Land Development Metro Lead, France

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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.

Required Qualifications:

• Substantial experience in real estate or infrastructure project development
• Experience delivering zoning, permits, planning and other development approvals for large scale and/or complex construction projects
• Experience managing a portfolio of projects and associated deliverables, budgets and schedules
• Ability to establish and maintain cross-functional and positive working relationships with internal and external teams including environmental consultants, attorneys, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and high standards for quality of deliverables.
• This role requires proficiency in written, reading, and conversational English and French as all business operations as well as customer communications are conducted in both English and French.

While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in relevant local languages
• Community Engagement and Stakeholder engagement experience
• Mission critical design and/or construction experience
• Experience in delivering projects in multiple jurisdictions
• Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, Urban Planning or equivalent area

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.

#COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers

• Manage the development, permitting and approvals process for projects to enable new data centre development and construction throughout the EMEA Region
• Conduct comprehensive assessments throughout due diligence, design and construction and coordinate with key counterparts to develop permitting and project delivery strategies and minimise risk
• Own the land development budget for the projects and lead progress through decision stage gates and into construction
• Negotiate development agreements with real estate developers and support site seller negotiations
• Lead stakeholder engagement and represent Microsoft in key meetings with applicable authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), regulatory agencies, politicians and other external stakeholders to facilitate data centre development
• Scope and negotiate local infrastructure improvements with AHJs
• Work 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 internal and external stakeholders to identify innovative solutions to meet permitting requirements and facilitate timely approvals to resolve potential delays to construction or other activities
• Work with construction and operation teams to hand over permits and facilitate 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.
• Partner with internal teams (engineering, energy, community affairs, legal, finance) to ensure acquired sites can be advanced to development on schedule.
• Establish and track portfolio-level metrics on deal velocity, pipeline health, and transaction risk.
• Drive due diligence processes, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of legal, zoning, and entitlement risks.
• Represent Microsoft in market engagements, industry forums, and with government stakeholders to advance Microsoft’s position as a trusted, long-term partner.