Continuous Improvement Program Manager

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers Microsoft’s core cloud platforms and services that millions of people use every day. With more than 95% of Fortune 500 business on Azure, 180 million using Office 365, and millions using other services – all running on Microsoft's cloud infrastructure – CO+I builds and operates the foundation upon which Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization comes to life.Are you passionate about cloud computing? Do you get excited about taking a hands-on approach to transforming Microsoft’s most critical business through investigation, data analysis, and automation? If so, come and help us build the most reliable & efficient datacenter infrastructure on the planet. The CO+I Critical Environment Hardware and Solutions Engineering (CEHSE) team is responsible for designing and delivering solutions to support global datacenter operations and to improve availability. CEHSE is helping to drive CO+I’s transition to a customer centric, data driven, live service culture.As a Continuous Improvement Program Manager, you will inform, equip, and empower key parties across CO+I to sponsor, drive, and/or participate in continuous improvement initiatives, developing a Lean, continuously improving culture with measurable results. You are responsible for strategic build-out and development of key leaders (Champions and Sponsors) increasing:Driving process improvement to the shop floor with key business deliverables

Developing problem-solving skills of field teams,

Inclusion and diversity to drive innovative solutions and

Adoption and sustainment of proven solutions.

In this role you will interact with stakeholders in multiple teams located all over the world. Listen & learn how they work, what their problems are, and work with the field and global functions to develop better processes and method.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.ResponsibilitiesQuickly learn the Data Center Business strategically and tactically, by meeting with leaders and going to Gemba to speed business knowledge and proactively progress knowledge across the value stream. SME understanding of End-to-End flows

Be the single point of contact for a global process with accountability for getting the work done with a sense of urgency where/when required. Take part in local leadership meetings to identify issues that need addressing. Create deliverables that address root cause.

Define and track the success criteria and performance metrics (e.g., Objectives and Key Results [OKRs] and Key Performance Indicators [KPIs]), such as quality, adoption, usage, impact, effectiveness) for the program.

Develop and execute a strategic and tactical roadmap for Lean transformation based on those deliverables.

Evangelizes complex programs to stakeholders, partners, and customers to gain buy in. Leverages data and performance metrics (e.g., Objectives and Key Results [OKRs] and Key Performance Indicators [KPIs]) to demonstrate the value of the program and show business impact. Adapts communication style and storytelling strategy according to audience and business needs.

Work collaboratively with a high impact global team of Program Managers across the business to support Operational Excellence and execute high impact process improvement. Tracking initiatives, agreeing improvements, creating deliverables, and tracking these to closure.

Develop and deliver effective and impactful training, workshops, coaching, tools, etc. in alignment with the global Continuous Improvement team. Drive formal education & certification plan. Report progress weekly/monthly

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, Industrial Engineering or related field AND 4+ years work experience in program management, process management, process improvement OR equivalent experience.

4+ years of demonstrable experience identifying root cause problems and creating design change request to engineering to improve products/process that have been effectively rolled out and successfully removed issues improving the operation

4+ years of demonstrable experience to pull, transform and represent data using for example, Python, R, Kusto/SQL queries, Azure Dev ops (ADO), Power BI, Tableau, Jira, MySQL, to determine top trends, root causes, key metrics and looking forward drivers

4+ years of hands-on experience to develop full-scale project plans and associated communication documents, including identifying and managing project dependencies and critical paths.

Preferred Qualifications:Masters or equivalent in Industrial Engineering or similar discipline.

Demonstrated ability to effectively lead cross-functional teams - effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment – Influencing without Authority.

Demonstrated ability to partner and liaison between business users and a technical development team.

Self-starter with a high degree of ownership and business acumen.

Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal communication abilities including the ability to coach and mentor all levels of the business on technical topics.

Lean Sigma or Six Sigma certification is highly desirable though not a requirement

The 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.#COICareersMicrosoft 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.