Microsoft Cloud Operations & Innovation seeks new Energy Lease Manager, focused on the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). The candidate will manage a portfolio of activities to optimize and execute opportunities in datacenter energy supply and technology, including: support site selection efforts, lead energy sourcing strategy, represent the EMEA region in contract negotiations with lease providers, develop business cases for new engagement strategies to meet sustainability goals, communicate project needs and manage relationships across key internal and external stakeholders.

The candidate will have the ability to develop creative solutions that combine knowledge of regulated and deregulated power markets to deliver solutions in Microsoft’s owned and leased datacenters. In addition, the candidate should be capable of developing commercial agreements with colocation providers and energy suppliers. The candidate will need to broadly understand the dynamics of energy markets and Microsoft’s own unique position in the energy sector. This necessitates that the candidate brings an innovative, collaborative presence to the role towards driving commercial & technology execution to realize business goals, lower costs, and meet sustainability targets. 

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.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colocation providers to develop innovative partnership strategies to meet Microsoft’s ambitious sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
• Participate in contract negotiations with colocation providers to secure fair and cost-effective energy terms based on Microsoft energy lease principles.
• Regularly review and analyze energy invoices from colocation providers and their utility providers to track costs and identify cost savings opportunities for Microsoft.
• Assist with datacenter interconnection and energy supply contract negotiations with utilities and third-party energy suppliers 
• Build relationships with external suppliers and partners, particularly electric utilities, local and regional regulatory agencies, customers, and energy technology providers. 
• Some business travel will be required (5-15% annually). 

Qualifications

• Some understanding of datacenter colocation and contract structures
• Experience negotiating business agreements and creating win-win scenarios.
• Broad understanding of the European power industry, with specific focus on the mechanics of deregulated power markets.
• Team player capable of adapting to ambiguous environments with cross-group collaboration and problem-solving abilities.
• Growth mindset with problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding and experience working within Europe’s datacenter colocation industry.
• General understanding of data centers and cloud services.
• MBA/post-graduate degree in relevant fields a plus, though experience in consulting and power/energy industries may substitute for relevant graduate education in this regard. 

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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.