Program Manager, Global Security Access Management (GSAM)
Operations
Redmond, WA, USA
USD 97,600-188,400 / year
At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. In support of that mission, The Program Manager for Global Security Access Management (GSAM) is responsible for leading Microsoft's worldwide physical access management program, ensuring secure, compliant, and seamless access to facilities, assets, and critical environments for employees, contractors, vendors, and business partners. This role owns the end-to-end strategy, governance framework, and operational delivery model for enterprise access management, balancing life-safety requirements, business enablement, regulatory compliance, and security risk mitigation across Microsoft's global footprint. The position serves as the central authority for access governance, entitlement management, provisioning standards, audit readiness, policy adherence, and service performance while partnering closely with Global Security Operations, Security Engineering, Real Estate & Facilities, Microsoft Digital, Privacy, Compliance, Procurement, and regional security teams worldwide.
This leader drives the modernization of Microsoft's physical access ecosystem by advancing enterprise access control technologies, mobile credential capabilities, automation, analytics, and integrations that support Microsoft's Zero Trust strategy and Secure Future initiatives. The role oversees platform lifecycle management, including access control systems such as Lenel, identity integrations, process automation, data reporting, and continuous improvement efforts to improve reliability, scalability, and user experience. The Program Manager is accountable for operational excellence through SLA-based service delivery, escalation and incident management, supplier performance, change governance, and the execution of strategic programs designed to reduce risk, improve resiliency, and enhance the employee experience while maintaining a strong security posture.
Success in this role requires a combination of strategic thinking, technical aptitude, operational discipline, and strong stakeholder leadership. The Program Manager will provide dedicated ownership for a mission-critical global service, leveraging data-driven decision making, governance rigor, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure Microsoft maintains a modern, secure, and highly reliable physical access environment. This individual will influence security strategy, manage vendor and budget performance, lead global initiatives, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on access management risks, opportunities, and future capabilities that support Microsoft's evolving workplace and security landscape
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Program Leadership: Define and execute GSAM strategy, roadmap, and service delivery model; establish ROB, metrics, and goals.
- Access Governance: Oversee enterprise provisioning, access level governance, entitlement reviews, and adherence to policy/regulatory requirements.
- Platform Modernization: Lead upgrades and innovation in access control platforms (e.g., Lenel), including mobile credentials and integrations with ZTN and identity systems.
- Operational Excellence: Run SLA‑backed service channels, manage escalations/major incidents, drive signal reduction and continuous improvement.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with Global Security operations (VSOC/SecOps/EPU), GWS/Real Estate, MS Digital, Privacy/Compliance, Procurement, and regional teams.
- Risk, Privacy & Compliance: Ensure SDL/DSR/Privacy/Accessibility/Responsible AI reviews for GSAM solutions; maintain audit‑ready evidence.
- Vendor & Budget Management: Oversee suppliers, contracts, license posture, and annual/quarterly budgets; drive best‑value sourcing and performance.
- Data & Insights: Use telemetry and Power Platform/Azure analytics to monitor service health, identify risks, and inform decisions.
Supplier Governance and Contract Management
- Serve as Microsoft's primary operational relationship manager for GSAM service provider partners.
- Establish and maintain governance frameworks that drive accountability, transparency, service quality, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct recurring reviews, quality assessments, and performance evaluations with supplier leadership teams.
- Identify risks, compliance concerns, performance deficiencies, and service delivery challenges; develop and monitor remediation plans through completion.
- Partner with Procurement, Global Security leadership, Legal, and business stakeholders to support contract management and performance requirements.
- Drive supplier alignment with Microsoft policies, operational procedures, service expectations, and strategic objectives.
Process Improvement and Operational Excellence
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational quality, customer experience, response effectiveness, and resource utilization.
- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and automate repetitive operational processes.
- Lead cross-functional projects supporting modernization of GSAM capabilities, operational procedures, and service delivery models.
- Develop, implement, and maintain operational standards, playbooks, procedures, and governance documentation.
- Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, innovation, and continuous learning.
Security Technology and Systems Management
- Support the lifecycle management, testing, deployment, adoption, and optimization of security technologies supporting GSAM operations.
- Drive adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics solutions that improve operational effectiveness and situational awareness.
- Evaluate and advance the use of artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging security technologies to enhance situational awareness, improve operational effectiveness, create efficiencies, and strengthen Global Security capabilities.
- Continuously research, assess, and champion innovative technologies and AI-enabled solutions, identifying opportunities to optimize workflows, reduce manual effort, improve decision-making, and support the evolving mission of Microsoft Global Security.
Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnership
- Develop trusted partnerships across Global Security, Workplace Services, Security Engineering, and other business functions.
- Communicate risks, trends, opportunities, and recommendations to leadership audiences.
- Represent the GSAM organization in cross-functional working groups, strategic initiatives, and enterprise projects.
- Serve as a trusted advisor on security operations, access control capabilities, operational readiness, and service delivery strategies.
- Foster collaboration between regional and global operational stakeholders to improve consistency, effectiveness, and enterprise-wide security outcomes.
Professional Development
- Maintain awareness of emerging threats, industry best practices, and evolving security operations technologies.
- Share knowledge, lessons learned, and operational expertise across the Global Security organization.
- Participate in professional development opportunities that strengthen leadership, operational, technology, and crisis management capabilities.
- Serve as a thought leader and trusted business partner within Microsoft Global Security.
Other
- Embody Microsoft's culture and values.
- Respond to significant incidents and emergency situations outside normal business hours as required.
- Travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required / Minimum Qualifications
- 4+ years experience in security program or program management or related field
- OR equivalent experience.
Other Requirements:
Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This position requires verification of citizenship due to citizenship-based legal restrictions. Specifically, this position supports United States federal, state, and/or local government agency customers and is subject to certain citizenship-based restrictions where required or permitted by applicable law. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate’s citizenship will be verified with a valid passport.
Additional or Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Risks, or related field AND 8+ years experience in security program or program management OR equivalent experience.Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or equivalent Protection certification OR Physical Security Professional (PSP) OR equivalent Physical Security Certification
- 10+ years in physical security systems, identity/access management, or enterprise program management.
- Hands‑on experience with enterprise access control platforms (Lenel or equivalent) and access governance processes.
- Proven track record leading cross‑functional, global stakeholder programs with measurable outcomes.
- Working knowledge of privacy, compliance, and security standards applicable to access management.
- Proficient communication, executive presentation, and vendor/supplier management skills.
- Experience utilizing operational metrics, service level agreements, and performance reporting to drive continuous improvement.
- Experience leading complex cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Experience communicating effectively with executive leadership, external partners, and business stakeholders.
- Familiarity with Zero Trust principles, mobile credentialing, and cloud‑hosted security architecture.
- Experience with Microsoft technologies (Power Platform, Azure services, ADO) for automation and reporting.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., PSP, PMP, CPP, CISSP, or equivalent experience).
- Experience managing outsourced service providers and strategic vendor relationships.
- Experience utilizing Power BI, Power Platform, Microsoft 365, Copilot, and data analytics tools to improve operational outcomes.
- Demonstrated experience leading technology modernization and operational transformation initiatives.
Security IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $97,600 - $188,400 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 $125,000 - $206,400 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
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.