About the role
Customer Lifecycle Operations (CLO) is part of Microsoft Business Operations and is responsible for the design, delivery, and optimisation of global outsourced digital sales and customer engagement programmes. CLO manages a large-scale ecosystem of vendor partners to drive customer acquisition, retention, and revenue growth across Microsoft’s commercial businesses.
The Business Program Manager, Customer Lifecycle Operations is a strategic and operational leader responsible for managing end-to-end programme delivery across a portfolio of global vendor-led programmes spanning Vendor Digital Sales (VDS), Digital Customer Acquisition (DCA), Solutions, and Renewals.
This role requires a combination of AI-enabled program leadership, continuous improvement mindset, commercial acumen, and vendor management expertise, with the ability to operate effectively in complex, global, and highly matrixed environments.
Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Execution
- Support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of complex global programmes across multiple CLO motions
- Own end-to-end programme delivery, including scope, timelines, governance, risk management, and execution
- Drive Rhythm of Business (ROB), ensuring alignment, accountability, and delivery against objectives
- Define and manage success criteria, including KPIs, SLAs, OKRs, and programme performance metrics
AI/CI Transformation
- Continuously re-invent workflows by eliminating waste and simplifying processes before automation
- Integrate AI, automation, and Copilot capabilities into programme delivery to improve efficiency and outcomes
- Proactively identify and implement opportunities to automate workflows, enhance reporting, and drive data-led insights
- Champion adoption of AI-enabled tools across internal teams and vendor partners
- Contribute to the evolution of AI-first, digitally enabled sales and operations models
Commercial & Sales Impact
- Align programme execution with Microsoft’s commercial priorities, including pipeline generation, revenue growth, and customer retention
- Partner with Sales, Customer Success, and Solution teams to deliver measurable business outcomes
- Monitor and optimise sales performance indicators, including pipeline health, conversion, and renewal metrics
- Translate business strategy into executable vendor-led sales motions
Vendor & Partner Management
- Manage an ecosystem of outsourced vendors, ensuring delivery of contracted outcomes and compliance with Microsoft standards
- Establish and lead vendor performance management processes, including scorecards, reviews, and audits
- Drive continuous improvement through benchmarking, insights, and performance analytics
- Manage vendor capacity, cost, and capability alignment with programme requirements
Data & Insights
- Leverage data, analytics, and dashboards to evaluate programme performance and inform decision-making
- Conduct cost-benefit and ROI analysis to drive optimisation and value realisation
- Translate complex data into actionable insights and executive-level narratives
- Identify risks and improvement opportunities through data-led analysis
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate across a global network of stakeholders, including Sales, Finance, Engineering, and Operations
- Influence and align stakeholders in a matrixed environment to drive outcomes and adoption
- Lead change management initiatives to ensure successful implementation of new programmes and capabilities
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders, providing clarity and context in complex environments
- Develop and maintain relationships with Microsoft stakeholders and global tele vendors, ensuring alignment with Microsoft's goals and objectives.
- Ensure that supplier (global vendor) performance consistently meets and exceeds the expectations of our stakeholders. The role demands significant executive stakeholder engagement and adept stakeholder management within a matrix organization.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 4+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement
- OR equivalent experience.
- Master's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 6+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 8+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement
- OR equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated experience in programme management, operations, or a related discipline
- Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programmes in a global environment
- Experience in sales, sales operations, or commercial programme management
- Experience managing outsourced vendors, partners, or supplier ecosystems
- Ability to design, measure, and optimise workflows using structured CI frameworks
- Experience applying AI, automation, or advanced analytics to business processes
- Experience in technology, cloud, or digital sales environments
- Advanced degree (for example, MBA)
AI/CI Fluency
- Ability to streamline processes and eliminate redundancy
- Ability to apply AI tools and automation to improve programme delivery and efficiency
- Curiosity and continuous learning mindset in emerging technologies and digital transformation
Commercial Acumen
- Understanding of sales drivers, customer lifecycle, and revenue-based performance metrics
- Ability to connect programme execution to measurable business outcomes
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Proven experience in managing vendor performance, governance, and relationships
- Ability to influence without authority across internal and external stakeholders
Core Program Management Capabilities
- Problem solving and troubleshooting: ability to work through ambiguity and deliver structured solutions
- Analytical thinking: data-driven approach to decision making and performance management
- Communication and storytelling: clear, concise communication tailored to varied audiences
- Agility and adaptability: ability to respond effectively in fast-paced, changing environments
- Cross-functional collaboration: builds partnerships across teams.
Business Program Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $97,600.00 - $188,400.00 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 $125,000.00 - $206,400.00 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.
Aplyr's read
Microsoft is a technology giant shaping global computing, attracting talent interested in innovation and impact across software, cloud, and AI sectors.
What's promising
- •Strong commitment to innovation in AI and cloud computing.
- •Diverse range of roles from technical to managerial, offering career growth.
- •Financially stable with a robust global presence and market influence.
What to watch
- •Complex organizational structure can slow decision-making processes.
- •High competition for roles may limit entry-level opportunities.
- •Potential for work-life balance challenges in high-demand positions.
Why Microsoft
- •Pioneer in personal and business computing with a legacy of innovation.
- •Extensive global reach with a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.
- •Leader in integrating AI into mainstream software and cloud services.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About Microsoft
Microsoft is a global technology company that develops, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products, services, and devices. Known for its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, Microsoft has a significant impact on personal and business computing worldwide.
- Founded
- 1975
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