SAM Specialist

Software Asset Management (SAM) Specialist
Summary
The Software Asset Management (SAM) Specialist is accountable for software utilization and compliance data. This person will provide subject matter expertise for both major and smaller software publishers. They will assist as needed with software vendor contracts and collaborate with other departments to build, execute, and manage remediation efforts related to software compliance. This role involves evaluating SAM tool system design and providing functionality requirements. Responsibilities also include aligning license capacity with initial needs, expected growth, and enterprise experience, as well as establishing SAM processes and procedures.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
Other duties may be assigned. Directly or through others, the incumbent:

• Participates in the management of software licenses to help ensure compliance with policies, software license agreements, and end-user license agreements.
• Designs and implements SAM tool and technology (preferably Flexera-based) license management solutions to support software lifecycle management.
• Manages, operates, and troubleshoots SAM tool and technology (preferably Flexera-based) license management solutions.
• Audits and improves software license data and ensures that software licenses are managed and tracked effectively.
• Analyzes and improves customer software lifecycle management and change management.
• Provides and improves data, reports, and dashboards on software lifecycle management and software ROI.
• Occasionally builds Cognos reports or similar tools to improve system operations.
• Contributes to maintaining our effective license position within our Software Asset Management solution through efficient and agile tool utilization.
• Assists the IT team in understanding, tracking, and forecasting software licenses by collaborating with teams and clearly explaining software license agreements and related processes.
• Aids management in leading, training, and developing employees to better understand and utilize software licensing processes, procedures, and tools.
• Researches, prepares, and delivers presentations to all levels of management on software licensing.
• Demonstrates leadership and actively participates in inter-company committees.
• Maintains an understanding of changing technologies, risks, and potential impacts on the business.
• Assists others in learning and understanding software compliance and associated risks.
• Collaborates closely with Commercial Governance in contract negotiations by providing data and information related to software licensing.
• Employs effective methods to successfully perform responsibilities in an open work environment.

Education, Experience & Skill Requirements
Minimum Education:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent (required)
• Bachelor's degree in MIS, Statistics, or Computer Science (preferred)

Minimum Experience:

• 5+ years' experience in IT Software Asset Management and software licensing

Minimum Skills:

• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and meet strict deadlines
• Ability to learn and administer SAM solutions
• Flexera product knowledge: FNMS, Workflow Manager, App Portal, and Data Platform
• Understanding of Tier 1 vendor license models (e.g., Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Symantec, VMware, Adobe, RedHat)
• Ability to interpret software contracts/EULAs
• Ability to create Effective License Positions using SAM tools such as Flexera
• Experience onboarding publishers from start to finish in FNMS
• Proficiency in Excel reporting using FNMS data
• Understanding of Cloud/Virtualization technologies (VMware, AWS, OpenShift, RedHat/RHEL)
• Initiative to proactively identify and resolve issues
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills
• Ability to influence across functional teams
• Ability to generate user-friendly procedural documentation
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Working knowledge of Atlassian JIRA for software/hardware requests and workflow management
• Strong understanding of JIRA workflows
• Knowledge of enterprise security in relation to software
• Experience with license server administration
• Knowledge of deployment, inventory, and SAM tools (SCCM, ADDM)
• Flexera FNMS expertise, including:
  
  • Opening and managing Flexera support cases
  • Reviewing and validating inventory
  • Tracking FNMS device license consumption
  • Cognos report building within FNMS
• Experience with software audits and compliance
• Familiarity with software procurement and vendor management
• Project management experience
• Software Asset Management certification

Measures of Success

• Professional engagement with external and internal partners
• Effective prioritization and multi-tasking in fast-paced environments
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Risk management related to IT software licensing
• Maintaining active license positions and producing supporting reports
• Constructive contributions to continuous improvement of SAM processes