Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Computer Operator, ITAM (HW/SW) Lead

The SME - Computer Operator is the organization's foremost authority and chief strategist for the enterprise IT Asset Management (ITAM) and Software Asset Management (SAM) programs. This individual is responsible for architecting the overall ITAM governance framework, strategy, and data architecture to align with the organization's financial, operational, and security objectives. They provide visionary leadership, establish policies, and pioneer the integration of ITAM data with other business systems to deliver actionable intelligence. As the ultimate subject matter expert, they serve as the final authority on asset management practices and provide expert consultation to senior leadership on cost optimization, compliance risk, and lifecycle strategy.

Typical Task List:

ITAM Program Strategy and Architecture:

• Develop and own the multi-year ITAM strategic roadmap, ensuring it aligns with the organization's long-term technology and financial goals.
• Architect the ITAM data model within the enterprise ITSM platform/CMDB, defining asset classes, data relationships, and integration points with other systems (e.g., procurement, finance, cybersecurity).
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of enterprise-level ITAM tools and technologies.
• Establish and chair the ITAM Governance Board or working group to ensure cross-functional alignment on asset management policies.

Governance and Process Engineering:

• Design, author, and implement the overarching governance policies for the entire IT asset lifecycle, from procurement to disposal.
• Engineer and optimize enterprise-wide ITAM processes, ensuring they are efficient, scalable, and auditable.
• Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that will be used to measure the health, maturity, and value of the ITAM program.

Financial and Business Analysis:

• Develop sophisticated business intelligence models to analyze Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI) for major IT assets.
• Lead complex software license true-up and audit defense activities, acting as the primary liaison with major software vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle).
• Provide strategic analysis and data-driven recommendations to leadership for multi-million dollar software contract negotiations and hardware refresh planning.

Leadership and Mentorship:

• Serve as the lead technical mentor for all senior and journeyman asset management personnel.
• Act as the ultimate escalation point for the most complex licensing, compliance, or process-related issues.
• Brief senior leadership and external auditors on the status, risks, and strategic direction of the ITAM program.

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements

Experience:

• A minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in IT operations, with at least seven (7) years in a senior or lead role specifically focused on IT Asset Management and Software Asset Management.
• Proven, demonstrable experience designing and implementing an enterprise-wide ITAM program for a large, complex organization.
• Experience leading and responding to major software vendor audits (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe) is required.

Certifications (Baseline):

• Must possess a current CompTIA Security+ CE certification (or higher) to meet DoD 8140 requirements for IAT Level II.

Certifications (Computing Environment):

• Must possess at least one expert-level, industry-recognized ITAM or SAM certification. Examples include: • Certified IT Asset Manager (CITAM) from IAITAM

- Highly Preferred

• Certified Software Asset Manager (CSAM)
• ITIL Managing Professional or Strategic Leader

Technical Skills:

• Mastery of ITAM and SAM principles and industry best practices (e.g., ITIL, ISO 19770).
• Expert-level knowledge of complex software licensing models for major vendors.
• In-depth experience architecting and administering enterprise ITAM/ITSM platforms (e.g., ServiceNow, Flexera).
• Advanced data analysis and financial modeling skills.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical and financial concepts to a non-technical, executive-level audience.