Energy Program Manager

 Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations & Innovation seeks a new Energy Program Manager focused on the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. The candidate will be responsible for strategizing and executing “end-to-end” plans for Microsoft’s energy requirement for a specific geographical market within the APAC region.

This will include managing Data Center (DC) power interconnection and energy supply contract development with utilities and third party energy suppliers in certain geographical markets – including as part of the DC site selection strategy. 

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 leased datacenters. In addition, the candidate should be capable of developing commercial agreements with colocation providers and energy suppliers.

The candidate will be responsible for driving analysis around energy industry trends, market policy and energy regulation the assigned geographical region. They will also manage and drive development internally and externally around certain sustainability programs (eg. Carbon-Free Energy goals).

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.

Energy Program Management

• Lead and implement datacenter power interconnection projects, power purchase agreement and/or energy supply contract development with utilities and third-party energy suppliers in support of Microsoft’s DC businesses in APAC and associated objectives related to capacity delivery, cost and sustainability.
• Lead analysis of energy industry trends, market policy and regulations - including their direct and indirect impact to Microsoft and other stakeholders.
• Lead and Partner with globally distributed internal stakeholders on site selection and energy project development, (e.g. grid connection, distributed energy, carbon-free energy) – including development of internal business cases and portfolio management tools.
• Participate in due-diligence and contract negotiations with colocation providers to secure fair and cost-effective energy terms based on Microsoft energy lease principles.
• Collaborate with colocation providers to develop innovative partnership strategies to meet Microsoft’s ambitious sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
• Work collaboratively with external vendors and consultants on regional market research.
• Build relationships + work collaboratively with external suppliers and partners, particularly power utilities, local and regional regulatory agencies, customers, and energy technology providers.
• Business travel required (up to 25%, subject to fluctuation with business tempo).

Required Qualifications:

• MBA/post-graduate and/or Bachelor degree(s) in relevant fields, though experience in power/energy industries may substitute for relevant graduate education in this regard.
• 5+ years of experience in the related roles, specific experience within the energy and utility industry in various APAC markets would be highly regarded.
• Broad understanding of the power industry, with specific focus on the mechanics of power markets – including Generation, Transmission & Distribution, Wholesale & Retail Markets.
• Understanding and experience working with regulatory bodies in the energy and utility industry.
• Strong analytical capabilities to support review of utility tariffs, power contracts negotiation, and power market fundamentals.
• Possess an entrepreneurial, self-directed spirit and proven track record of project execution, with exceptional interpersonal and communications (verbal and written) skills.
• Team player capable of adapting to ambiguous environments with cross-group collaboration and problem-solving abilities with Growth mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• General understanding of data centers and cloud services.

• Professional-level fluency in Japanese is preferred, to support Japanese-speaking clients.Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is essential for internal collaboration and reporting.

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.

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.