Technical Program Manager II, Hardware Readiness

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

20h

About The Position

Microsoft's Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) organization is seeking a Technical Program Manager II, Hardware Readiness to join the Datacenter Integration Services (DCIS) team. This role is responsible for developing and deploying knowledge management assets for new platforms as part of the hardware readiness program. The program encompasses various simultaneous projects aimed at ensuring coverage for server, storage, networking devices, and IT hardware infrastructure across global data centers. The role involves close collaboration with internal Hardware Engineering and Data Center Operations teams, as well as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) partners, to create standardized procedures and workflows. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong ability to oversee complex IT projects spanning multiple organizations, possess excellent organizational skills, and have prior experience in leading cultural and change management initiatives. A strategic approach, thorough knowledge of datacenter operations, hardware development, and related processes are essential. The ability to collaborate effectively, influence without direct control, and adapt to a wide array of stakeholders, from top management to support staff, is crucial for success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree AND 2+ years experience in server and network hardware deployment and breakfix support, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development in Data Center/mission critical environment OR equivalent experience.
• 1+ year(s) of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree AND 4+ years experience in server and network hardware deployment and breakfix support, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development in Data Centers/mission critical environment OR equivalent experience.
• Program management experience working in physical IT infrastructures (e.g., Servers, SANs, Networking, Capacity, DC Rack/Enclosures, structured cabling).
• Experience in data-center operations, hardware troubleshooting, incident/problem management, data analysis and procedural-content.
• 2+ years experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
• 1+ year(s) experience reading and/or writing code (e.g., sample documentation, product demos).
• Growth Mindset – a desire to learn, improve, and show persistence in the face of setbacks.
• Proven ability to collaborate with a wide range of business and engineering stakeholders to drive impact.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity, assess opportunities and develop principles to prioritize multiple strategic and tactical solutions options.
• Experience presenting to a diverse set of stakeholders, including leadership teams.
• Experience working in a global, matrixed organization and working with cross-functional teams.
• Analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with datacenter critical environment concepts (examples: electrical distribution and mechanical cooling systems).
• Knowledge of engineering methodologies such as agile development and sprint planning.
• Hands on experience working with enterprise level infrastructure, server and networking hardware.
• Applicable certifications: Azure, Azure Networking, CCNA/CCNP, Network+, Security+, PMP, CAPM, Agile/Scrum, ITIL, Power Platform, automation, or data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Partner with experts from different fields, including Datacenter Engineering, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Datacenter Operations, and the broader Cloud Hardware Infrastructure Engineering organization to devise and implement approved procedural strategies.
• Lead multiple virtual teams of functional leads to establish a clear plan of record and ensure alignment across stakeholders on core CO+I requirements.
• Generate both quantitative and qualitative performance metrics (like Key Performance Indicators and Key Results for usage, quality, speed, and cost), monitor and communicate trends in business meetings, uncover important insights to drive actions that improve future outcomes, and fine-tune implementation across different features.
• Predict potential resource implications.
• Conduct and document technical and operational risk assessments, drive tradeoffs and document decisions within and across teams.
• Drive accountability for decisions and deliverables with partner teams throughout each project’s lifecycle to ensure high availability and efficient recovery of capacity.
• Use customer feedback mechanisms, data collection tools, engagements like interviews or surveys to gain insight into product/service performance and customer demands, and communicate these insights to peer and partner team representatives.
• Develop theories for complex technical needs, conduct experiments, and explore iteratively to enhance certain performance indicators.
• Ensure CO+I related processes, requirements, and specifications are continuously improved as datacenter and IT hardware evolves and new technologies are released to production.
• Manage risks delivering highly available and efficient services and operations with measurable results.
• Deliver results amidst ambiguous and changing business requirements by demonstrating a self-driven work ethic in our dynamic and high-pressure environment.
• Learn, live, and coach “One Microsoft” culture and values.
• Lead through change by bringing clarity, generating energy, and delivering success.
• Embody our culture and values.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level