Critical Environment Operations Director

Job ID: 200066191Posted: 2026-11-09Location: United States, Arizona, PhoenixSalary: USD $140,200 - $284,400 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: Fully on-siteRole type: People ManagerTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Data CenterDiscipline: Data Center Operations ManagementCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft’s Cloud Infrastructure and Operations (MCIO) is the engine that powers our cloud services. As a Critical Environment Operations Director, you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's over 200 online businesses including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive and the Microsoft Azure platform. Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 200 datacenters in 32 countries and millions of servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide.With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.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.ResponsibilitiesEmpower a culture of safety, security, and compliance in all aspects of our Datacenter operationsLead a team of Mechanical, Electrical and Control System professionals supporting Microsoft's online services Oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment in our Datacenters Maximize Critical Environment (CE) availability to ensure optimal operational efficiency Reduce high-impact and human-error Critical Environment (CE) incidents year over year Deliver on cost/energy efficiency initiatives Ensure routine reporting to effectively manage and analyze our Power/Temperature/Relative Humidity, and SLA monitoring Establish and enhance strong working relationships and engagement with our Engineering Groups (EGs), and business partnersWork with regional and global peers to share and build best practices across the entire datacenter portfolio QualificationsRequired Qualifications:High School Qualification or equivalent AND 10+ years experience of mission-critical service management (e.g., providing IT services, manufacturing, warehouse, retail, military, or managing physical operations in an IT and/or critical environment infrastructure)OR equivalent experience3+ years people management experience.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.Preferred Qualifications:7+ years enterprise-level experience managing large scale and complex projects/programs AND 7+ years experience in Critical Environment infrastructures (e.g., UPS, Generator, AHU) AND 7+ years experience in physical IT infrastructures (e.g., Servers, SANs, Networking, Capacity, DC Rack/Enclosures, structured cabling) AND Experience managing budget $5M+.Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Math, Telecommunications, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management or related field.7+ years experience leading diverse, technical workforceOR 10+ years experience managing global and virtual teams.Applicable certifications: ASICS/Inventory Control, CompTIA, Microsoft, Network Certifications, CCNA Certifications, ITIL v3 Foundation, Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) Certifications, Leadership Development Certifications, PMP, CDCP.Bachelor’s Degree or Technical College certification in mechanical or electrical engineering and/or services Experience working on large scale CE projects Experience with the operation of IT infrastructure (Servers, SANs, Networking, etc.) Data Center Operations Management M6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $140,200 - $284,400 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $185,600 - $312,000 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: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.