Environmental Permitting Program Manager

Overview

The Microsoft data centre development portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year data centre construction projects. The Environmental Permitting team supports the development and delivery of Microsoft’s data centre portfolio from site selection through design, construction and handover to operations. The Environmental Permitting Program Manager will manage environmental due diligence, environmental permit application submission and approvals, and support compliance activities during site acquisition, design, and construction for data centre development throughout Europe and surrounding areas. This role requires regular engagement with key Microsoft stakeholders, including legal, design, construction, and operations teams, regulatory agencies, and outside consultants and contractors.

EOE Statement (required, do not edit): 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.

Qualifications

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or equivalent
8+ years experience in Europe of:

1. Management of environmental impact assessments
2. Industrial Emissions Directive/Medium Combustion Plant Directive permitting
3. Conducting environmental due diligence and risk assessments for greenfield and brownfield sites, including environmental site investigations and remediation
4. Oversight of large-scale construction projects

Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment and take responsibility for delivery to tight timescales.
Ability to establish and maintain cross-functional and positive working relationships with internal and external teams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and high standards for quality of deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications:
Proficiency in multiple languages, including English
Community Engagement and Stakeholder engagement experience
Mission critical facility experience
Experience in delivering projects in multiple jurisdictions

End of Statement (required, do not edit or delete): 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.

Responsibilities

Manage the environmental aspects of a portfolio of projects for existing and new data centre development in Europe and surrounding areas.
Identify environmental permitting requirements and develop delivery strategies, including environmental mitigation, in coordination with design, construction. EHS, operations, and permitting teams to meet required timelines.
Work with procurement team to prepare and issue scopes of service for external support from environmental consultants.
Manage environmental consultants for the delivery of relevant scopes of service through all project phases.
Manage the environmental due diligence and risk assessment process during site acquisition, including soil and groundwater investigations and regulatory and permitting evaluations, to clearly define likely environmental requirements during the design, construction and operation phases.
Review and approve all environmental deliverables and permit submissions to ensure that they are of an appropriate quality and suitability for Microsoft.
Promote development of environmental mitigation and enhancement measures to support compliance with regulatory and Microsoft standards.
Represent Microsoft during regulatory agency, stakeholder and community engagement activities and/or negotiations for both new builds and existing facilities. Communicate environmental requirements and provide environmental expertise to diverse internal stakeholders, including legal, land development, energy, design, construction, operations, community development, and sustainability teams.
Manage environmental compliance planning and execution for construction activities and handover of permitting requirements prior to commencement of operational activities.
The Environmental Permitting Program Manager will maintain and report project status regularly and contribute to the development and continued improvement of an Environmental Excellence program for data centre delivery and operations.

Benefits

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

1. Industry leading healthcare
2. Educational resources
3. Discounts on products and services
4. Savings and investments
5. Maternity and paternity leave
6. Generous time away
7. Giving programs
8. Opportunities to network and connect