerships with senior leaders across Capacity Planning, Capacity Management, Engineering Group, Finance, and Data Science to align on shared goals and strategic outcomes. Influence direction with and without direct authority, resolving competing priorities and driving enterprise wide outcomes.
Advanced model & analytics stewardship
Provide strategic oversight and direction for buffer planning models and analytics. Partner with Data Science and Engineering to guide model evolution, ensuring robustness, scalability, transparency, and alignment with long term business strategy.
Metrics, insights & business accountability
Define the north star metrics and success criteria for buffer effectiveness at an enterprise level. Ensure insights are translated into clear actions and decisions, and hold the organization accountable for outcomes related to buffering performance.
Executive decision support & thought leadership
Serve as the primary thought leader for buffer strategy, providing forward looking insights, scenario analyses, and recommendations to executives. Shape decisions through clear narratives that connect data, strategy, and business impact.