Principal Program Manager - Server Ecosystem and Customer Engagements

Description

Overview

The Windows Ecosystem & Customer Engagement organization is seeking a Principal Program Manager to lead ecosystem strategy and programs for Windows Server. As a member of the Server Ecosystem and Customer Engagements leadership team, this role will help define the ecosystem strategy for future Windows Server releases, including platform certification, security, storage, and virtualization requirements. This strategy will guide how we engage with OEM and silicon partners to deliver ecosystem readiness.This role sits at the intersection of Windows Server engineering, the global server hardware partner ecosystem, and strategic customers. It requires a experienced program leader who can shape organizational direction, transform partner engagement models, drive feature adoption at scale, and influence engineering teams, product groups, and external partners to deliver the best experiences for Windows Server customers, including emerging scenarios such as AI and inference infrastructure.This person will shape and execute the server ecosystem enablement strategy, drive platform and ecosystem transformation, and create scalable motions that connect engineering teams with the partner ecosystem to deliver outstanding Windows Server experiences.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

Strategic Direction and Execution

• Execute and evolve the strategy for Windows Server ecosystem readiness and partner enablement across OEM and silicon partners.
• Identify ecosystem trends, gaps, and opportunities to expand Windows Server adoption and partner success.
• Drive strategic alignment between the Windows Server engineering roadmap and partner ecosystem requirements.

Partner Engagement and Enablement

• Lead Voice of Partner feedback loops that connect ecosystem signals to product decisions.
• Build business cases for feature adoption and engage partners and customers in validation and readiness programs for existing and emerging Windows Server scenarios.
• Drive partner and customer readiness for major releases.

Platform and Service Ownership

• Own and manage key server programs that improve the quality and reliability of partner solutions and deliver strong Windows Server customer experiences.
• Establish data-driven approaches to measuring partner engagement, ecosystem health, and service reliability.
• Drive operational rigor through OKR frameworks and regular business reviews.

Cross-Organizational Influence

• Represent the server ecosystem in leadership reviews and organizational forums.
• Collaborate across Windows Server engineering, Azure, and partner teams to align on readiness criteria and feature priorities.
• Build scalable systems and processes that continue producing results without constant oversight.
• Influence product decisions through ecosystem evidence, partner feedback, and market signals

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field AND 8+ years of experience in a relevant technical domain, such as cloud services or security, technical sales, marketing, product management, customer support, or cross-group or cross-functional engineering;OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements

The ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements is required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screening:

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field AND 12+ years of experience in a relevant technical domain, such as cloud services or security, technical sales, marketing, product management, customer support, or cross-group or cross-functional engineering;OR equivalent experience.
• Experience working with ecosystem partners across silicon, devices, servers, or related enterprise technology ecosystems.
• Experience driving cross-organizational programs spanning engineering teams and external partners at scale.
• Track record of building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders at major technology companies.
• Deep understanding of the Windows Server ecosystem, server hardware lifecycle, and OEM business models.
• Experience with server and datacenter technologies, including areas such as virtualization, security and compliance, AI or inference infrastructure, CXL, and PCIe.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical and business topics clearly and effectively with senior leaders and external partners.
• Proven ability to scale impact through durable systems, mechanisms, and processes.
• MBA or MS in a technical or business discipline.

#W+DJOBS

Partner Enablement Program Mgmt IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

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.