Overview
The Critical Environment Program Manager (CEPM) is responsible for driving end-to-end delivery of operational and engineering programs across Microsoft Data Center campuses, ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable infrastructure operations.
This role acts as the bridge between engineering, operations, compliance, and leadership, owning programs that directly impact availability, risk reduction, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
Program Ownership & Delivery
Own and deliver critical CE programs including:
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Break-Fix (BF) reduction and conversion into projects
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Preventative Maintenance (PM) performance improvement
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Infrastructure upgrade and lifecycle programs (e.g. transformers, systems reliability)
Drive program execution from initiation prioritization execution- closure, ensuring measurable outcomes
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Maintain clear ownership and accountability across all program deliverables
Operational Excellence & KPI Management
Track and improve key KPIs including:
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Availability / SEV reduction
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Break-fix backlog and TTR
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PM compliance and execution quality
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Build and own performance dashboards, data insights, and action plans
Lead monthly business reviews (MBRs), highlighting:
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Risks, issues, and improvement actions
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Performance gaps and recovery strategies
Risk, Compliance & Standards
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Drive compliance with Microsoft standards (DCOS, ISO, audit requirements)
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Own risk registers and mitigation tracking across programs
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Ensure all work aligns with:
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MOP/SOP standards
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Change management (RFC/CAB processes)
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Partner with engineering and operations to close audit gaps and compliance issues
Cross-Functional Leadership
Collaborate across:
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CE Operations Managers (CEOMs)
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Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
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Vendors and external partners
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Regional and global program teams
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Drive alignment on priorities, sequencing, and execution strategy
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Act as a single threaded owner for cross-campus or metro-wide initiatives
Project & Portfolio Management
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Translate operational issues into scalable programs and projects
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Build and manage program roadmaps, dependencies, and resource plans
Prioritize work based on:
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Business impact
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Risk exposure
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Customer availability
Communication & Stakeholder Management
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Provide clear, structured updates to senior leadership
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Drive accountability across teams through regular cadence (reviews, syncs)
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Communicate risks, blockers, and decisions with transparency
Culture, Ownership & Leadership
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Demonstrate extreme ownership and accountability in program delivery
Drive a culture of:
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Continuous improvement
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Data-driven decision making
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Collaboration across teams
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Act as a role model for Microsoft values (growth mindset, inclusion, One Microsoft)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
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High School Diploma or equivalent AND industry experience
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OR years industry experience and college course work.
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:
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Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience in Critical Environment infrastructures (e.g., UPS, Generator, AHU) or working in physical IT infrastructures (e.g., Servers, SANs, Networking, Capacity, DC Rack/Enclosures, structured cabling).
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Technical College degree in Computer Science, Math, Telecommunications, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
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Applicable certifications: ASICS/Inventory Control, CompTIA, Microsoft, Network Certifications, PMP, ITIL, CDCP.
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Experience working with the operation of building cooling, electrical, mechanical, and life safety systems
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Experience with Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), Branch Circuit Monitoring (BCM), and Building Automation Systems (BAS)
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Experience with project management or relevant certification/training in project management
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in applicable engineering field or mechanical or electrical trades
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Experience working on large scale projects.
Data Center Operations Management IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across Netherlands is € 58,400.00 - € 94,400.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/netherlands-corporate-pay.html
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.
