Principal, AI Strategy & Operations Program Manager

Overview

Microsoft AI's (MAI) mission is to use AI responsibly to make everyone more informed, capable, and supported. MAI is responsible for Microsoft's consumer propositions including Copilot, Bing, MSN, Microsoft Advertising, and Edge, and also develops proprietary foundational AI models through the MAI Superintelligence Team. MAI works closely with teams across Microsoft and across the full AI stack to deliver on Microsoft's AI ambitions.

We are expanding the Business and Strategy team, within the Office of the CEO of MAI, to run decision cadence and operations for MAI's model development, align cross functional execution, and deliver leadership ready strategic insights.

The candidate should have a proven track record and strong skills in strategy, business operations, and internal stakeholder management. They should be comfortable running reviews and driving accountability, as well as synthesizing market and competitive intelligence into clear recommendations. They should also be passionate and knowledgeable about AI models and recent breakthroughs and have a strong understanding of the pipeline of training LLMs at a high level.

As a Principal, AI Strategy and Operations Program Manager, you will serve as a high leverage, important contributor to the broader strategic and operational needs of MAI. This role includes organizing high impact decision forums, coordinating cross functional execution of model development programs, and translating insights into recommendation memos for leadership, while helping to shape MAI's overarching strategy and align resources and governance across teams.

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.

Starting January 26, 2026, MAI employees are expected to work from a designated Microsoft office at least four days a week if they live within 50 miles (U.S.) or 25 miles (non-U.S., country-specific) of that location. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Gather competitive and market intelligence on other AI labs and approaches, synthesize insights into succinct briefs, and translate them into recommendation memos for leadership.
• Drive decision cadence and governance organizing and facilitating high-impact forums (e.g., model strategy reviews, councils, and executive decision reviews), and ensuring follow-through and accountability, Ensure high-quality decision materials by curating pre-reads, pressure-testing narratives, and managing stakeholder feedback loops so presentations and artifacts are evidence-based, crisp, and board-ready.
• Coordinate cross-functional execution of key priorities, partnering with teams to remove blockers, escalate risks, and keep initiatives on schedule.
• Build and steward relationships across internal teams and external partners, representing MAI's model development priorities in cross-Microsoft forums and helping align strategy, resources, and governance.
• Embody our Culture and Values.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Business Administration or related field AND 3+ years consulting, investment banking, and/or program management experience
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Liberal Arts, Computer Science, or related field AND 4+ years consulting, investment banking, and/or program management experience
  • OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Business Administration or related field AND 6+ years consulting, investment banking, and/or program management experience
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Liberal Arts, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years consulting, investment banking, and/or program management experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ year(s) experience working in investment banking or a consultancy firm in the capacity of an Associate, Analyst, Consultant or equivalent, or otherwise as a Program Manager.
• 3+ years' experience in Strategy, Management Consulting, and/or Finance.

Business Strategy IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 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 - $272,300 per year.

Business Strategy IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $106,400 - $203,600 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 $137,600 - $222,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
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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.