Software Asset Management (SAM) Manager - Corporate IT Management Office, Corporate IT Supervisory Department (CITD)

Job Description

Business Overview

The Technology Management Division (TMD) provides Corporate IT, and Cyber

Security & Privacy Governance to Rakuten Group companies and essential business management for technology organizations, thereby enabling innovation and strengthening the technology foundation. Within TMD, the Corporate IT Supervisory Department (CITD) drives Rakuten Group’s global corporate IT services and infrastructure. Our mission is to empower Rakuten through innovative and secure IT solutions that enhance efficiency and foster productivity.

Department Overview

The Corporate IT Service Department (CITSD) empowers Rakuten through innovative and secure IT solutions that drive efficiency and enhance productivity. Our service scope encompasses enterprise application management for core business functions, driving business process automation and digital transformation through our IT platform, providing comprehensive end-user support and operations, and optimizing IT processes to support a range of essential services and platforms.

Position

Why We Hire

Rakuten Group, Inc. positions Software Asset Management (SAM) not merely as a license management task, but as a critical role for achieving corporate governance, compliance, and cost optimization. We manage the entire software lifecycle, including contract management, procurement, deployment, internal chargeback allocation, technical usage controls, utilization monitoring, renewal management, audit response, and software retirement. As software ecosystems continue to evolve through SaaS, cloud platforms, subscription-based licensing, and AI-powered solutions, organizations require experienced leaders who can navigate complex licensing models while ensuring compliance, security, and business value.

The SAM Manager will lead enterprise-wide software asset governance, software lifecycle management, license compliance, risk mitigation, and software cost optimization initiatives. We are seeking a Software Asset Management (SAM) Manager who will lead software governance initiatives across Rakuten Group and collaborate with IT, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and Information Security organizations to establish a world-class SAM operation.

Position Details

<Software Lifecycle Management>

・Lead and govern the end-to-end software lifecycle, from software request and evaluation through retirement and disposal.

・Manage software contracts, procurement, deployment, usage controls, renewals, and decommissioning processes.

・Oversee software assets across SaaS, on-premises, and cloud environments.

<License Compliance>

・Interpret software license agreements (EULAs) and licensing terms and conditions.

・Monitor software license utilization and ensure compliance through corrective actions where necessary.

・Lead vendor audits and internal compliance audits.

・Identify, assess, and mitigate software licensing and compliance risks.

<Cost Optimization>

・Analyze software utilization and consumption trends.

・Reclaim unused or underutilized licenses.

・Optimize license allocation and enable license reuse across the organization.

・Drive cost savings through contract renewal optimization and right-sizing of license entitlements.

<Governance & Process Improvement>

・Establish and maintain enterprise-wide Software Asset Management (SAM) policies and standards.

・Design, implement, and continuously improve SAM processes and governance frameworks.

・Drive SAM maturity improvement initiatives across the organization.

・Develop KPIs, dashboards, and executive reporting capabilities.

<Stakeholder Management>

・Partner closely with IT, Information Security, Procurement, Finance, and Legal teams.

・Lead negotiations and relationship management with software vendors.

・Provide regular reporting, recommendations, and strategic insights to senior leadership.

・Support governance deployment and adoption across domestic and international business units.

<SAM Platform & Automation>

・Enhance SAM operations through the effective use of platforms such as Flexera, ServiceNow, and other SAM tools.

・Drive automation of software asset and license management processes.

・Strengthen governance through technical controls and system-enforced usage restrictions.

・Leverage data analytics to improve operational effectiveness and decision-making.

Mandatory Qualifications

・3+ years of hands-on experience in Software Asset Management (SAM).

・Experience in IT governance, IT asset management, procurement management, and IT operations management.

・Strong knowledge of software licensing models, license agreements, and compliance requirements.

・Solid understanding of SaaS, cloud, and on-premises environments, as well as enterprise security platforms.

・Experience leading projects and/or managing teams.

・Ability to interpret contractual and legal requirements and effectively coordinate with stakeholders to ensure compliance.

・Experience in data analysis, reporting, and executive presentation development.

・Business-level proficiency in Japanese and English, including reading, writing, and verbal communication.

Desired Qualifications

・Experience with Software Asset Management (SAM) platforms such as Flexera, ServiceNow SAM Pro, Snow, USU, or equivalent solutions.

・Experience managing software vendor audits and internal compliance assessments.

・Relevant certifications in ITIL, IT Asset Management (ITAM), Software Asset Management (SAM), or related disciplines.

・Experience in IT procurement, contract management, and software vendor management.

・Experience working within a global and multicultural organization.

・Experience with SaaS governance and AI service management.

・Knowledge of FinOps practices and Cloud Governance frameworks.

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