At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract negotiations and optimise software costs for top private equity firms.
- Company: Alysian, a boutique advisory firm transforming value creation through technology.
- Benefits: Remote-first work, frontline PE exposure, and accelerated career growth.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact on business performance while shaping innovative strategies.
- Qualifications: 10-20 years in software contracts, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on entrepreneurial problem-solving and client success.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Alysian is a high-performing, boutique advisory firm specializing in delivering tailored strategic and technological solutions for leading private equity firms and their portfolio companies. With decades of combined cross-sector expertise, Alysian excels in bridging commercial vision to reality with technology execution — enabling rapid value creation at enterprise scale. We operate with a uniquely agile delivery model, combining deep domain expertise in digital strategy, transformation, and technology innovation.
Core values:
- Data Driven – Strategic advisory based on a depth of relevant data.
- Speed & Precision – Agile delivery with tangible results.
- Impact-Driven – Measurable outcomes aligned to strategy.
- Expertise & Trusted Advisor – Deep domain knowledge with integrity.
- Entrepreneurial – Proactive problem-solving and ownership mentality.
Overview of the role: Alysian is hiring a Senior Commercial Specialist (Enterprise Software) to lead contract negotiation, vendor sourcing, and software cost optimisation across client engagements and Private Equity portfolio companies. This role sits at the intersection of technology procurement, enterprise software licensing, and commercial strategy, with a strong focus on building data-driven, repeatable capabilities. Beyond delivery, you will help develop benchmark datasets, negotiation playbooks, and digital tools that transform how organisations manage software spend and vendor relationships.
You will work closely with CIOs, CFOs, procurement teams, and PE operating partners to drive measurable value, typically delivering 20–30% cost savings, improved contract structures, and reduced vendor risk.
Responsibilities:
- Contract Negotiation & Commercial Optimisation
- Lead negotiations and renewals with major vendors (Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Workday, Adobe, etc.)
- Analyse contracts and spend to identify inefficiencies and savings opportunities
- Structure negotiation strategies and optimise pricing and licensing models
- Manage renewals, true-ups, and contract risk
- Manage end-to-end sourcing across software vendors, cloud providers, and system integrators
- Support major transformation programs (e.g., ERP implementations) from a commercial standpoint
- Evaluate supplier performance and use insights to strengthen negotiations
- Drive licence rationalisation, usage analysis, and contract restructuring
- Develop repeatable methodologies for SaaS cost optimisation
- Deliver measurable savings and improved commercial outcomes
- Build pricing benchmarks and SKU-level intelligence across key vendors
- Develop negotiation playbooks and commercial frameworks
- Provide data-driven insights to support client decision-making
- Translate insights into scalable tools, dashboards, and analytics (e.g., Zoho)
- Contribute to the development of Alysian’s technology value creation platform
- Enable AI-driven procurement and negotiation intelligence
Requirements:
- Experience
- 10–20 years in enterprise software contracts, sourcing, licensing, or commercial strategy
- Background in procurement, software asset management, vendor strategy, or consulting (e.g., Big4, Accenture, advisory firms)
- Strong experience negotiating with major enterprise software vendors
- Deep understanding of software licensing models and pricing structures
- Strong contract negotiation and commercial strategy capability
- Experience in vendor sourcing and supplier management
- Ability to build benchmarks, insights, and scalable frameworks
- Highly commercial and negotiation-driven
- Analytical, structured, and detail-oriented
- Curious about vendor pricing strategies and market dynamics
- Entrepreneurial mindset with interest in building new capabilities
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-impact environment
Benefits:
Why Join Alysian Consulting? Our vision is to become the leading independent boutique tech advisory firm, transforming value creation in private equity through technology and data. We partner with top-tier PE firms (mega-funds in Europe & the US) to drive sustainable growth for portfolio companies and communities.
At Alysian, you’ll work at the intersection of technology, strategy, and investment—where every project has a measurable impact on business performance. We partner with top-tier private equity firms, giving you access to high-profile transformations, boardroom conversations, and some of the most exciting portfolio companies in the market.
We offer:
- Frontline PE exposure, from day one
- Client-facing work with US/EU Mega and Large Cap deal teams and PortCo CXOs; you lead modules that move EBITDA, not just make slides.
- Outcome ownership in small strike teams
- Leadership access, clear mandates, and the autonomy to design and ship cost-out / value-creation plays in weeks.
- Remote-first with limited travel
- Work from anywhere in the UK with sustainable US/EU overlap; optional office use; travel about 2–3 weeks/year.
- Builder’s seat in a scaling CoE
- Join the founding wave—shape operating models, codify playbooks, and help build the platform the firm scales on.
- Meritocracy with real velocity
- Progress based on outcomes; accelerated responsibility and pod leadership for top performers.
Join Alysian Consulting to build value beyond the deal. Help our clients leverage technology to reimagine businesses, transform operations, and unlock sustainable growth across industries, continents.
Head of Software Contract & Licensing Strategy in Birmingham employer: Alysian
Contact Detail:
Alysian Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Contract & Licensing Strategy in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with private equity firms. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Alysian's recent projects and their impact. Show us you understand our entrepreneurial culture and how you can contribute to our mission of driving measurable value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves leading contract negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to sharpen your approach and build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Alysian.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Contract & Licensing Strategy in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Software Contract & Licensing Strategy role. Highlight your experience in contract negotiation and vendor management, and show how your skills align with Alysian's core values.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve delivered measurable outcomes in previous roles. Use data to back up your claims, like cost savings or improved contract structures, to demonstrate your impact.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. Alysian values an entrepreneurial mindset, so don’t hesitate to share your unique approach to problem-solving and how you’ve driven success in fast-paced environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures it reaches the right people and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining Alysian Consulting!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alysian
✨Know Your Software Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the major enterprise software vendors like Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle. Familiarise yourself with their licensing models and pricing structures, as this knowledge will be crucial during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful contract negotiations you've led. Highlight how you achieved cost savings or improved contract structures, as this aligns perfectly with Alysian's focus on measurable outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be ready to explain how you've used data to drive decision-making in past roles. Discuss any methodologies you've developed for software cost optimisation or vendor performance evaluation, as this will resonate with Alysian's data-driven approach.
✨Emphasise Your Entrepreneurial Mindset
Alysian values proactive problem-solving and ownership mentality. Share instances where you've taken initiative to build new capabilities or improve processes, showcasing your fit within their entrepreneurial culture.