Global License & Asset Lead

Unilabs is on a journey to implement a new technology operating model, with a focus on centralising core services while retaining local expertise, optimizing supplier relationships, and aligning technology and location strategies. The aim is to improve efficiency, and support Unilabs' future long-term goals, delivering consistently and providing excellent customer service, to meet the needs and goals within our business.

The role of the is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to manage software assets, licenses, and compliance across the organisation. This role ensures optimal utilisation of resources, cost efficiency, and adherence to regulatory and contractual obligations globally.

The role requires a good understanding of Tier 1 vendors and their licencing terms and conditions, particularly Microsoft. This position is tasked with guaranteeing adherence to the stipulations of vendor agreements and organisational policies. You should also have experience across all aspects of the ITAM  (IT Asset Management lifecycle) and a proven track record of managing software assets effectively.

In terms of working structure, this is hybrid with 3 days per week in the Porto office, occasional travel to European sites as required.

Key Requirements:

Asset Management:

·        Oversee the lifecycle of IT assets, including procurement, deployment, maintenance, and disposal

·        Maintain accurate records of all hardware and software assets globally

·        Perform regular audits of IT assets to ensure accurate inventory management and to identify opportunities for cost savings.

·        Use asset management tools to monitor and manage hardware and software assets to ensure accurate recording and reporting of all IT assets.

License Management:

·        Develop and maintain software lifecycle policies, processes, and standards.

·        Oversee the full lifecycle of software assets: procurement, deployment, usage tracking, renewals, and retirement.

·        Maintain a centralised and accurate software inventory using SAM tools and where possible integrate with procurement/finance systems.

·        Ensure software usage aligns with licensing entitlements and vendor agreements.

·        Build and manage a comprehensive entitlement repository.

·        Monitor usage and optimise license allocation to reduce costs and avoid penalties.

·        Manage vendor relationships and negotiate licensing terms

Governance & Compliance:

·        Manage software compliance and licence utilisation to ensure effective software licence agreements are achieved, and that we remain compliant with our licence agreements. This includes reducing costs through central management of software licences and the removal or relocation of underutilised licences.

·        Develop and enforce all market policies for asset and license management.

·        Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance.

Reporting & Analytics:

·        Provide detailed reports on asset inventory, license utilization, and cost savings.

·        Creation of monthly ELP/reconciliation positions for all products across Desktop, Server and Data Centre environments, utilising data gathering and SAM (Software Asset Management) tools along with manual data interpretation to collate, scrutinise, and formulate a position.

·        Identify trends and recommend improvements for efficiency and cost reduction.

Collaboration:

·        Work closely with procurement, finance, IT operations, and legal teams to align strategies.

·        Act as the subject matter expert for global asset and license management.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

·        Proven experience in IT asset and license management in a global organization.

·        Strong knowledge of software licensing models (e.g., SaaS, perpetual, subscription).

·        Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.

·        Familiarity with ITIL practices and asset management tools.

·        Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience fostering collaboration across global teams

·        Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.

·        Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment

·        Fluency in English and local language

·        High levels of numeracy

·        Ability to win the respect and trust

·        Resilient and adaptable to change

Preferred Certifications:

·        ITIL Foundation

·        Certified Software Asset Manager (CSAM)

·        ISO 19770 familiarity