IT Manager – Software Asset Management (SAM)

Title:

Mission Technology Solutions - Defense, intelligence and space innovation technology at the speed of tomorrow.

KBR combines mission expertise with advanced digital technologies to solve the world’s toughest challenges on a global scale. KBR is a trusted national security partner for a wide array of customers across space, land, air and sea. KBR delivers innovative solutions across digital engineering and integration, rapid prototyping, mission operations, data analytics, artificial intelligence and secure logistics. At KBR, We deliver.™

KBR is seeking an experienced IT Manager – Software Asset Management (SAM) to join our Corporate IT team in Houston, TX and lead the governance, optimization, and lifecycle management of software assets across our global enterprise. This role plays a critical part in strengthening enterprise IT governance and financial stewardship, ensuring licensing compliance, cost efficiency, and operational effectiveness within a highly regulated government contracting environment.

In this role, you will drive measurable impact on cost optimization and compliance while supporting global operations across both government and commercial programs. You will work within a collaborative, mission-driven IT organization focused on delivering secure, scalable, and efficient technology solutions.

The successful candidate will oversee the full software asset lifecycle and serve as the primary interface with software resellers, distributors, and strategic licensing partners. This position requires expertise in enterprise licensing models, audit readiness, and alignment with financial, contractual, and cybersecurity requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Software Asset Lifecycle Management

• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of software assets, including request, approval, procurement, deployment, utilization tracking, renewal, and retirement
• Maintain authoritative records of software entitlements and deployments across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments
• Ensure integration with CMDB and ITSM platforms (e.g., ServiceNow)
• Drive standardization, automation, and continuous improvement of SAM processes
• Lead, mentor, and develop team members to enhance capability, consistency, and best practices

Vendor, Reseller & Contract Management

• Serve as the primary liaison with resellers, VARs, distributors, and OEM vendors
• Manage and optimize enterprise agreements (e.g., Microsoft EA, Adobe, Oracle, SAP)
• Negotiate pricing, terms, renewals, and true-ups in partnership with Procurement and Legal
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and preferred reseller programs

Compliance, Audit & Governance

• Ensure compliance with vendor licensing terms and applicable government contracting requirements
• Lead preparation and response for vendor audits and internal compliance reviews
• Develop and enforce software usage policies aligned with cybersecurity and regulatory standards
• Minimize audit risk exposure and potential financial penalties

Cost Optimization & Financial Management

• Identify and execute opportunities to reduce software spend through license optimization and usage analysis
• Partner with Finance to support budgeting, forecasting, and chargeback models
• Manage subscription licensing and cloud consumption (e.g., Microsoft 365, Azure)
• Deliver measurable cost savings and improved ROI on software investments

Reporting & Analytics

• Develop and deliver executive-level dashboards and reporting on:
  • License utilization
  • Compliance posture
  • Cost trends and savings initiatives
• Provide actionable insights to IT leadership and business stakeholders

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and mature the software asset management function within a collaborative, mission-driven IT environment
• Partner cross functionally to strengthen governance, improve compliance posture, and optimize enterprise software investments
• Support global operations and enterprise initiatives, including digital transformation and cloud adoption

Basic Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in Software Asset Management (SAM), IT Asset Management (ITAM), or software licensing
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing IT or SAM functions and teams

Technical Expertise:

• Strong expertise in enterprise software licensing models (SaaS, subscription, and perpetual)
• Proven experience working with software resellers, vendors, and enterprise agreements
• Hands-on experience with SAM tools (e.g., ServiceNow SAM Pro) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate vendor contracts and manage complex licensing agreements
• Strong analytical, financial management, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail with a focus on compliance, audit readiness, and risk mitigation
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical teams and executive leadership
• Process-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in government contracting or other highly regulated industries
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and audit/compliance frameworks
• Experience managing cloud licensing and cost optimization (Azure, AWS, SaaS platforms)
• Experience with financial systems (e.g., Costpoint) and integration with procurement workflows

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.