Chief of Staff: Microsoft Mobile & X-Device Experiences (MMX)
We are Microsoft’s mobile and cross-device experiences team helping our users stay focused on what really matters to them, across their whole life, by creating software experiences designed to meet their unique needs on all the devices they love. We ship innovative, industry-leading experiences on both phones and PCs, infused with advanced machine learning and AI. Our vision is big enough to change how our users will experience their favorite Microsoft services in the future.
We are seeking a Chief of Staff to be part of and support the MMX Leadership team, reporting to the Corporate Vice President (CVP) of MMX.
The Chief of Staff is a critical role that works closely with the CVP and Leadership Team (LT) in driving LT operations, internal communications, and organizational health. This position is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of the LT operating rhythm, including setting up and driving key processes to get work done. The Chief of Staff will provide insight and advice to the LT around operational excellence, resource, and fiscal planning, and participate in overall group strategy decisions. The Chief of Staff for MMX will also be involved in working with the CVP and the LT as a trusted advisor to identify and develop strategies and content to be used for fiscal year planning, team sharing, and executive reviews.
This role is geared especially as an opportunity for those with skills in understanding the business aspects of a growing organization and someone who can provide perspective on strategy, product & engineering with a view to help the organization scale & succeed. Curiosity and ability to learn and engage with key people outside of MMX to ensure alignment is expected.
Responsibilities
Leadership Effectiveness
As the LT leads the business through transformational strategy moves and significant growth, the Chief of Staff will own & support the LT & extended LT processes and agendas, including follow through and related communications to enable successful leadership of the organization. Participate as a valued LT member and offer synthesized business perspectives relevant to influencing key strategic decisions. Maximize the effectiveness of the CVP by helping her balance priorities, communicate effectively, participate in the most relevant meetings, and connect with the team.
Team Development & Culture
Help make the team a great place to work. In partnership with HR and the LT, shape and drive the people agenda and lead team health initiatives. Orchestrate team trainings and brownbag series to contribute to ongoing development. Define independently, plan and drive cross-team process improvements (e.g., team recognition, learning, customer connection to name a few). A large portion of the MMX team is in China, India & London – helping bring these geo-dispersed teams under one umbrella and creating a culture that is inclusive of all these teams.
Communications
Plan and execute CVP communications strategy and vehicles that support organizational strategic missions. Drive internal communications for team meetings and other internal communications at major milestones. Independently plan and manage team meetings including All Hands, staff meetings and manager meetings. In partnership with PR, manage the CVP’s external communications for customer/partner engagements, speaking engagements to ensure successful and impactful use of CVP’s time.
Product Planning and Special Projects
Work with the CVP and the LT to develop and implement different aspects of product planning. For example, the Chief of Staff will be responsible to identify product needs across MMX and work with CVP to develop what type of product reviews or documents are needed and develop a shared point of view. Then the Chief of Staff would be expected to work with team leaders and participate in content creation. Other special projects include helping to establish and execute the OKR process across the organization and participating in product planning for each fiscal year, as well as assist the CVP in driving of external partnerships like Samsung across E+D. Work effectively across the network of other Chiefs of Staff and bring insights back to our team so we can be better aligned with other organizations in Microsoft.
Business Integration
Drive strategic initiatives and provide thought leadership. Identify issues that impede business group success and provide solutions/recommendations. Identify opportunities to create cross group collaboration and synergies. Partner with HR to orchestrate team design conversations and facilitate successful implementation of organizational plans. Demonstrate discretion and professionalism when working with leadership team on sensitive business and organizational issues, manage ambiguity and propose workable solutions to challenging problems.
Business Planning
Partner with the LT to manage the planning process ensuring coordination with corporate planning processes as well as planning integration across the broader org. Work with cross-division and cross-company/team counterparts to manage team participation as needed for key business events, next fiscal year planning, running business reviews, OKR Reviews, QBR and other strategic business planning activities.
Business Process
Lead and coordinate the organization rhythm of the business (ROB) and improve processes to run the business efficiently as the organization scales. Partner with finance and procurement to ensure effective budget management, headcount management and forecasting. Ensure impacts of financial decisions are smoothly executed within the organization. Partner with staffing team to meet hiring requirements and elevate staffing conversations with the LT.
Qualifications
7+ years of product experience in a product affiliated role (engineering, marketing, sales, PR or similar). Strong preference of experience in the communications space.
Demonstrated history of product expertise with a proven ability to influence and inspire technical peers.
Effective at driving complex multi-stakeholder processes and cross-team programs to desired results while managing risk.
Demonstrated strong capability in verbal and written communications skills for a geographically dispersed audience.
Ability to create effective relationships, influence and collaborate internally and externally at all organizational levels.
Detail-oriented with analytical problem-solving skills.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form at https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/accommodationrequest .
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