Senior Software Procurement Manager

Role Overview

• The Senior Software Procurement Manager ensures that Geotab achieves the best total cost for software through initial contract negotiations and continual assessment and review over the duration of software use and vendor relationship.
• Build, lead and execute category strategies that reduce the total cost of ownership while improving supplier performance and resilience.
• Lead software license and service procurement within the constraints of the Software Procurement Policy with a focus on lifetime contract value and maximizing Geotab’s flexibility with minimum contract commitment.
• Drive SaaS portfolio rationalization and vendor consolidation to prevent tech-stack creep: standardize license tiers and terms.
• Own renewals calendar and negotiation strategy for all software subscriptions; right-size license counts using utilization data; prevent and mitigate renewal risk.
• Lead high-level “Buy vs. Build” and “Tool A vs. Tool B” evaluations to reduce technical debt and redundant software spend, and lead competitive RFP processes.
• Lead the negotiation of Geotab’s most complex, multi-year, and high-risk enterprise agreements (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce) in collaboration with IT and Management including: SLAs. data security/DPA’s, IP, liability caps, termination, audit rights (in collaboration and alignment with legal and security)
• Act as the primary consultant and SME to leadership on software market trends, vendor consolidation strategies, and the fiscal impact of digital transformation.
• Maintain audit-ready inventory records that include, but are not limited to, owner, software name, license information, pricing information, and period of performance.
• Direct the identification, tracking, and lifecycle management of all software assets to ensure continuous compliance and operational readiness.
• Mitigate redundant asset purchases by promoting software functionality analysis/comparisons to avoid duplicative software.
• Prevent financial and compliance risk by monitoring license consumption to ensure deployment does not exceed contractual entitlements.
• Ensure all software is accepted and licensed through Geotab’s Software Approval Process.
• Serve as the lead respondent for external vendor audits, coordinating with Legal and Compliance to mitigate financial and reputational risk.
• Verify and audit SMDB content, verify software assets with license contracts, and initiate corrective actions and track them in collaboration with the Software Asset Management (SAM) team
• Manage activities concerning license compliance audits to be able to answer requests from the Compliance team.
• Set the standard for data integrity within the Software Management Database, ensuring all records (owners, period of performance, pricing) are audit-ready.
• Design, implement, and govern the Software Procurement Policy, ensuring it aligns with Geotab’s evolving scale and security requirements.
• Create "Playbooks" and training modules to upskill the wider team on Software Management Database (SMDB) best practices and industry standards.
• Establish and maintain documentation of procedures, processes, and reports concerning asset and configuration management.
• Define and track key performance indicators (e.g., Cost Savings vs. Cost Avoidance, Renewal Lead Time, License Utilization Rates) to measure team success.
• Continuously research and incorporate global best practices into internal procedures to keep Geotab at the forefront of Asset Management technology.
• Provide daily guidance and mentorship to junior and intermediate Procurement Specialists on negotiation tactics, contract redlining, license modeling, and navigating complex vendor conversations to improve their commercial acumen.
• Explore and implement AI-powered solutions to improve procurement efficiency, including contract review, spend analysis, supplier risk assessment, and market intelligence gathering.

Requirements

• 10–12 years of experience in software procurement, managing contracts exceeding $1M
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Commerce, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in related field may be substituted.
• Certified Supply Chain or Procurement Professional -
• NISCL-CIPS or ISM designation is an asset (not required).
• Deep understanding of various licensing structures (per user, per core, consumption-based, perpetual vs. subscription) and the legal jargon within Master Service Agreements (MSAs).
• Familiarity with industry standards (like ISO/IEC 19770) for managing the lifecycle of software assets from procurement to retirement.
• Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Capex vs. Opex, and financial depreciation of technology assets.
• Understanding of the vendor landscape, including major players (AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce) and emerging niche tools to identify duplicative functionality.
• Knowledge of how to defend license positions during vendor audits and the legal implications of non-compliance.
• The ability to move beyond price-slashing to negotiate for "flexibility," such as favorable termination for convenience, price-increase caps, and data portability.
• Proficiency in auditing a Software Management Database (SMDB) and using Excel or BI tools to identify trends, over-deployment, or under-utilization.
• The ability to look at a 3-year contract and predict how the organization’s growth might impact licensing costs or "shelfware."
• The skill to build and refine workflows (like the Software Approval Process) that balance corporate agility with strict fiscal control.
• Balancing a "firm but fair" approach to ensure vendors meet SLAs while maintaining a partnership that yields long-term value.
• Anticipating renewals 6–12 months in advance to avoid "panic buying" and ensure leverage during negotiations.
• The discipline to maintain 100% accuracy in inventory records—one missed renewal date or miscounted seat can cost thousands.
• The ability to speak "Legal" to the compliance team, "Finance" to the CFO, and "Technical" to the IT departments.
• Maintaining objectivity and professional ethics when dealing with high-value contracts and external vendors.
• The agility to pivot procurement strategies as the company scales or as the software industry shifts toward new delivery models.

Tech Stack

• AWS

Benefits

• Flex working arrangements
• Home office reimbursement program
• Baby bonus & parental leave top up program
• Online learning and networking opportunities
• Electric vehicle purchase incentive program
• Competitive medical and dental benefits
• Retirement savings program