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

• Strategic land acquisition: Lead the identification, evaluation, and acquisition of strategic land parcels across EMEA to support Microsoft’s long‑term cloud growth.
• Market & portfolio strategy: Develop regional market strategies based on business demand, competitive conditions, and regulatory environments, while tracking portfolio health and deal velocity metrics.
• Complex deal execution: Negotiate and execute complex real estate transactions, ensuring alignment with Microsoft’s financial, legal, and operational requirements.
• Risk & due diligence management: Drive end‑to‑end due diligence processes, proactively identifying and mitigating zoning, entitlement, legal, and transaction risks.
• Stakeholder & government engagement: Manage relationships with brokers, landowners, developers, and government authorities, representing Microsoft in market engagements and industry forums as a trusted long‑term partner.
• Cross‑functional leadership & team development: Partner with engineering, energy, finance, legal, and community teams to advance sites to development readiness, while building and leading a high‑performing regional acquisition team.

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.

  • 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.

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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.