Land Acquisition Manager

Job Description

Overview

Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) team is responsible for delivering the global datacenter infrastructure that powers our cloud services. As a Land Acquisition Manager (LAM), you will play a critical role in securing strategically aligned, power‑ready, fiber‑ready land to support the rapid expansion of Microsoft’s datacenter portfolio.You will lead the front end of the deal lifecycle—identifying, validating, negotiating, and closing complex land transactions across key EMEA metros—while orchestrating a cross‑functional set of technical, legal, financial, and development stakeholders.This is a high‑impact role for a resourceful, analytical, and negotiation‑strong real estate professional who thrives in fast‑moving markets and can manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and acquisition of strategic land parcels across EMEA to meet Microsoft’s cloud growth needs.

• 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.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing regional acquisition team, fostering collaboration and operational excellence.

Qualifications

Required Qaulifications:

• Extensive experience in real estate acquisitions, land strategy, or large-scale infrastructure development.

• Demonstrated success in sourcing and negotiating high-value, complex real estate transactions across multiple jurisdictions.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across senior leadership, external partners, and government agencies.

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, law, business, or related 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.

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

• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Advanced degree in real estate, law, business, or related field

• Strong understanding of land use, zoning, permitting, and entitlement processes in EMEA markets.

• Track record of building and managing high-performing, geographically dispersed teams.

• Proven ability to develop and execute regional strategies in alignment with global objectives.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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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.