Software Licensing Manager

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you'll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.
The Software Licensing Manager will lead ZS's global software asset management (SAM) and licensing function. This role provides strategic oversight of software spend, vendor relationships, license compliance, and the application portfolio. The manager acts as a trusted advisor to IT and business leaders, shaping the firm's licensing strategy, identifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring our software ecosystem supports business goals efficiently and compliantly. This leader will play a pivotal role in maturing the ZS's SAM practices, introducing innovation, and navigating ambiguity with strong judgment. They will also lead an operational team responsible for day-to-day licensing execution and compliance reviews.
What you'll do:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning
  • Lead the software licensing/SAM function, setting the strategic direction, roadmap, and priorities.
  • Develop a compelling point of view on licensing models, vendor trends, lifecycle management, and optimization opportunities.
  • Anticipate emerging risks and define forward-looking solutions that strengthen compliance, enhance value, and streamline processes.
  • Partner with IT, Finance, Procurement, Security, Legal and business stakeholders to ensure licensing strategy aligns with technology and business objectives.
  • Establish policies, standards, and best practices for software asset and licensing management across the enterprise.
• Vendor, Contract & Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as the primary point of influence with key software providers; negotiate complex contracts, renewals, and commercial terms.
  • Provide guidance to leaders on licensing scenarios, cost/benefit options, and contract implications.
  • Develop vendor guidelines and oversee service-level agreements, vendor performance, and adherence to contractual obligations.
  • Identify opportunities for consolidation, cost savings, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Acquisition, Deployment & Lifecycle Management
  • Ensure structured, compliant processes for sourcing, deploying, tracking, renewing, and retiring software assets.
  • Maintain an accurate portfolio of applications and corresponding licenses, ensuring alignment with business needs.
  • Evaluate new software requests for compliance, integration needs, licensing fit, and financial implications.
  • Lead major renewals, true-ups, audits, and negotiations, leveraging internal data and market indicators.
  • Negotiate licensing terms and warranties of software applications with key suppliers.
• Operational Management
  • Oversee the team responsible for day-to-day licensing operations, including procurement coordination, data accuracy, reporting, and compliance management.
  • Monitor compliance posture; proactively identify risks, implement corrective actions, and prepare audit-ready documentation.
  • Develop insights and dashboards on utilization, spend, vendor trends, and opportunities for optimization.
  • Communicate licensing strategies, upcoming changes, and best practices to executives, stakeholders, and end-user communities.
  • Drive continuous improvement through automation, process enhancement, and adoption of leading SAM tooling.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's degree (Information Technology, Business, or related field preferred) required.
• 10-13+ years of relevant experience in software licensing, SAM, or IT asset management.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, CSAM, CAMP, vendor licensing certifications) are preferred.
• Understanding of various licensing models including service providers, OEM, and open-source agreements.
• Strong experience negotiating complex software contracts, vendor management, and licensing models (cloud, subscription, perpetual, SaaS).
• Hands-on experience with SAM platforms and related automated systems.
• Broad understanding of IT environments, end-user technologies, security considerations, and application ecosystems.
• General knowledge of accounting, finance, marketing, and logistics.
• Experience managing teams, navigating unstructured environments, and driving cross-functional alignment.
• Fluency in English;
• Client-first mentality;
• Intense work ethic;
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach.

How you'll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways;
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities;
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions.

Perks & Benefits:
ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well-being, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative culture empowers you to thrive as an individual and global team member.
Hybrid working model:
We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:
Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.
Considering applying?
At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems-the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.
To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.
NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.
Find Out More At:
www.zs.com
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Salary: $165,000.00 - $195,000.00