Overview
The MS datacentre development portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacentre construction and lease projects. The Microsoft Datacentre Land Development team supports the development and delivery of Microsoft’s datacentre portfolio from site selection through design, construction and handover to operations. Microsoft is looking for a Land Development Metro Lead, based in France, to have a key role in coordinating across internal teams (e.g. Environment, Engineering and Design, Construction, Government Affairs, Community Engagement etc.) to ensure delivery of operation-ready data centre sites. The Metro Lead will support the development and execution of permitting strategies for the lifecycle delivery of datacentre development and will be a key contributor in the execution of comprehensive permitting programs and to the Microsoft pre-construction program.

Responsibilities

Manage development, permitting, and approvals for projects enabling new data center construction across the EMEA region
Conduct comprehensive assessments during due diligence, design, and construction phases; coordinate with key counterparts to develop permitting and project delivery strategies and minimize risk
Own the land development budget for projects and lead progress through decision stage gates into construction
Negotiate development agreements with real estate developers and support site seller negotiations
Lead stakeholder engagement and represent Microsoft in meetings with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), regulatory agencies, politicians, and other external stakeholders to facilitate data center development
Scope and negotiate local infrastructure improvements with AHJs
Collaborate with partner teams to deliver utility easements and water connections
Prepare and present reports on project progress and potential risks to internal and external audiences
Work with stakeholders to identify innovative solutions for permitting requirements and facilitate timely approvals to avoid delays
Partner with construction and operations teams to handover permits and ensure future compliance
Develop regional market strategies informed by business demand, competitive dynamics, and regulatory landscapes
Negotiate complex real estate transactions, ensuring alignment with Microsoft’s financial, legal, and operational requirements
Manage relationships with brokers, landowners, developers, and government authorities to accelerate deal execution
Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, energy, community affairs, legal, finance) to ensure acquired sites advance to development on schedule
Establish and track portfolio-level metrics on deal velocity, pipeline health, and transaction risk
Drive due diligence processes, proactively identifying and mitigating legal, zoning, and entitlement risks
Represent Microsoft in market engagements, industry forums, and with government stakeholders to strengthen Microsoft’s position as a trusted, long-term partner

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Substantial experience in real estate or infrastructure project development
Proven ability to deliver zoning, permits, planning, and other development approvals for large-scale or complex construction projects
Experience managing a portfolio of projects, including deliverables, budgets, and schedules
Ability to establish and maintain cross-functional, positive relationships with internal and external teams (e.g., environmental consultants, attorneys, contractors, regulatory agencies)

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency in relevant local languages
Experience in community engagement and stakeholder engagement
Mission-critical design and/or construction experience
Experience delivering projects in multiple jurisdictions
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or equivalent field

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.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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.

Land Development Metro Lead, France