Software Asset Management Specialist

Software Asset Management Specialist:ROLE:Zurich Insurance Group is looking for a Software Asset Management (SAM) Specialist to join the global Software Asset Management function. The objective of this role is to optimize software contract spend, ensure compliance, analyze data, draw meaningful conclusions, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement opportunities and remediate risks. This is a challenging position requiring a broad understanding of IT technologies, service management processes, and strong collaboration skills across multiple stakeholder groups within Zurich Group. Group Technology and Operations Software Asset Management is an international team of SAM experts located across four countries. The team manages a multi-million-dollar software portfolio and a SAM technology stack that supports IT stakeholders in achieving their objectives. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work at a group-wide global level and contribute to defining and implementing best-practice methodologies in SAM services.EXPECTATIONS FROM THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:The role requires subject matter expertise with in-depth, proven knowledge of SAM operations and competencies, with the ability to apply and advise on complex software licensing topics and produce Effective License Positions (ELPs) across all IT environments. The candidate should bring hands-on experience with at least one major enterprise software vendor such as Microsoft, Oracle, Broadcom, IBM, SAP, or Red Hat. A strong understanding of licensing concepts and product use rights across containers, on-premises, and cloud environments is essential. The role involves navigating and leveraging data from multiple tools such as Azure Active Directory, CMDB, My Access, and Intune for software billing and cost al location. It also requires providing transparency of software contract costs and ensuring fair al location of charges to business units and service owners based on software usage. The individual will be expected to negotiate effectively across the organization and with external suppliers and vendors in a constructive and collaborative manner. They will proactively identify and drive initiatives to achieve software-related savings, mitigate compliance risks, and develop best practices and processes to continuously improve the SAM service while ensuring compliance with budgetary and contractual requirements. The role includes identifying required changes and playing a key role in complex software contract negotiations, managing demand and contract updates, and liaising with external vendors, legal, contract, and sourcing teams. It also involves supporting and driving the implementation of global SAM standards, processes, controls, and reporting, while monitoring agreed performance indicators and control metrics. Continuous improvement of SAM processes is a key expectation, including leveraging AI capabilities to reduce manual effort, identifying recurring patterns, and spotting optimization opportunities. The role also includes supporting other day-to-day activities of the global SAM team.BASIC QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:The candidate should have at least 3+ years of relevant proven experience including direct responsibility for managing a software portfolio for at least one major software publisher in an enterprise environment, regardless of industry. Experience in creating comprehensive, fully optimized Effective License Positions (ELPs) from data collection through to completion is required, along with a strong understanding of license restrictions, benefits, and optimization opportunities. Proficiency in SAM tools (ideally FlexeraOne) and supporting data sources is essential, along with advanced hands-on Microsoft Excel skills including VLOOKUPs, HLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and complex calculations. The candidate should also have a proven track record in adopting and embedding AI solutions in SAM operations, as well as experience in profit and loss (P&L) calculations and accruals for cost impact analysis. Fluency in spoken and written English at a strong B2+ level is required.PROVEN PERSONAL TRAITS:The role requires strong analytical skills, financial and commercial acumen, and high attention to detail. The candidate should be capable of working with AI-driven tools and processing data in a complex global organizational environment. Strong organizational, productivity, time management, and project management skills are essential. The individual must be able to interface, influence, and build networks with managers, staff, and stakeholders both inside and outside the organization. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are required for effective engagement with vendors as well as internal stakeholders.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Occasional travel to other Zurich locations may be required.. Requirements: name: Zurich Capability Center. location: Hyderabad, IN. experience: 3 - 7 years. employmentType: Full-Time. Primary Skills: Flexera or SAM or Software Asset Management