Manager, Software Asset Management

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Software Asset Management (SAM) Manager to oversee all aspects of our software assets, ensuring compliance, optimization, and cost-effectiveness. The SAM Manager will be responsible for managing software license entitlements, monitoring utilization, optimizing software usage, and defending against audits. This role requires strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of software licensing models, and the ability to collaborate across departments to ensure effective software asset management practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Software License Entitlement Management:
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of software licenses, contracts, and agreements.
  • Track license entitlements, including purchase records, license metrics, and renewal dates.
  • Ensure compliance with licensing terms and conditions across the organization.
• Software License Utilization Management:
  • Monitor and analyze software usage to identify underutilized or unused licenses.
  • Recommend strategies to optimize license usage and reduce costs.
  • Collaborate with IT and business units to align software deployments with actual usage needs.
• Software License Optimization:
  • Develop and implement strategies to maximize the value of software investments.
  • Negotiate favorable terms during software procurement and renewals.
  • Identify opportunities for license consolidation, virtualization, or alternative licensing models.
• Compliance Management and Audit Defense:
  • Conduct regular internal audits to ensure compliance with software licenses and contracts.
  • Prepare for and manage external software audits by vendors or regulatory bodies.
  • Develop and maintain documentation and evidence to support audit defense efforts.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Generate reports on software license usage, compliance status, and cost savings.
  • Provide insights and recommendations based on data analysis to optimize software asset management practices.
  • Present findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Policy Development and Training:
  • Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and guidelines related to software asset management.
  • Conduct training sessions for staff to raise awareness of software license compliance and best practices.

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in software asset management, IT procurement, or related fields.
• In-depth knowledge of software licensing models, compliance requirements, and audit processes.

SKILLS

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex licensing agreements and usage data.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Certification in software asset management (e.g., CSAM, ISO 19770) is a plus.
• Experience with SAM tools and software license management platforms.

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York.  This range may be modified in the future.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance.  Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.