Business Manager

Job description

Overview Microsoft is a company where passionate innovators come to collaborate, envision what can be, and take their careers further. This is a world of more possibilities, more innovation, more openness, and limitless thinking in a cloud-enabled world. Microsoft Azure Databases powers mission critical applications and AI driven innovation for customers around the world. Our portfolio includes Azure SQL, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, and other cloud scale data services that help organizations build, modernize, and scale intelligent applications. Our mission is to build the data platform for the age of AI, powering a new generation of data first applications and helping customers unlock the full value of their data. The Azure Databases organization is seeking a Business Manager to help drive business execution across one of Microsoft's most strategic and rapidly growing engineering organizations. As part of the Azure Databases Chief of Staff team, you will partner with leaders across the business to drive operational excellence, organizational effectiveness, and execution against key business priorities. Working across Engineering, Human Resources, Finance, Recruiting, Marketing, and Business Development, you will contribute to a broad range of business, operational, and strategic initiatives spanning workforce planning, business operations, communications, organizational health, customer and partner engagement, and special projects. Depending on business needs, you may partner directly with one or more leaders and their teams, helping navigate complex challenges, drive execution, and deliver business impact. We're a lean team with a broad mandate, requiring curiosity, adaptability, sound judgment, and a willingness to take on new challenges. As a trusted partner, you'll work across all levels of the organization, manage sensitive information with discretion, and help drive both strategic priorities and day-to-day execution. If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy variety, and are energized by making an impact, this role offers the opportunity to gain broad exposure across Azure Databases while helping shape one of Azure's most strategic businesses. Responsibilities Business Operations & Planning -Partner with leaders and stakeholders to drive business planning, operational rhythms, and execution against organizational priorities. -Lead business processes and management routines that improve organizational effectiveness and operational excellence. -Identify business risks, challenges, and opportunities, providing insights and recommendations to support decision-making. -Drive cross-team collaboration and alignment on business priorities and strategic initiatives. Organizational & Resource Management -Drive workforce planning activities, including headcount management, hiring processes, and organizational readiness. -Partner with Finance, Human Resources, and Recruiting on budget planning, resource allocation, and business management processes. -Coordinate planning cycles and organizational changes that enable the business to scale effectively. Leadership Support & Execution -Partner with the Chief of Staff and leadership team to execute strategic initiatives and key business priorities. -Synthesize complex information into actionable insights, recommendations, and plans. -Facilitate organizational planning efforts, build stakeholder alignment, and help leaders navigate ambiguity and competing priorities. -Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when managing sensitive business and organizational matters. Communications & Organizational Engagement -Develop and execute leadership communications, presentations, business reviews, and organizational messaging. -Plan and manage leadership and employee engagement forums, including town halls, staff meetings, manager meetings, and other organizational events. -Support customer, partner, and executive engagements, including coordination of communications, reviews, speaking engagements, and leadership interactions. -Foster strong cross-functional partnerships and alignment around shared goals and priorities. Culture & Organizational Health -Partner with leaders and Human Resources to strengthen organizational health, employee engagement, inclusion, and retention. -Drive Employee Signals action planning and initiatives that promote onboarding, learning, development, recognition, and a positive employee experience. -Lead cross-team programs and process improvements that strengthen culture, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness. Projects & Special Initiatives -Lead and contribute to high-impact, cross-functional projects that support evolving business needs and strategic priorities. -Bring structure and clarity to complex challenges, driving successful execution across diverse stakeholder groups. -Demonstrate agility and a growth mindset while taking on new opportunities as business priorities evolve.​ Qualifications Required/Minimum Qualifications - ​​Bachelor's Degree in relevant field (e.g., Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Management, Computer Science) AND 4+ years’ experience in financial management, business planning, operations management, strategy, project management, human resources, or business-related roles - OR equivalent experience.​ 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/Additional Qualifications ​​• 4+ years of experience in business management or program management, preferably with technology/software engineering teams • Proven effectiveness driving complex multi-stakeholder planning processes, problem solving, leading cross-team pr