Software Asset Management Specialist - Microsoft & Oracle or/and Red Hat

Software Asset Management Specialist - Microsoft & Oracle or/and Red Hat

Zurich Insurance Group is seeking a senior Software Asset Management (SAM) specialist focused primarily on Microsoft enterprise software with secondary responsibilities in Oracle or Red Hat. The role will join the global Software Asset Management function, optimizing software contract spend, ensuring compliance, analyzing data, and collaborating with stakeholders across the Zurich Group.

The Role

This senior position requires a broad understanding of IT technology, service management processes, and the ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups. It centers on managing a multi‑million‑dollar software portfolio and supporting IT stakeholders worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Subject matter expertise – apply and advise on complex software licensing topics and produce enterprise licensing plans (ELPs) for Microsoft and Oracle or Red Hat across all IT environments.
• Understand Microsoft licensing concepts and product use rights within containers, on‑prem, and cloud environments.
• Leverage Microsoft software billing, tracking and measurement systems such as Azure Active Directory, CMDB, My Access, and Intune.
• Maintain visibility of software costs and ensure fair allocation to business units and service owners based on usage.
• Negotiate contracts and renewals with internal stakeholders and external suppliers in a constructive manner.
• Cultivate a stakeholder community to enable information sharing.
• Identify and drive initiatives for software savings, risk mitigation, and best‑practice development.
• Play a key role in complex contract negotiations, demand management, and contract updates while coordinating with legal, contract, and sourcing teams.
• Support and drive implementation of global SAM standards, processes, controls, reporting, and performance metrics.
• Continuously improve SAM processes by leveraging AI capabilities to reduce manual effort and uncover optimization opportunities.
• Assist with other day‑to‑day activities of the global SAM team as required.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience in hands‑on management of Microsoft, Oracle, or Red Hat software portfolios in an enterprise environment.
• Experience creating fully optimized ELPs from data collection to completion.
• Strong knowledge of license restrictions, optimization opportunities, and BYOL concepts in AWS/Azure Cloud.
• Hands‑on involvement with Microsoft specific billing, tracking, and measurement tools.
• Proficient use of SAM tools (ideally Flexera One) and underlying data sources.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, PIVOTs, complex calculations).
• Track record of adopting and embedding AI solutions in SAM operations.
• Experience with P&L calculations and cost accruals.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (strong B2+).

Professional Traits

• Analytical skills with strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Attention to detail and experience processing complex global data.
• Excellent organizational, productivity, and project management abilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills with vendors and internal stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and yearly bonus.
• Flexible working model supporting work‑life balance.
• Over 300 € allowance for home office setup and additional monthly home‑office allowance.
• Wide range of internal and external training, including English, German, and Spanish.
• Ticket restaurant and health insurance with flexible benefit options.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Collective life and retirement plan.
• 2000 € referral bonus for successful hires.
• Exclusive employee discounts and special banking/insurance conditions.
• Functional diversity benefits.
• Company social clubs (hiking, investment, beach volleyball, etc.).
• Stock options and mortgage benefits.

At Zurich, we are an equal opportunity employer. We attract and retain the best‑qualified individuals available, regardless of race/ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.