Land Development Metro Lead, France

Overview
The MS datacentre development portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacentre construction and lease projects. The Microsoft Datacentre Land Development team supports the development and delivery of Microsoft's datacentre portfolio from site selection through design, construction and handover to operations. Microsoft is looking for a Land Development Metro Lead, based in France, to have a key role in coordinating across internal teams (e.g. Environment, Engineering and Design, Construction, Government Affairs, Community Engagement etc.) to ensure delivery of operation-ready data centre sites. The Metro Lead will support the development and execution of permitting strategies for the lifecycle delivery of datacentre development and will be a key contributor in the execution of comprehensive permitting programs and to the Microsoft pre-construction program.

Responsibilities
Manage development, permitting, and approvals for projects enabling new data center construction across the EMEA region

Conduct comprehensive assessments during due diligence, design, and construction phases; coordinate with key counterparts to develop permitting and project delivery strategies and minimize risk

Own the land development budget for projects and lead progress through decision stage gates into construction

Negotiate development agreements with real estate developers and support site seller negotiations

Lead stakeholder engagement and represent Microsoft in meetings with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), regulatory agencies, politicians, and other external stakeholders to facilitate data center development

Scope and negotiate local infrastructure improvements with AHJs

Collaborate with partner teams to deliver utility easements and water connections

Prepare and present reports on project progress and potential risks to internal and external audiences

Work with stakeholders to identify innovative solutions for permitting requirements and facilitate timely approvals to avoid delays

Partner with construction and operations teams to handover permits and ensure future compliance

Develop regional market strategies informed by business demand, competitive dynamics, and regulatory landscapes

Negotiate complex real estate transactions, ensuring alignment with Microsoft's financial, legal, and operational requirements

Manage relationships with brokers, landowners, developers, and government authorities to accelerate deal execution

Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, energy, community affairs, legal, finance) to ensure acquired sites advance to development on schedule

Establish and track portfolio-level metrics on deal velocity, pipeline health, and transaction risk

Drive due diligence processes, proactively identifying and mitigating legal, zoning, and entitlement risks

Represent Microsoft in market engagements, industry forums, and with government stakeholders to strengthen Microsoft's position as a trusted, long-term partner

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Substantial experience in real estate or infrastructure project development
• Proven ability to deliver zoning, permits, planning, and other development approvals for large-scale or complex construction projects
• Experience managing a portfolio of projects, including deliverables, budgets, and schedules
• Ability to establish and maintain cross-functional, positive relationships with internal and external teams (e.g., environmental consultants, attorneys, contractors, regulatory agencies)

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in relevant local languages
• Experience in community engagement and stakeholder engagement
• Mission-critical design and/or construction experience
• Experience delivering projects in multiple jurisdictions
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or equivalent field

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.

Microsoft 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.

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

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.