At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Microsoft optimisation strategy and drive cost efficiency across multiple teams.
- Company: Join Kingfisher, a diverse team dedicated to better homes and lives for everyone.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values new ideas and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on home improvement while optimising Microsoft technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in Microsoft licensing and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
hackajob is partnering directly with Kingfisher to hire for this role. We're Kingfisher, a team made up of over 74,000 passionate people who bring Kingfisher - and all our other brands: B&Q, Screwfix, Brico Depot, Castorama and Koctas to life. Guided by our purpose Better Homes. Better Lives. For Everyone. We believe a better world starts with better homes, and we work every day to make that a reality. Join us and help shape the future of home improvement.
We have an exciting new opportunity for a Microsoft Optimisation Manager to join us on a fixed-term contract (until no later than 1st May 2028, circa 18 months), to lead the strategy, governance and optimisation of our Microsoft technology estate in the lead up to our next Enterprise Agreement renewal. You'll work across multiple teams, influence strategic decisions and help drive measurable business value through strong governance, commercial insight and continuous improvement; ultimately ensuring that Kingfisher maintains control of licensing costs and is positioned to negotiate from a position of strength during Enterprise Agreement and cloud contract renewals.
This role could be based out of our Southampton or Paddington offices, with an expectation of 12 days a month in the office. Travel will also be expected between sites in the UK and Europe, to build relationships with stakeholders across our key locations.
- Own the Microsoft licensing and optimisation strategy across Microsoft 365, Azure, Security, Copilot and Power Platform services.
- Drive licence utilisation, cost optimisation and waste reduction through data-led analysis, governance and forecasting.
- Lead Microsoft commercial management activities, including Enterprise Agreement (EA), MCA-E and CSP consumption, renewals and true-up processes.
- Establish and lead Microsoft governance forums, promoting accountability, compliance and financial control across the organisation.
- Develop reporting, dashboards and insights that support investment decisions, adoption strategies and commercial negotiations.
- Collaborate with Finance, Procurement, HR, Identity and Technology teams to improve forecasting, strengthen Joiner-Mover-Leaver processes and maximise return on Microsoft investments.
- Manage relationships with Microsoft and licensing partners to help secure maximum value from the Microsoft technology estate.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft licensing programmes, including EA, MCA-E and CSP.
Experience managing Microsoft 365 licensing within a large-scale or enterprise environment.
Commercial and financial management experience, with a focus on value optimisation.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to generate clear reporting and actionable insights.
Experience negotiating with software vendors and service providers.
Ability to build effective stakeholder relationships and translate complex licensing information into clear business value.
We believe in flexibility and balance. Our hybrid model blends home working for focus with time spent connecting and collaborating - whether in our offices or at offsite locations. On average, around 60% of your time will involve in-person collaboration.
We value the perspectives new team members bring and encourage you to apply - even if you don't meet 100% of the requirements.
An inclusive environment where your potential is limited only by your imagination. We encourage new ideas, support experimentation, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can be their best self. Find out more about Diversity & Inclusion at Kingfisher here.
We also offer a competitive benefits package and plenty of opportunities to stretch and grow your career.
Our customers come from all walks of life - and so do we. We're committed to ensuring all colleagues, future colleagues, and applicants are treated equally, regardless of age, gender, marital or civil partnership status, ethnicity, culture, religion, belief, political opinion, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Interested? Great, apply now and help us to Power the Possible.
Microsoft Optimisation Manager - 18 month FTC in Portsmouth employer: Hackajob Ltd
JPMorgan Chase is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Lead Site Reliability Engineer, you will not only tackle complex challenges but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Located in a global financial hub, you'll be part of a team that values your expertise and encourages a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Microsoft Optimisation Manager - 18 month FTC in Portsmouth
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Hackajob Ltd. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Hackajob Ltd.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Hackajob Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Microsoft Optimisation Manager - 18 month FTC in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Hackajob Ltd and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackajob Ltd
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Hackajob Ltd will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Hackajob Ltd.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Hackajob Ltd.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Hackajob Ltd. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
