Business Manager

Team Purpose/Mission
Is to build a world-class sales organization that delivers significant revenue growth for Microsoft and provides the best solutions for our clients.

Reporting Relationship
Business Manager will report directly to the CVP, Global Ad Sales & Strategy

The Business Manager will have a Communications Manager who reports to this position.

Role Purpose
C&O is a growing business and is a strategic component of Microsoft's long-term consumer and online services strategy by marketing to and engaging customers with products, such as Windows, Windows Phone, Windows Live, Bing, and MSN. Global Ad Sales is the engine that drives Microsoft Advertising business and is comprised of Field Sales, Global Accounts, Global Agencies, Search Marketplace and Trade Marketing.

The Business Manager plays a leadership role in the planning and execution of the key strategies and big bets for MSFT advertising and interacts regularly with the US and international field organization. In addition, this role will have responsibility for the internal and external communications for the CVP. This is an exciting opportunity that provides senior management interaction and a chance to impact & shape our business.

The role requires someone who is a strategic thinker, has excellent analytical abilities, possesses a client centric approach and style, has strong initiative, demonstrates loyalty and trustworthiness and is looking to be a close business partner to the leader of the Global Ad Sales business.

Key Responsibilities include:
Contribute to development and execution of Global Ad Sales business strategies - Partner closely with the individuals responsible for WW strategy / MYR planning process, helping to coordinate the processes and agendas and driving execution. Be “thinking partner” to CVP on Global Ad Sales directional strategies and plans.
Responsible for internal and external communications for the CVP - Work closely with the Communications Manager to build the appropriate rhythm and content for internal communications across C&O and MS while also scoping and coordinating with PR and key event owners on the messages and presentations for external customer and partner meetings (including EBCs). Prepare and follow up on internal communication plan for CVP which includes written and oral communication: all hands events, team or product launch announcements, specific team celebrations, regular internal emails, etc.
Facilitate C&O leadership staff meeting - Partner with the COO to define agenda, prepare presenters, and track all decisions and actions taken by the leadership team.
Act and work independently on specific, assigned ad-hoc projects as needed to meet the changing business environment.
Partner with HR to develop and execute on CVP LEI action plan
Represent and be proxy for CVP in key meetings as needed
Drive high quality execution against business plans and collaborate with cross-divisional business owners on issue management and problem resolution
Shadow CVP on certain trips and events - On these trips, you often own the agenda and the pre and post interaction with the field teams and local leaders to ensure successful outcomes.
Attend client meetings and outings on occasion and ensure proper follow-ups take place
Participate in the business manager community within SMSG and MS International

Key Competencies
Strong strategic thinker and conceptualizer
Demonstrated track record of exceeding established goals on a consistent basis
Organization agility/savvy and ability to work across org'l boundaries to build alignment and drive closure on issues
Ability to deal with ambiguity and navigate through uncertain situations to drive for clarity
Excellent program management skills
Analytical strength
Client focus and enjoys meeting with clients
Ability to impact and Influence at all levels of the organization, including at the senior leadership/executive levels
Strong business acumen and learning agility to ramp up quickly on C&O business
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; skilled in translating ideas into clear, high impact communications
High personal accountability for self and others
Personal maturity and role models Microsoft values

Education / Experiences Required
Bachelor's Degree a requirement; Masters a plus
Minimum of 10+ years of prior experience in technology, consumer and/or media/advtg industries required
The ideal candidate is a seasoned business professional with multi-disciplinary experience and aspiration/potential to grow as a broad business leader
Proven experience successfully operating in a global, highly matrixed environment required
Prior experience in developing business strategies
Experience leading complex organizational change
40% travel required