Principal IT Sourcing & License Optimization (Tech/PE Advisory)

Context on the role

As part of our Technology advisory practice, the IT Sourcing & License Optimization Principal will be responsible for assessing, optimising, and rationalising software and technology spend across acquired entities, with a particular focus on enterprise platforms such as Microsoft, Salesforce (SFDC), SAP, NetSuite, and Workday.

This role goes beyond license compliance — it includes drafting and negotiating vendor contracts, conducting cost benchmarking, and executing strategic sourcing initiatives to maximise value for Private Equity clients. It may also include review of contract structures and compliance with a view to re-negotiating those contracts to seek savings for clients. The successful candidate will ensure that technology spend is fully aligned with integration or carve-out strategies, enabling cost savings, scalability, and operational continuity during transactions.

The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of software asset management, IT procurement, and vendor negotiations, with hands-on experience in PE/M&A contexts.

Key Attributes & Expectations

· Operates at a rapid pace to deliver high-impact outcomes in fast-moving environments.

· Able to work with incomplete information, applying intelligence, experience, and sound judgment to fill gaps and make informed decisions.

· Takes full ownership of deliverables, ensuring they provide the best possible value to the client — which may involve challenging initially approaches and steering towards more effective solutions.

· Confident engaging with all levels of a client’s organization, from team leads to executives, efficiently gathering relevant information and presenting insights with clarity, authority, and the appropriate level of gravitas for senior audiences.

· Committed to building reusable assets and operating efficiencies within their specialism, contributing to Alysian’s broader capability and intellectual capital.

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Skilled at steering challenging negotiations with large vendors to quickly find the best approach and value for a client

· Consistently seeks and drives solutions that deliver value aligned with Private Equity expectations — recognizing that these priorities may differ from long-term business goals, as PE ownership may focus on rapid, short-term improvements that enhance sale value

· Comfortable challenging established thinking and influencing stakeholders at all levels by presenting alternative solutions supported with robust financial, operational, and technical justifications.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Business, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or professional certifications (e.g., ITIL, SAM, FinOps, CIPS) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of software licensing models (SaaS, subscription, perpetual) for Microsoft, SFDC, SAP S/4HANA & B1, NetSuite, and Workday.
• Familiarity with contract law, commercial terms, and procurement best practices for enterprise software agreements.
• Experience working across multiple different geographies

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 12+ years of IT procurement, software asset management, or strategic sourcing experience, ideally in M&A or transformation contexts.
• Proven record of license reviews, cost benchmarking, vendor negotiations, and contract drafting leading to measurable savings.
• Experience working with Tier-1 consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) or similar environments strongly preferred.
• Advanced analytical skills to assess license utilisation, compliance gaps, and optimisation opportunities.
• Skilled at turning complex findings into clear recommendations for C-suite and operational audiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

License Audit & Compliance

• Conduct end-to-end license reviews for Microsoft, SFDC, SAP, NetSuite, and Workday.
• Analyse usage vs entitlements to uncover under-utilisation, over-licensing, or compliance risks.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Draft, review, and renegotiate license agreements to secure favourable commercial terms.
• Leverage industry benchmarks to challenge vendor pricing and negotiate cost reductions.
• Build playbooks for TSA-related licensing strategies, renewals, and exit planning.

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing

• Lead software sourcing strategies, RFPs, and vendor selection.
• Collaborate with legal teams on contract language to mitigate risk and secure performance commitments.
• Monitor vendor performance and escalate contract breaches or delivery risks.

Cost Optimisation & Value Creation

• Identify cost-saving opportunities across ERP, CRM, HRIS, and infrastructure spend.
• Quantify value levers and support PE deal teams in building robust business cases.
• Provide market price benchmarks and best practices to guide decision-making.