Job Description Summary

The Software Asset Manager – Strategic & Business Unit Lead is responsible for the strategy, governance, and execution of the Software Asset Management (SAM) program. This role leads the management of strategic and complex software suppliers and renewals, ensures alignment with ITIL 4 practices, supports CMMI-based process maturity, and directly performs operational SAM activities. The position partners with executives and senior stakeholders to manage risk, optimize software cost, and drive value from software investments.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

In this role, you will:

SAM Strategy, Governance, and Program Leadership

• Contribute to the definition of the Software Asset Management strategy, roadmap, and operating model aligned to ITIL 4 and CMMI maturity goals.
• Collaborate and/or Lead in the establishment and maintenance of SAM policies, standards, and controls for software acquisition, deployment, usage, and retirement.
• Act as process owner for SAM, ensuring processes are documented, measurable, and continuously improved.

Strategic Supplier & Complex Agreement Ownership

• Serve as primary owner for strategic and complex software suppliers and agreements, including global platforms and high-risk/high-spend vendors.
• Lead renewal strategies, true-ups, and optimization planning for these strategic vendors, partnering with Procurement, Legal, and Finance.
• Provide licensing and commercial guidance for strategic vendors, including input into negotiation strategies and contract terms.

Operational SAM Execution (Strategic Portfolios)

• Perform hands-on SAM activities for assigned strategic portfolios, including entitlement and deployment reconciliation, license allocation, optimization, and remediation actions.
• Support the end-to-end lifecycle (request, approval, deployment, change, retirement) for designated strategic software portfolios in alignment with ITIL 4 practices.
• Ensure accurate and complete software inventory and license records for strategic vendors across SAM tools, CMDB, and financial systems.

Risk Management, Compliance, and Audit Readiness

• Ensure compliance with license terms, contracts, and internal policies across strategic portfolios.
• Lead preparation and response for internal and external software audits for strategic vendors.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate software compliance risks, support risk acceptance decisions with senior leadership.

Executive & Senior Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with executives and senior leaders in IT, Finance, and business functions to communicate SAM risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations.
• Prepare and present executive-level reports and dashboards on SAM performance, cost savings/avoidance, and maturity progress.
• Represent SAM in governance forums, portfolio reviews, and major transformation initiatives.

Process Maturity and Continuous Improvement

• Lead CMMI-aligned SAM maturity initiatives, including process assessments, standardization, and measurement.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for SAM (e.g., compliance rate, cost optimization, audit findings, process adherence).
• Partner with the LPB Software Asset Manager and other team members to identify, prioritize, and implement process and tool improvements.

Team Leadership and Coaching

• Provide direction, guidance, and mentoring to the LPB Software Asset Manager and SAM analysts.
• Review and approve work products and recommendations related to non-strategic agreements and operational improvements.
• Promote a culture of compliance, data quality, continuous improvement, and customer focus.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university or college with minimum of 6 years of professional experience OR associate’s degree with minimum of 9 years of professional experience OR High School Diploma with minimum of 11 years of professional experience
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Software Asset Management with experience and knowledge of an industry tool such as Service Now, Flexera, USU(Aspera) etc.
• Experience leading or significantly contributing to software audits, renewals, and/or true ups.
• Previous ITIL practices and experience operating in a structured process environment.
• Strong analytical skills with experience reconciling complex datasets (entitlements, installations, usage) and deriving insights.
• Significant experience and skills utilizing data analytic tools such as Power BI, ServiceNow Reporting, Tableau, and advanced MS Excel.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex licensing topics into clear business language.
• Note: Military experience is equivalent to professional experience
• Eligibility Requirement:

  -Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job.

Desired Characteristics:

• ITIL 4 Foundation or higher certification.
• Experience working in or with CMMI-based process environments or other formal maturity frameworks.
• Professional certification in SAM/ITAM (e.g., CSAM, CHAMP, ITAM-specific certifications).
• Experience in a large, global, and/or regulated enterprise environment.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives, managing ambiguity, and driving results.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and accountability for compliance and data quality.