Director of Business Operations and Business Management

Microsoft Research Americas supports a diverse portfolio of research across North America, bringing together world-class researchers, engineers, and operational teams across Redmond, New England, New York City, and Montreal. Operating at the intersection of research, engineering, and business, our organization enables scientific discovery and technology innovation through strong operational leadership, strategic planning, financial stewardship, and organizational excellence. 

We are seeking a Director of Business Operations and Business Management to drive operational excellence and strategic execution across complex programs. This is a high trust, high visibility role for a leader who can simplify complexity, strengthen execution, and create durable operating mechanisms 

At Microsoft, our mission—to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress—people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what’s next for everyone.

Strategic Planning and Business Leadership: 

• Lead the organization's Rhythm of Business (ROB), including strategic planning, business reviews, leadership team operations, and execution of key priorities.
• Drive accountability through business metrics, scorecards, and performance indicators.
• Synthesize complex information into clear recommendations that support decision-making.
• Represent leadership perspectives across stakeholder groups and facilitate execution across boundaries. 

Operational Excellence and Execution:

• Ensure continuity of day-to-day business operations and support organizational change management efforts.
• Drive operational excellence by improving processes, governance, and execution frameworks. 

Financial planning and resource management: 

• Lead annual planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation processes.
• Provide insights and recommendations on resource tradeoffs, investment opportunities, and business risks.
• Ensure disciplined financial management and stewardship across the organization. 

Business Program Planning and Design: 

• Identifies and scopes opportunities to develop new programs and improve current ones. 
• Drives clarity in complex program issues and strives for simplification. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field (e.g., Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Management, Computer Science) AND 8+ years experience in financial management, business planning, operations management, strategy, project management, human resources, or business-related roles OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience leading or supporting budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, operational finance processes and headcount planning.
• Ability to communicate and influence across diverse audiences.
• Experience in project management, process design, and operational excellence.
• Ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems by applying knowledge and judgment to identify approach and methods.
• Demonstrated impact and influence skills, including cross-boundary collaboration and the ability to build solid relationships with individuals at all levels. 

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