CE Programme Manager
Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers our cloud services. As a CO+I Critical Environment Program Manager, you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's online services including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Azure platform. As a group, CO+I is focused on the personal and professional development of all employees and offers trainings and opportunities including Career Rotation Programs, Diversity & Inclusion trainings and events, and professional certifications.
Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 200 datacenters in 32 countries and millions of servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.
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.
The Critical Environment Program Manager (CEPM) is responsible for driving end-to-end delivery of operational and engineering programs across Microsoft Data Center campuses, ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable infrastructure operations. This role acts as the bridge between engineering, operations, compliance, and leadership, owning programs that directly impact availability, risk reduction, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- 1. Program Ownership & Delivery
Own and deliver critical CE programs including:
Break-Fix (BF) reduction and conversion into projects
Preventative Maintenance (PM) performance improvement
Infrastructure upgrade and lifecycle programs (e.g. transformers, systems reliability)
Drive program execution from initiation → prioritization → execution → closure, ensuring measurable outcomes
Maintain clear ownership and accountability across all program deliverables
2. Operational Excellence & KPI Management
Track and improve key KPIs including:
Availability / SEV reduction
Break-fix backlog and TTR
PM compliance and execution quality
Build and own performance dashboards, data insights, and action plans
Lead monthly business reviews (MBRs), highlighting:
Risks, issues, and improvement actions
Performance gaps and recovery strategies
3. Risk, Compliance & Standards
Drive compliance with Microsoft standards (DCOS, ISO, audit requirements)
Own risk registers and mitigation tracking across programs
Ensure all work aligns with:
MOP/SOP standards
Change management (RFC/CAB processes)
Partner with engineering and operations to close audit gaps and compliance issues
4. Cross-Functional Leadership
Collaborate across:
- CE Operations Managers (CEOMs)
Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
Vendors and external partners
Regional and global program teams
Drive alignment on priorities, sequencing, and execution strategy
Act as a single threaded owner for cross-campus or metro-wide initiatives
5. Project & Portfolio Management
Translate operational issues into scalable programs and projects
Build and manage program roadmaps, dependencies, and resource plans
Prioritize work based on:
- Business impact
- Risk exposure
- Customer availability
6. Communication & Stakeholder Management
Provide clear, structured updates to senior leadership
Drive accountability across teams through regular cadence (reviews, syncs)
Communicate risks, blockers, and decisions with transparency
7. Culture, Ownership & Leadership
Demonstrate extreme ownership and accountability in program delivery
Drive a culture of:
- Continuous improvement
- Data-driven decision making
- Collaboration across teams
Act as a role model for Microsoft values (growth mindset, inclusion, One Microsoft)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent AND Good years of experience delivering server and network deployment projects in large-scale environments
- OR Good years' experience supporting IT equipment or related technology.
Background Check 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.
While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND Good years of technical engineering experience
- OR Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND Good years of technical engineering experience.
Data Center Operations Management IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across Netherlands is € 58,400.00 - € 94,400.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/netherlands-corporate-pay.html
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.