Software Asset Manager in England

Software Asset Manager
Remote

The key purpose of this role is to take responsibility for the ongoing definition and refinement of the Software Asset Management processes, working closely with other internal and external service providers, ensuring the correct and ongoing execution of those processes, providing oversight and governance, and using a Continuous Improvement approach to drive added value and efficiencies.

Specifically, the role includes:
Ensuring the daily operation of the Software Asset lifecycle in accordance with agreed policies and processes.

Ensuring a consistent and cost-effective approach to all aspects of managing the lifecycle of Software Assets (including provisioning, maintenance, compliance, management, and decommissioning).

Being responsible for all aspects of the Software Asset Management process, including development, governance, compliance, reporting and continual improvement.

Ensuring the Software Asset Management processes integrate with all relevant IT and business processes such that it adds value to those processes and their outcomes.

Key Accountabilities
* Software Asset Management strategy
o Operate and drive forward the IT Software Asset Management strategy, participating in its development with the overall goal to ensure consistent and cost-effective management of Software Asset lifecycles

* Software Asset Management assurance
o Manage the maintenance of an Effective Licence Position for all software assets (including purchasing via Procurement)
o Track release, assignment, novation, and consumption information against each Effective Licence Position for all software assets
o Report on activity against and movement of all Effective Licence Positions, identifying at risk applications and proposing mitigation action such that entitlements are never breached
o Participate in and undertake the IT management (via delegated authority) of supplier audits of the organisation's Effective Licence Position for all software assets

* Financial Management
o Track and manage the costs of all software assets throughout their operating life
o Validate software budgeting and forecasting requirements for core software and maintain a future cost model for those assets

* Process accountability
o Be responsible for, and ensure compliance with, all aspects of the process whilst driving forward improvements to add value.
o Become established as a central point of contact, coordination, escalation, guidance and support for all aspects of the process, regardless of the technology or organisational structure involved
o Define, document, maintain and change manage the process in line with industry best practice
o Identify and propose Critical Success Factors (CSFs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets to monitor and report on the performance of the process, and once accepted, to implement and regularly review the metrics in order to maintain a clear view of the Software Asset Management position and a demonstration of the ongoing value delivered by the process
o Drive the coordingation with all providers to the organisation of Software Asset Management services, both internal and external, to ensure the availability and accuracy of all relevant data and associated services required for the successful delivery of the key accountabilites

* Relationship management
o Implement regular reviews of the process with key stakeholders and practitioners, ensuring that outcomes and actions are documented and that opportunities for improvement are identified and actioned.
o Identify 'at risk' aspects of the process that may be operated by other parties within the organisation and ensure that appropriate controls are in place
o Act as facilitator to external software compliance subject matter experts and provide this guidance and expert advice to internal software asset owners

* Process governance, risk, and compliance
o Maintain a software asset Risk register and ensure that all associated Risks are identified, assessed and managed
o Perform regular assessment of potential software risk exposure, prioritise initiatives, and propose optimal courses of action to address all software related exposure
o Identify any corporate, statutory and/or regulatory requirements associated with the process and demonstrate that these are complied with at all times
o Produce management information and reports to an agreed frequency

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Education, Experience, Knowledge, Functional and Technical Skills and Communication and Personal Attributes
Education
* Educated to (related) degree (or at least 5 years' relevant experience).
* Certified Software Asset Management (CSAM) preferred.
* Qualified to ITIL Practitioner level (or equivalent).

Experience
* An understanding of all aspects of the software life cycle from specification of licensing requirement to decommissioning
* Good knowledge of financial management, budgeting and purchasing processes
* A demonstrable understanding of Software Asset Management processes acquired through previous experience in similar roles
* Experience of 3rd party management

Functional and Technical Skills
* A minimum of 5 years' technical or functional experience, ideally gained in other organisations.
* A thorough knowledge of the requirements and benefits of an established IT Software Asset Management capability.
* Strong organisational skills.

Communication and Personal Attributes
* Fluent communicator, both written and orally, with experience of dealing with all organisational levels.
* Able to articulate points of view, using examples and personal experience as appropriate.
* Able to view both sides of a discussion, presenting reasoned cases for both.
* Self-motivated with excellent personal effectiveness and the ability to manage own workload and work independently incorporating short notice changes and demands.
* Good leadership skills.
* Ability to chair meetings at any organisational level.
* Personal resilience and flexibility.
* Awareness of both personal and corporate safety and security practices.
* Strong organisational skills.
* Very good relationship building skills.
* Able to negotiate effectively.
* Strong customer focus.

Problem Solving, Analysis and Reasoning
* Able to use multiple problem-solving methodologies and techniques
* Adept at identifying appropriate workarounds, ensuring that customer expectations are always met
* The ability to think creatively
* Identification of problems and appropriate resolutions associated with process compliance and improvement
* Understand the need for and visibly practice the continual review of opportunities for process improvement
* Understand how changes within the organisation may drive demand on the IT Software Asset Management process

Accountability and Financial Dimensions
* Understand and participate in the accountability and responsibility matrix within the SSE organisation
* Be fully accountable for all aspects associated with the IT Software Asset Management process, (strategy, policy, and process(es))
* Be responsible for managing costs associated with Software Asset Management activities

Disclaimer:

This vacancy is being advertised by either Advanced Resource Managers Limited, Advanced Resource Managers IT Limited or Advanced Resource Managers Engineering Limited ("ARM"). ARM is a specialist talent acquisition and management consultancy. We provide technical contingency recruitment and a portfolio of more complex resource solutions. Our specialist recruitment divisions cover the entire technical arena, including some of the most economically and strategically important industries in the UK and the world today. We will never send your CV without your permission.