At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, with Azure serving as the physical platform that underpins this mission. Azure Fiber is a pivotal component of Azure, dedicated to the design, buildout, and operations of the Global Optical Network. This network is the lifeline of connectivity, enabling seamless interaction with Azure and services likoutsoure Teams, Xbox, Office, Bing, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT across the globe. With a focus on Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and cable, Azure Fiber is preparing for exponential growth driven by continued Cloud success and new Artificial Intelligence (AI) demands, ensuring that every Microsoft customer can rely on our infrastructure for high-quality, secure, and reliable connectivity to all Microsoft services.

The General Manager (GM) of Cloud Network Engineering for Azure Fiber will lead our ambitious efforts to expand the Hollow Core Fiber manufacturing and optical cable production and integrate this innovative fiber into the Azure global optical network. This role is critical in supporting Azure's mission, ensuring we have the highest performing physical layer, and we can meet the rapidly growing demand for Microsoft's services worldwide. By managing manufacturing partnerships across multiple countries and fostering strategic collaboration with the telecom industry, the GM will drive Azure Fiber's vision forward, maintaining our status as the highest performing backbone network on the planet. This position, based in Romsey, UK, and reporting directly to Azure Fiber leadership, offers a unique opportunity to impact the future of global cloud and AI infrastructure.

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 Leadership and Vision: Drive the strategic vision for Azure Fiber, particularly focusing on Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) and optical cable, to ensure Azure's infrastructure can scale to meet the exponential growth in demand.

• Global Manufacturing: Manage and direct the expansion of manufacturing for Hollow Core Fiber and optical cables across international locations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and scalability.

• Strategic Negotiations and Partnerships: Engage in high-level negotiations and cultivate strategic partnerships essential for advancing Azure Fiber's capabilities. This includes liaising with suppliers, contractors, and partners to secure the best terms and foster innovations in fiber and cable technologies.

• Research and Production Balance: Maintain a strategic balance between ongoing research in fiber technologies and the practical needs of production to ensure Azure Fiber remains at the cutting edge of optical network technology.

• Cultural and Team Leadership: Build and maintain a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture within Azure Fiber Romsey, and foster cross team collaboration across UK, USA, and India. Encourage collaboration, innovation, and excellence, ensuring alignment with Microsoft's overall mission.

• Results-Oriented: Communicates business priorities, ensures clear expectations, and takes ownership of site performance, setting and achieving targets while holding the team accountable.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

• Technical experience specializing in fiber optic hardware design, development, or manufacturing with a focus on volume scale up

• A deep understanding of the global telecommunications industry and technological trends

Other 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

• Relentless drive for excellence by providing recognition and feedback daily while making team members feel included and valued.

• Experience in volume manufacturing, with a proven track record of success in leading manufacturing operations across multiple countries.

• Exceptional negotiation skills and experience in establishing strategic partnerships.

• Ability to balance research initiatives with production demands to stay ahead in the industry.

• Willingness to be based in Romsey, UK, and travel internationally as required.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

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