Land Acquisition Manager

Overview

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.

Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers our cloud services. As a CO+I Data Center Campus Director, you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's online services including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Azure platform. As a group, CO+I is focused on the personal and professional development for all employees and offers trainings and growth opportunities including Career Rotation Programs, Diversity & Inclusion trainings and events, and professional certifications.

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 200 Data Centers in 32 countries and millions of servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide.

With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our data center design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end land acquisition across EMEA, including identifying powered land opportunities and securing strategic sites aligned to Microsoft’s cloud growth.
• Develop regional market strategies based on business demand, competitive landscape, and regulatory considerations.
• Drive complex real estate transactions, including negotiations, due diligence, financial approvals, and deal execution.
• Build and manage relationships with brokers, landowners, developers, and government stakeholders to accelerate outcomes and represent Microsoft in the market.
• Partner cross-functionally (engineering, energy, legal, finance, construction) to ensure sites meet technical requirements and transition successfully through development and build phases.
• Oversee portfolio performance and governance, including pipeline tracking, risk management, executive reporting, and leading high-performing acquisition teams.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in real estate acquisitions, land strategy, or large-scale infrastructure development.
• Extensive experience in assessing powered land and energy networks with good working knowledge of utilities and network operators across EMEA
• Experience in project development, zoning and permitting process throughout EMEA.
• Demonstrated success in sourcing and negotiating high-value, complex real estate transactions across multiple jurisdictions.

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.
• Must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a United Kingdom Security Clearance (minimally Developed Vetting [DV])

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

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

• 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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Real Estate Portfolio Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is £ 89,300.00 - £ 133,900.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/united-kingdom-corporate-pay.html

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.