Technology Asset & Service Governance Specialist

Domestic & General is a company with an ambitious future. We are expanding our horizons and entering new markets and we need your expertise to help make it happen. We are an international company who works with some of the world's most respected and well-known brands of domestic appliances and electronic consumer goods. These opportunities don't come around often, so this really is a position not to be missed.

About the role

As a Technology Asset & Service Governance Specialist, you will need to have a good understanding of Tier 1 vendors and their licensing terms and conditions, particularly IBM and Microsoft. This position is tasked with guaranteeing adherence to the stipulations of vendor agreements and organizational policies. You should also have experience across all aspects of the ITAM lifecycle and a proven track record of managing software assets effectively. Your knowledge of software libraries and CMDB principles should be thorough, and you should have the ability to interpret data from various sources and combine them into a coherent licence reconciliation position. These skills will be critical in ensuring that the organisation remains compliant with software licensing requirements while optimising costs and minimising risks.

As a team player, you will be expected to work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. You should also be able to work independently in support of team and organisational objectives. Your communication skills should be excellent, both in writing and orally, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and concisely. Additionally, you should have a strong attention to detail, take pride in your work, and ensure that it is always of the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of Software assets to ensure compliance across the estate and to meet operational KPIs (key performance indicators) and SLAs (service level agreements) while ensuring the evolving demands of the business are met in a cost effective and timely manner.
• 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.
• The application of expert licensing knowledge to ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions, EULA and product usage rights ensures compliance and a maximum return on investment from historical and future purchases.
• Plan, design, define, implement, and manage software licensing policies and procedures in conjunction with stakeholders to ensure current and planned requirements are met.
• Perform regular audits of IT assets to ensure accurate inventory management and to identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Manage software licenses, ensuring compliance with vendor contracts and that all software is properly licensed.
• Use asset management tools to monitor and manage hardware and software assets to ensure accurate recording and reporting of all IT assets.
• 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.
• Ensure SAM Process Auditability and Accountability is established through defined roles, clear policies, structured procedures, and the use of specialized tools to create a verifiable record of all software assets and their usage.
• Provide guidance and oversight of Configuration Management and the evolution of a single point of truth CMDB which is aligned to asset management data.
• Creation of Bi-Annual Effective Licensing Position (ELP) which provides a comprehensive, strategic view of all Microsoft product usage and entitlements across all business units.
• On completion of the ELP analysis identify risk & saving opportunities, perform contract optimisation analysis and produce a SAM maturity assessment.
• Independently analyse our current problem management processes and identify and support the delivery of service improvements including but not limited to people, process, communication and retrospectives.
• Identify opportunities for improvements across core processes and undertake assessments through analysis and interaction with other teams including but not limited to Asset Recovery & Refresh & Hardware Asset Disposal.
• Creation of a roadmap for improving Software Asset Management (SAM) maturity which involves a multi-stage approach, and provides tangible business value.

Other responsibilities for this role include:

• Ensure the end-to-end software asset control points are defined and measured to ensure compliance with commercial and legal software licensing terms.
• Identify, manage, and elevate any risks in the use of software that may cause D&G to be non-compliant with the licensing terms of usage.
• Ensure all new licence requests are authorised and current stock levels are checked to ensure optimal use of licences at all times.
• Ensure the licensing position is legal and any exceptions are escalated accordingly.
• Ensure that the organisation is using the most advantageous licensing agreement with each product supplier.
• Production of a business plan to articulate the yearly tactical and strategic goals for software asset management, including monthly MI production detailing performance and capacity predictions.
• Proactive management of the software asset risk and opportunities register to manage VFM.
• Review and make recommendations for improvements to the configuration and software management tooling.
• Maintain a centralised repository of software assets, including licence keys, installation media, and documentation, to facilitate efficient software asset management.
• Collaborate with procurement to negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to secure favourable terms.
• Coordinate with IT and finance departments to forecast future asset needs and budgeting.
• Respond to issues and incidents related to IT assets, providing support, and coordinating with vendors for resolution when necessary.
• Track software licence agreements, renewal dates, and costs, ensuring timely renewal and optimisation of software licence investments.
• Manage relationships with software vendors and resellers, serving as the primary point of contact for software asset management-related inquiries and issues.
• Collaborate with vendors to resolve licensing disputes, negotiate licence agreements, and ensure compliance with vendor requirements and policies.
• Stay informed on the latest industry trends and technologies related to IT asset management.

We offer lots of great benefits!

• Competitive salary and annual discretionary bonus.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank/public holidays, as well as an annual option to buy up to 5 additional days of annual leave.
• Training opportunities as well as clearly defined career progression.
• Health cash plan - employer funded cover to enable you to claim money back on essential healthcare costs, including dental, optical, physiotherapy and many more.
• Cover also includes unlimited access to a 24/7 virtual GP service.
• Attractive company pension scheme.
• Life assurance - employer funded cover of 4x basic salary.
• Dedicated online benefit portal offering access to saving and lending facilities, financial wellbeing and support services.
• Salary Finance - access to savings and borrowing through payroll.
• Car Leasing - access to a carbon neutral salary sacrifice car leasing scheme, with an all-inclusive monthly cost covering all charge, taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance on a range of brand new vehicles.
• Travel Loans - interest free loans to help spread the cost of annual travel tickets.
• Cycle to Work - tax efficient bike and cycling equipment worth up to £1,000.
• Health & Wellbeing - discounted gym membership, online virtual workout sessions, online culinary classes.
• OnHand - Giving you the opportunity to be an Eco & Social volunteer via a handy app. Volunteer individually or in groups to get involved in Youth Mentoring, Food Poverty, Homelessness & Elderly help.
• Employee Assistance Programme - specialist advice and support on issues such as finance, relationships, illness and family issues.
• Free Domestic & General protection plan - one free plan each year with access to discounted rates of up to 50% on additional plans, including referrals for family and friends.

If you're a current D&G employee applying for an internal role, please ensure your Career Profile in Workday is up to date before submitting your application. Don't forget to download and attach your Talent Card to showcase your skills and experience. This is a required part of your application.

Domestic & General are an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes criminal record checks.

At Domestic & General, we are proud of our 100-year legacy and excited about our future growth plans. We are expanding our horizons, entering new markets and territories internationally and we need your expertise to help us on the journey.