This role pays more than
72%
of similar roles. Most pay
$156,150–$214,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$209k
versus about
$185k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is a global technology leader producing software, hardware, and cloud services including Windows, Office 365, Azure cloud platform, Xbox gaming, and Surface devices. Industry: Software & Cloud Computing
Microsoft currently has
557 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$119,800–$234,700
across 537 roles with salary data.
The Principal Strategic Operations Lead joins the Cyber Defense Operations team to redesign and evolve the operating model in response to AI-accelerated threat landscapes. This role focuses on strategic design rather than day-to-day operations, identifying gaps in the current posture, defining target-state architectures, and building structures to close those gaps. Key responsibilities include driving AI adoption strategy through use-case intake and governance guardrails, advising leadership on organizational integration, and serving as a connective layer across functional leads to ensure synchronized work streams. The role requires expertise in designing cross-org operating models, including RACI, decision rights, and escalation forums. Candidates should possess skills in systems thinking, executive communication, and portfolio management within incident response or cyber defense environments. The position addresses the challenge of aligning defensive operations with machine-speed findings and automated vulnerability discovery.
Identify gaps in the operating posture caused by AI-accelerated threat timelines and define strategic responses.
Design and lead the evolution of the Cyber Defense Operations (CDO) operating model.
Advise CISO leadership on organizational integration, operating model design, and AI adoption strategy.
Build and stand up operating structures for priority projects before transitioning ownership to functional leads.
Drive the AI adoption strategy including use-case intake, prioritization frameworks, and governance guardrails.
Act as a connective layer between functional leads to ensure cross-cutting work streams remain synchronized.
Identify and escalate stalled initiatives by highlighting missed deadlines, shifting goals, or adoption gaps.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of experience in engineering, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development (or equivalent).
3+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
Ability to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check.
Experience designing and operationalizing cross-org operating models, including RACI, decision rights, escalation, and governance forums (preferred).
Proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships and drive structured collaboration frameworks (preferred).
Excellent executive communication skills to synthesize ambiguity into crisp narratives (preferred).
Operational rigor and systems thinking regarding service rhythms and governance patterns (preferred).
Experience in incident response/cyber defense environments or with security governance models (preferred).
Artificial Intelligence
Automation
Video Analytics
Access Control Systems
ISO 27001
SOC 2
SLA
Incident Management
Mass Notification Platforms
Data Logging
Workflow Automation
Cybersecurity
AI
Telemetry
Data Analysis
Compliance
Security Governance
Program Management
Automated Workflows
systems-thinking
Technical Program Management
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Cloud Services
Knowledge Graphs
Distributed Systems
Release Governance
Incident Management
Service Health Reviews
Data Science