At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software contract negotiations and optimise vendor relationships for major clients.
- Company: Alysian, a boutique advisory firm transforming private equity through technology.
- Benefits: Remote-first work, competitive salary, and rapid career progression.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of tech advisory.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact on high-profile projects with top-tier private equity firms.
- Qualifications: 10-20 years in software contracts, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About the Company: 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. Our entrepreneurial culture and speed-to-impact approach have earned us repeated impact recognition from leading PE firms. At Alysian, we build long-term partnerships grounded in trust, performance, and a relentless drive for client success.
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
- Vendor Sourcing & Supplier Management
- 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
- Software Licence Optimisation
- Drive licence rationalisation, usage analysis, and contract restructuring
- Develop repeatable methodologies for SaaS cost optimisation
- Deliver measurable savings and improved commercial outcomes
- Benchmarking & Commercial Intelligence
- 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
- Productisation & Digital Capability
- 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
- Skills
- 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
- Profile
- 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 Dartford employer: Alysian
Alysian Consulting is an exceptional employer that offers a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and strategic impact, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to thrive in the technology advisory space. With a remote-first culture that promotes work-life balance and limited travel, employees enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere in the UK while engaging in high-profile projects with leading private equity firms. The company fosters a meritocratic environment where top performers can rapidly advance their careers, take ownership of outcomes, and contribute to shaping the future of technology-driven value creation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Contract & Licensing Strategy in Dartford
✨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 Alysian.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Contract & Licensing Strategy in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Software Contract & Licensing Strategy role. Highlight your negotiation successes and any relevant software vendor experience to catch our eye!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role is all about data-driven decision-making, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical prowess. Include examples of how you've used data to drive cost savings or improve contract structures in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining Alysian. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 will be crucial during your discussions. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you're prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Think through potential negotiation scenarios you might face in the role. Prepare strategies for common challenges, such as contract renewals or vendor sourcing. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your approach clearly during the interview, demonstrating your commercial strategy capability.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in past roles. Highlight any experience you have with benchmarking or developing insights that led to cost savings or improved contract structures. This will align well with Alysian's data-driven approach and show that you can deliver measurable outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Entrepreneurial Mindset
Alysian values an entrepreneurial spirit, so share examples of how you've taken ownership of projects or driven innovation in previous roles. Discuss any instances where you've proactively solved problems or built new capabilities, as this will resonate with their culture and mission.
