Manager Software Asset Management (SAM)

About the role

Rio Tinto is looking for a Manager, Software Asset Management (SAM) to lead its global SAM function within Technology Procurement, based in Brisbane. The role sets the global strategy, governance and commercial optimisation of the software asset portfolio, reducing risk, improving licence compliance and unlocking value from enterprise technology investments. It is a permanent leadership position.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global SAM strategy and roadmap, and give senior leaders data-driven advice on software investment, licence optimisation and compliance exposure.
• Govern the software estate after contracts are signed, ensuring licences, entitlements and consumption are managed throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Support or lead the software supplier strategy, demand management, sourcing and supplier engagement, and govern major negotiations, renewals, expenditure forecasts and commercial performance.
• Establish best practice SAM disciplines such as licence compliance, entitlement management, usage optimisation, audit preparedness and software lifecycle governance.
• Drive automation, data quality and reporting, and work with Technology Procurement on enterprise software licensing models (SaaS, cloud, subscription, consumption-based and perpetual).
• Build partnerships with Technology, Procurement, Finance, Legal and business functions, and lead, mentor and develop a globally distributed team of about 22 professionals.

Required profile

• Significant experience leading SAM, software category management or technology commercial management in a large, complex organisation comparable in scale to Rio Tinto.
• Deep expertise in enterprise software licensing (SaaS, cloud, subscription, consumption-based and perpetual models).
• Experience managing commercial, contractual and compliance obligations with major enterprise software vendors, and leading audit readiness, licence optimisation and compliance programs.
• Strong commercial acumen, including financial management, contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive governance, operational improvement and transformation initiatives.
• Desirable: experience in mining, resources or other asset-intensive industries, and exposure to large-scale technology transformation or global operating model improvement.

What we offer

• A permanent position with a competitive base salary and annual incentive bonus.
• Medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family, and company-provided insurance.
• Share ownership plan, salary sacrifice and salary packaging options.
• Career development and education assistance.
• Vacation, paid parental leave (18 weeks), sick leave and cultural leave.
• Family-friendly wellbeing support and employee discounts.