Overview

We are looking to fill the critical role of Metro Procurement Leader

The Metro Procurement Leader provides strategic leadership for procurement, contracting, and supplier relationship management across a portfolio of data center projects, driving commercial value, supply continuity, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. Accountable for complex negotiations, contract execution, supplier performance, compliance, and commercial governance, the role ensures the timely and cost-effective delivery of critical infrastructure while optimizing total cost of ownership. As a trusted partner to engineering, construction, commissioning, cost management, finance, and operations teams, the Metro Procurement Leader aligns stakeholders on business priorities, leads decision on change orders, claims, and escalations, and leverages market intelligence and data-driven insights to strengthen supply chain resilience and enable predictable project outcomes. The role also leads executive supplier engagements and fosters strategic partnerships that drive innovation and continuous improvement, and develops high-performing teams through empowerment, accountability, collaboration, and a culture of delivery excellence.

Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers Microsoft’s core cloud platforms and services that millions of people use every day. With more than 95% of Fortune 500 business on Azure, 180+ million using Office 365, and millions using other services – all running on Microsoft's cloud infrastructure – CO+I builds and operates the foundation upon which Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization comes to life.

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.

This role will be based at our office location in South Africa, Gauteng, Johannesburg.

Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidates must relocate or reside within 50 miles of the office location.

Responsibilities

Compliance

• Drives procurement governance, compliance, supplier audits, and policy adherence while establishing scalable processes that reduce cost, mitigate risk, and ensure consistent execution across regions and functions.

• Owns SLA strategy, negotiation, governance, escalation management, and contingency planning to ensure supplier accountability and business continuity.

• Leads risk identification, policy evolution, and corrective actions with stakeholders and suppliers to strengthen operational resilience and long-term compliance.

People Management

• Builds high-performing teams through coaching, empowerment, accountability, talent development, and role modeling of Microsoft’s culture, values, and leadership principles.

• Procurement and Contracts

• Provides executive leadership on procurement, pricing, contract execution, change order governance, claims management, supplier performance, and safety compliance, while resolving complex commercial escalations and driving process improvements.

Sourcing

• Executes multi-year sourcing strategies across strategic categories, optimizing cost, continuity of supply, supplier performance, innovation, localization, and operational efficiency.

• Leads complex contract and commercial negotiations, drives cost competitiveness, manages strategic supplier partnerships, and delivers scalable sourcing outcomes through cross-functional collaboration.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partners with senior leaders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to align business objectives, lead supplier governance, influence strategic sourcing decisions, and drive consensus on commercial priorities and business outcomes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND Good experience in data science/analytics, finance, project management, supply chain, and/or operation OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND Proven experience in data science/analytics, finance, project management, supply chain, and/or operation OR equivalent experience.

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.

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

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND Proven years experience in data science/analytics, finance, project management, supply chain, and/or operation OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Data Analytics, Business, Finance or related field AND Significant years experience in data science/analytics, finance, project management, supply chain, and/or operation OR equivalent experience..

#COICareers | #EPCCareers | #GSCCareers

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

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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.