Director Business Planning

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

About The Position

Microsoft’s Business Planning organization directs our commercial portfolio’s pricing, packaging, licensing, channel, and monetization strategies. Few organizations exist that have such a direct impact on how Microsoft goes to market, which reverberates across the entire industry. Within Business Planning, the New Commerce and Commercial Strategy organization works across Cloud & AI Platforms, AI Business Solutions (M365), and Security driving cross-cloud monetization strategies for how and where customers buy. This includes defining the strategy for Microsoft’s commerce experiences, channel business models, product licensing and use rights, and support as well as driving growth through audience specific offers and experiences. We are seeking a Director Business Planning to join this exciting team! As the Director Business Planning in the New Commerce and Commercial Strategy organization, you will have the opportunity to influence and enable the strategic initiatives that drive company performance through delivering innovative business models, increased competitiveness and enhanced customer and partner experience. You will partner closely with stakeholders across engineering, legal, finance, operations, marketing, and field sales to formulate strategy recommendations and drive alignment. This position will support the evolution of our go-to-markets for our Public Sector customers as well as the partners who help us support and invest in this space. This role will have the opportunity to radically evolve and modernize our GTM channels for Public Sector, which is a ~$40b+ cloud TAM. Our team is responsible for the north star vision and in-market execution of our modern partner go-to-market (GTM) strategy. Our team’s vision is to build and modernize our partner programs to provide world-class experiences for our mid-market customers. In this role, you will have the opportunity to join a collaborative and inclusive team focused on creating positive customer and partner outcomes while championing creativity, diverse perspective, and ensuring clear roles and responsibilities and accountability. As a Director Business Planning at Microsoft you will have opportunities to develop your career by developing an expertise in translating Microsoft’s vision into value for customers, partners, and shareholders, forging effective cross-functional relationships, taking on progressively broader responsibilities, and establishing yourself as a trusted strategic advisor. You can expect to have support for your work and professional development, and encouragement to bring your authentic self to work. 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. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Requirements

7+ years of product management, strategy consulting, finance, business/corporate development, or related experience OR equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

12+ years product management, strategy consulting, finance, business/corporate development, or related experience AND Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Computer Science, Economics, Business, or related field OR 8+ years product management, strategy consulting, finance, business/corporate development, or related experience AND Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), or related field OR equivalent experience.
Experience working with Microsoft commercial licensing and/or hosting programs (e.g., CSP, SPLA) and/or server products (e.g., SQL/WS) a plus.
Strategic thinking and the ability to understand and connect complex business models.
Structured and analytical approach to problem-solving with the ability to utilize data.
Track record of engaging with cross-functional stakeholders to gain credibility and partnership quickly.
Compelling storytelling skills with executive presence and ability to influence at senior levels.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of data‑driven business cases and strategies to shape the future go‑to‑market approach for the Public Sector as we transition to Modern Commerce platforms.
Influence senior stakeholders on the evolution of our Public Sector partner strategy, driving increased investment in partners and maximizing their impact with customers.
Develop targeted business cases and analyses to inform investment decisions, product roadmaps, go‑to‑market motions, and customer and partner experiences.
Drive cross‑functional alignment on business vision and priorities, translating strategy into clear, actionable requirements.
Conduct research to gain new perspectives and validate business cases.
Influence and execute the approach to bring a strategy to life through roadmap and change management planning and developing content that synthesizes details into an effective story that can be used across the organization.
Be a strategic thinker, leveraging the ability to learn to understand and connect complex business models quickly.
Taking a structured and analytical approach to problem-solving with the ability to utilize data.
Engage with cross-functional stakeholders to gain credibility and partnership quickly.
Leverage compelling storytelling skills to present to and influence.
Embody our culture and values.