Software Asset Manager

This is a remote position.

Our client is seeking an experienced Software Asset Manager to lead software asset governance across an enterprise IT environment. The ideal candidate will have experience as a SAM in a retail / wholesale environment, and global / cross-border experience would be an advantage.

The organisation is currently at an early stage in its SAM maturity journey. Processes, tooling, and governance frameworks are limited, and there is significant opportunity to introduce structure, improve visibility, and unlock cost savings.

This is a hands-on, strategic role for someone who can:

• Assess the current landscape and define a clear SAM roadmap

• Implement appropriate tooling and processes

• Drive cost optimisation initiatives

• Challenge unnecessary spend and improve governance

• Build a scalable, efficient SAM structure across all global brands

You will operate at both strategic and operational levels — setting direction while actively implementing change.

• Assess current SAM maturity and define a practical improvement roadmap.
• Establish policies, governance frameworks, and operating models.
• Implement or optimise SAM tooling to ensure data accuracy and automation.
• Define clear processes for software requests, approvals, renewals, and lifecycle management.

• Identify and lead cost-saving initiatives across centralised licences (e.g. Microsoft 365, Adobe and other enterprise agreements).
• Analyse usage data to eliminate waste and reclaim underutilised licences.
• Challenge and review new software spend requests with a commercial and analytical mindset.
• Provide accurate forecasting and data to support procurement and contract negotiations.
• Support audit readiness and reduce licensing risk.

• Partner with global and regional IT teams, finance, procurement, and security.
• Work cross-functionally across multiple countries and cultures.
• Maintain and manage key vendor relationships (including an existing external Microsoft 365 licensing partner).
• Provide clear reporting on compliance, optimisation, renewals, and risk.

Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in Software Asset Management or IT Asset Management.
• Proven experience building or significantly improving a SAM function.
• Strong understanding of enterprise licensing models (Microsoft, Adobe, SaaS, cloud environments).
• Experience driving measurable cost savings.
• Hands-on experience with SAM tools (e.g. ServiceNow SAM or similar platforms).
• Strong analytical and commercial mindset.
• Experience supporting audits and reducing licensing risk.
• Retail, manufacturing, warehouse, or multi-site global environment experience is highly advantageous.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).
• Certifications such as CSAM, ISO 19770, or ITIL are advantageous but not essential.

• Highly analytical and detail-oriented.
• Autonomous and proactive — comfortable working in ambiguity.
• Able to bring structure where little exists.
• Strong stakeholder management and culturally sensitive.
• Confident challenging spend and influencing decision-makers.
• Practical and hands-on, not purely theoretical.