Director Business Planning

Microsoft Microsoft · Big Tech · Redmond, WA +4 · Business Planning

This role is for a Director of Business Planning within Microsoft's Commercial Strategy organization, focusing on pricing, packaging, licensing, channel, and monetization strategies for their commercial portfolio, particularly for Public Sector customers. The role involves developing data-driven business cases, influencing senior stakeholders, driving cross-functional alignment, and shaping go-to-market approaches for modern commerce platforms and partner strategies. It requires strategic thinking, analytical problem-solving, and strong communication skills to influence and execute strategies.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the development and execution of data‑driven business cases and strategies to shape the future go‑to‑market approach for the Public Sector as we transition to Modern Commerce platforms.
  2. Influence senior stakeholders on the evolution of our Public Sector partner strategy, driving increased investment in partners and maximizing their impact with customers.
  3. Develop targeted business cases and analyses to inform investment decisions, product roadmaps, go‑to‑market motions, and customer and partner experiences.
  4. Drive cross‑functional alignment on business vision and priorities, translating strategy into clear, actionable requirements.
  5. Conduct research to gain new perspectives and validate business cases.

Skills

Required

  • 7+ years of product management, strategy consulting, finance, business/corporate development, or related experience

Nice to have

  • 12+ years product management, strategy consulting, finance, business/corporate development, or related experience AND Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Computer Science, Economics, Business, or related field
  • 8+ years product management, strategy consulting, finance, business/corporate development, or related experience AND Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), or related field
  • Experience working with Microsoft commercial licensing and/or hosting programs (e.g., CSP, SPLA) and/or server products (e.g., SQL/WS)
  • Strategic thinking and the ability to understand and connect complex business models.
  • Structured and analytical approach to problem-solving with the ability to utilize data.
  • Track record of engaging with cross-functional stakeholders to gain credibility and partnership quickly.
  • Compelling storytelling skills with executive presence and ability to influence at senior levels.

What the JD emphasized

  • Public Sector
  • Modern Commerce platforms
  • partner strategy
  • investment decisions
  • product roadmaps
  • go-to-market motions
  • customer and partner experiences
  • cross-functional alignment
  • business vision and priorities
  • actionable requirements
  • business cases
  • roadmap and change management planning
  • complex business models
  • structured and analytical approach
  • data
  • cross-functional stakeholders
  • credibility and partnership
  • compelling storytelling skills
  • executive presence
  • influence at senior levels
  • Microsoft commercial licensing
  • hosting programs
  • server products