Lead, CSM IT Commercial & Licensing in City of London

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Purpose of the role

The purpose of this role is to lead and manage the commercial and licensing activities within Group IT, ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives, cost efficiency, and compliance. The role reports to the Head of Commercial & Service Management and is responsible for the following:

• Ownership of the FQM IT Budget, including planning, forecasting, tracking, and reporting.
• Oversight of software licensing across the Group, ensuring compliance, optimization, and cost-effectiveness.
• Management of vendor relationships and contracts related to IT services and software.
• Supporting procurement processes and ensuring alignment with financial and operational goals.
• Collaborating with IT and business stakeholders to ensure licensing and commercial strategies support service delivery and innovation.

Job & Candidate Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Licensing & Compliance

• Maintain a central repository of software licenses and entitlements.
• Ensure compliance with licensing terms and conditions across all regions.
• Lead audits and respond to vendor inquiries regarding licensing.

• Develop and manage the annual IT budget in collaboration with finance and IT leadership.
• Track actuals vs. forecast, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide regular financial reporting and insights to senior management.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with software and service providers.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure service level agreements are met.
• Drive value-for-money initiatives and cost optimization.

• Identify opportunities for consolidation, cost savings, and improved licensing models.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and RFP processes.
• Advise on commercial risks and opportunities in IT projects.

Applications Skillset

To support the commercial, licensing, and financial responsibilities of the role:

• Microsoft Excel & Word – for budget tracking, reporting, and documentation.
• ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, JDE) – for procurement, purchase orders, and invoice processing.
• Contract Management Tools – for tracking vendor agreements and renewals.
• Software Asset Management (SAM) Tools – for license tracking and compliance.
• Service Management Platforms (e.g., ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus) – useful for integration with procurement and asset management workflows.

Qualifications Required

• Appropriate qualifications in Mathematics and English.
• ITIL Foundation or higher (preferred) – to support service management alignment.
• Commercial or Licensing Certifications (e.g., Certified Software Asset Manager (CSAM), or similar) – beneficial for licensing oversight.

Experience & Skills Required

• Proven experience in budget ownership and financial planning within an IT or commercial function.
• Strong background in software licensing, including compliance, audits, and vendor negotiations.
• Experience with purchase-to-pay processes, including PO creation, invoice approvals, and vendor management.
• Ability to manage contract lifecycles, including renewals, performance tracking, and SLA enforcement.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills across technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with a focus on value-for-money and cost optimization.
• Comfortable working in a multi-national environment, with cross‑functional collaboration.
• Outgoing and comfortable with engaging with all levels of a large multi‑national organisation.
• Able to influence IT partners in the business towards a common model of Service Management.
• Business benefit and outcome‑driven.
• Commercially astute and value-for-money driven.

If you are already a First Quantum employee and have access to the First Quantum network, log into First Quantum MINE > Careers to apply internally for this opportunity. If you are an employee without network access, contact your Site Recruiter.