New

Principal Strategy and Planning Leader

Microsoft
$130,900.00 - $277,200.00 / yr
United States, Texas, Irving
7000 State Highway 161 (Show on map)
May 14, 2026
Overview We are at a defining moment in technology. AI is reshaping howorganizationsoperate-embedding autonomous agents into core workflows and collapsing the time between decision and action. Security models built for a human-paced world cannot govern AI at machine speed, making trust across identity, data, and governance the decisive factor in enterprise AI adoption. Microsoft Security is uniquely positioned to lead this shift, extending our mission to make the world safer by helping customers confidently harness AI while defending against increasingly sophisticated, AI-powered threats. This is not an incremental evolution of security-it is a reinvention for the AI age. As a Principal Strategy and Planning Leader within the Engineering organization, you will drive cross-portfolio initiatives that translate MSEC strategy into execution at scale. You will partner acrossengineering, product, research, and field teams to shape priorities, align dependencies, and accelerate delivery on the initiatives that matter most-helping build the control plane for AI-drivenorganizationsand enabling leadership decision-making with clarity and speed. This roleoperatesat the intersection of strategy, execution, and insight-turning leadership priorities into executable plans, sharp metrics, and AI-powered intelligence that keep the organization on its commitments. Success demands a rare blend of strategic andsystemsthinking, operational rigor, and the executive presence to influence senior leaders in a highly matrixed environment. If you are energized by complex problems at the intersection of AI and security, and driven to shape outcomes that define an industry, this is your opportunity to help build the next generation of enterprise security. Responsibilities Strategy Development & Planning Partner with MSEC Engineering leadership totranslate company and MSEC strategy into executable engineering priorities Leadannual and multi-year strategic planning processes, including investment framing, roadmap alignment, and scenario modeling Developclear strategic narratives, business cases, and tradeoff analysesto inform LT-level decisions Identifyemerging opportunitiesandinfluencestrategic direction Driving Cross-Org Strategic Initiatives Own and driveend-to-end execution of high-impact, cross-division initiatives Align dependencies across product teams, engineering, research, and GTM Establish clearownership models (DRIs), milestones, and success metrics Proactivelyidentifyrisks, unblock execution, and escalate decision points to leadership Ensure initiatives stay focused oncustomer outcomes vs. organizational boundaries Engineering Planning & Execution Rhythm Define and operationalizeplanning cadences(quarterly reviews, engineering reviews, strategy checkpoints) Partner with engineering leaders to ensurealignment across PM, Dev, UX, andCxEin delivering AI-first security solutions Drive clarity onprioritization, tradeoffs, and resource allocation Track progress viaKPIs, OKRs, and operational dashboards Leadership Engagement & Executive Communication Serve as atrusted advisor to Engineering LT and MSEC leadership Createexecutive-ready materials(strategy decks, LT updates, narratives) Facilitate decision-making forums, includingEngineering Reviews and cross-org alignment sessions Represent Engineering strategy incross-company forums (e.g., product, field, and strategy teams) Insights, Analytics & Continuous Improvement Leverage data, customer insights, and competitive intelligence todrive strategic insights Benchmark performance andidentifygaps in execution, quality, or customer impact Improveoperating model, governance, and execution disciplineacross engineering org Core Leadership Attributes Strategic clarity + execution bias(not just planning, but driving outcomes) Systems thinkeracross products, orgs, and dependencies Operator mindset- able to move from ambiguity to structured plans quickly Influence without authorityin complex organizational environments Alignment with Microsoft values: growth mindset, collaboration, accountability Qualifications Required/minimum qualifications 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. Additional or preferred qualifications Master's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 12+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 15+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement OR equivalent experience. 10+ years of experience in strategy, product, engineering, or technical program leadership Proven track record of driving cross-org, complex initiatives at scale Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and cross-functional leaders Demostrated structured thinking, communication, and executive storytelling skills Experience in security, cloud, or AI platforms Background in consulting, strategy, or technical program management at scale Familiarity with Microsoft Security portfolio or enterprise security landscape Experience working in high-growth, transformation-driven environments Business Program Management IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $277,200 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 $165,600 - $303,600 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.