Cisco SAM Licensing Specialist

Summary We are seeking an experienced Cisco SAM Licensing Specialist to lead licensing analysis, compliance, and optimization initiatives across Cisco’s broad product portfolio. This role will heavily focus on Cisco licensing—including Enterprise Agreements (EA), Product Terms interpretation, Smart Accounts, Webex, Splunk, networking software, and cloud BYOL models—while also supporting licensing activities across other major software publishers. The ideal candidate can work independently in a client-facing role, interpret complex licensing rules, extract and analyze usage data, and deliver strategic recommendations that ensure compliance and maximize cost savings. Responsibilities Cisco Licensing Expertise (Primary Responsibility) - Serve as the primary expert for Cisco licensing models, agreements, and entitlement structures. - Manage and optimize Cisco Enterprise Agreements (EAs), including consumption tracking and renewal preparation. - Interpret Cisco’s current and historical Product Terms and translate them into actionable licensing rules. - Support clients in managing Cisco Smart Accounts, license activation, and entitlement reconciliation. - Conduct usage and entitlement analysis for Cisco products such as Webex, Splunk, security suites, networking software, and related services. - Provide guidance on Cisco BYOL models for cloud environments and associated requirements. - Use Cisco licensing portals and tools to collect critical usage and entitlement data. - Advise clients on Cisco renewal, negotiation strategies, and optimization opportunities. Software Licensing Management (Secondary Responsibility) - Manage licensing and compliance for multiple publishers beyond Cisco (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, VMware, Oracle). - Interpret license agreements, product use rights, and contract terms across various vendors. - Ensure compliance with licensing rules and contractual obligations. - Provide optimization recommendations and remediation actions based on usage and entitlement analysis. Client Engagement & Advisory - Act as a trusted advisor in a client-facing capacity, leading discussions, workshops, and presentations independently. - Provide clear guidance on licensing strategy, contract structures, indirect usage scenarios, and optimization opportunities. - Support negotiation preparation with well-researched insights and usage-based recommendations. Data & Usage Analysis - Extract, validate, and analyze licensing and usage data from SAM tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Flexera) and vendor portals. - Conduct detailed indirect usage analysis and propose optimal licensing options. - Build clear, data-driven reports that outline compliance status, usage trends, risk areas, and cost savings opportunities. Operational Excellence - Maintain accurate inventories, documentation, and licensing records. - Support SAM process improvement initiatives. - Collaborate with procurement, IT, operations, and vendor management teams. Qualifications Required Qualifications - 3+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco licensing, including Enterprise Agreements, Smart Accounts, and Cisco Product Terms. - Experience across multiple software publishers in a SAM or licensing role. - Strong skills in interpreting complex licensing documentation and mapping it to real usage data. - Client-facing experience with the ability to work independently. - Proficiency using ServiceNow, Flexera, or similar SAM platforms. - Strong analytical skills with experience working with large datasets. - Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder management abilities. Preferred Skills - Experience with Cisco Webex, Splunk licensing, networking software, and security suites. - Familiarity with Cisco’s cloud and hybrid licensing, including BYOL models. - Exposure to contract negotiation and renewal strategies. - Vendor licensing certifications or SAM-related certifications (e.g., ITIL, CSAM, CAMP).