Senior Operations Excellence Leader - Global Supply Chain

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.  

Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering a trusted experience to customers and partners worldwide. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the network that powers the world’s largest online services. 

Within CO+I, the Global Supply Chain team is responsible for establishing a supply chain that can meet the ever-growing Microsoft Cloud for our customers. We support a portfolio of complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-billion, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects and operations of those assets. We are looking to fill a critical role of Senior Operations Excellence Leader – Global Supply Chain 

The Senior Operations Excellence Leader – Global Supply Chain will play a pivotal role in driving critical initiatives and continuous improvement across the global supply chain organization. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that enhance operational efficiency, optimize supplier relationships, and ensure the organization meets its performance objectives. The successful candidate will possess cross-functional leadership skills, an ability to drive initiatives to successful completion, and demonstrate executive presence in high-visibility situations. 

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.” 

This role is located either in one or all hub locations - Atlanta, GA, Redmond, WA, San Antonio, TX, Washington DC, or Phoenix, AZ.  

Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidates must ​relocate or reside within 50 miles of the hub office location.  

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure supply chain effectiveness and support strategic decision-making. 

• Design and execute prepositioning strategies to ensure supply chain resilience and readiness for business continuity and growth. 

• Oversee supplier vetting processes, including risk assessments, compliance evaluations, and capability analysis to ensure alignment with organizational standards and objectives. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including Procurement, Logistics, Quality, Finance, and Manufacturing—to ensure alignment on strategic initiatives and operational goals. 

• Serve as a key driver for operational excellence initiatives, identifying and implementing best practices to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall supply chain performance. 

• Facilitate and lead regular reviews and workshops with stakeholders to ensure progress toward initiative milestones and successful closure of projects. 

• Provide executive-level updates, presentations, and recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring clear communication of objectives, progress, and outcomes. 

• Mentor and coach team members on operational excellence methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. 

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to inform supply chain strategies and maintain competitive advantage. 

• Lead the development and execution of end‑to‑end supply chain strategy, ensuring alignment to business priorities, capacity commitments, and long‑term growth objectives.  

• Establish and govern standardized operating models, policies, and decision frameworks to drive consistency, compliance, and risk mitigation across global supply chain operations while enabling regional agility.  

• Drive digital transformation and process simplification by implementing data, analytics, automation, and AI‑enabled tools to improve visibility, decision‑making, speed, and cost efficiency across the supply chain lifecycle.  

• Own supply chain governance forums, metrics, and performance management mechanisms to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across cross‑functional and supplier ecosystems.   

• Partner with technology, finance, engineering, and operations leaders to prioritize and deliver scalable digital solutions that support forecasting, planning, execution, and risk management. 

• Embody our Culture and Values 

• Master's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in end-to-end supply chain processes (e.g., planning, sourcing, logistics, fulfillment) and working across functions to deliver program outcomes
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in end-to-end supply chain processes (e.g., planning, sourcing, logistics, fulfillment) and working across functions to deliver program outcomes
  • OR equivalent 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.

• Master's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years experience in end-to-end supply chain processes (e.g., planning, sourcing, logistics, fulfillment) and working across functions to deliver program outcomes
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field AND 15+ years experience in end-to-end supply chain processes (e.g., planning, sourcing, logistics, fulfillment) and working across functions to deliver program outcomes
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ years people management experience.
• Certification in Six Sigma.
• Experience driving digitization and operational excellence through the implementation of sourcing, procurement, and supply chain systems, enabling scalable, data-driven business processes.