Senior Software Asset Management Specialist

Position Overview

The Senior Software Asset Management Specialist is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the organization’s software assets, with a primary focus on Microsoft products but also including other major software publishers. This role ensures compliance, cost-effectiveness, and strategic management of software licenses and assets across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Microsoft Software Asset Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Microsoft software licensing, renewals, and compliance matters.
• Manage Microsoft agreements (e.g., Enterprise Agreements, CSP, Open Value), ensuring optimal contract terms and usage.
• Monitor and report on Microsoft license deployment, usage, and entitlements.
• Coordinate with IT and procurement to track Microsoft software installations, updates, and decommissioning.

Other Software Publishers:

• Administer licenses, contracts, and compliance for other key software publishers (e.g., Adobe, Oracle, VMware, Autodesk).
• Stay informed of publisher policies, product updates, and industry trends to ensure compliance and cost efficiency.
• Support negotiations and renewals for non-Microsoft software agreements.

General Software Asset Management:

• Maintain a centralized inventory of all software assets, including license keys, purchase records, and deployment status.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure software compliance and identify opportunities for cost savings or risk mitigation.
• Develop and enforce software usage policies, standards, and best practices across the organization.
• Collaborate with IT, security, and legal teams to manage software risk and ensure alignment with corporate objectives.

Reporting and Analytics

• Generate regular reports on software usage, compliance, spend, and renewal timelines for management and stakeholders.
• Analyze software asset data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization.

Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience (7+ yrs) in software asset management, with in-depth knowledge of Microsoft licensing models.
• Familiarity with other major software publishers and their licensing frameworks.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficient in asset management tools and software inventory systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth / Expert.
• Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth / Expert.
• Influence skills - In-depth / Expert.
• Data driven decision making - In-depth / Expert.

Additional Assets

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: SAM, ITIL, IAITAM).
• Knowledge of Canadian software compliance standards and procurement practices.
• Experience supporting cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

Working Conditions

This role typically operates in a hybrid environment. The Senior Software Asset Management Specialist may be required to attend meetings with vendors and internal stakeholders, and stay current on software asset management trends and best practices.

Key skills/competency

• Software Asset Management (SAM)
• Microsoft Licensing
• Compliance Management
• Vendor Negotiation
• Software Inventory
• Cost Optimization
• ITIL
• Data Analysis
• Risk Mitigation
• Cloud Licensing