Construction Quality Manager

Microsoft•Columbus, OH

11d•$97,600 - $206,400

About The Position

Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is responsible for delivering Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure and services. The Construction Quality Manager helps ensure that data centers are delivered ready to perform by governing quality systems, auditing contractor performance, managing non-conformance reports and quality metrics, and identifying risks before they affect commissioning or operations. The role oversees construction quality from the beginning of projects through readiness and turnover. It establishes and maintains project quality plans, governs inspection and test planning, conducts field inspections and audits, and uses digital quality platforms to track issues and provide leadership with metrics. The manager holds general contractors accountable for their quality responsibilities while providing Microsoft oversight and assurance. The role also supports commissioning readiness and continuous improvement across projects and campuses. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant construction, architecture, or engineering field and at least five years of related experience, or equivalent experience. Microsoft Cloud background screening is required upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter. The typical U.S. base pay range is $97,600–$188,400 per year; a range of $125,000–$206,400 applies in the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field and 5+ years of related experience, or equivalent experience.
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including passing the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field and 8+ years of related experience, or equivalent experience.
7+ years of experience working on data center projects.
Proficiency in data analytics, reporting, and construction management tools such as Power BI, Nexus, Bluebeam, and BIM, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Detail orientation and strong knowledge of construction specifications, quality standards, and installation compliance requirements.
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, DMAIC, Six Sigma, and change management.
Experience applying structured problem-solving tools such as RCA, FMEA, 8D, and CAPA.
Knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, quality auditing, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) principles.
Experience developing, implementing, and managing structured quality management systems.
Professional quality certifications preferred, including USACE CQM, OSHA 30, ASQ CQE, CQA, CMQ/OE, Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, or equivalent.
Experience in data center, mission-critical, industrial, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, power, or oil & gas construction environments.

Responsibilities

Ensure facilities meet design requirements, specifications, and Microsoft quality standards, and promote a Right First Time culture.
Verify that general contractors execute their Quality Management Systems; conduct quality audits, inspections, and field observations; and validate compliance with Division 01 requirements, quality plans, inspection processes, and documentation requirements.
Initiate and manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), verify corrective actions, escalate unresolved issues, trend recurring problems, and drive systemic corrective actions.
Establish and maintain project quality plans, review contractor plans before mobilization, and standardize quality processes across projects and campuses.
Govern Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), define hold points and quality gates, and ensure Installer Verification Checklists (IVCs) and readiness requirements are met before commissioning milestones.
Administer quality tracking systems such as Nexus/ACMS, monitor issue closure timelines and service-level performance, and produce quality dashboards and metrics for leadership.
Perform field inspections and observations, monitor workmanship and installation quality, verify compliance with approved procedures and specifications, and identify risks to commissioning, IST, or turnover.
Support energization and commissioning readiness reviews and ensure documentation, inspections, punch lists, and quality issues are closed before turnover.
Partner with Commissioning Managers and Operations to improve startup outcomes.
Analyze trends across campuses and metros, capture lessons learned, and recommend process improvements that improve quality performance and reduce recurring defects.
Hold general contractors accountable for QA/QC responsibilities, monitor closure performance and response times, and reinforce that contractors retain responsibility for workmanship quality.