Microsoft Software Advisor, Principal Consultant

Description

Microsoft Software Advisor, Principal Consultant

Wanted: dynamic and creative individuals ready to connect with a like-minded team. You’ll enjoy all the autonomy you need to help our clients make their digital infrastructure faster and more effective. Free reign for free spirits doesn’t mean you’ve got to go it alone. Over 1400 teammates from around the globe are eager to help you out when things get down to wire. Their expertise will put you on the winning path and keep you there. So get ready to kickstart your career with a team that’s connected – connected by freedom.

Position Overview

The Microsoft Software Advisor participates as part of a global software advisory team focused on sourcing strategy, licensing, negotiation, and SAM advisory in support of client Technology Platform (Software, SaaS, IaaS, Devices, etc.) initiatives. 

The PC leads projects for mid-size to large software sourcing engagements and critical workstreams for complex multi-software sourcing engagements. They should possess dynamic consulting and leadership skills and will lead in the development of initial software assessments, project plans, vendor research, and selections, license and subscription optimization, financial modelling, RFP response, contract negotiations and post selection administrative actions. 

Responsibilities

• Travel is generally less than 25%
• Location is virtual, but proximity to key markets a plus
• The PC is expected to be utilized more than 70% annually
• Identify and articulate optimization and negotiation opportunities related to client’s spend with Microsoft
• Negotiate or support negotiations for best in class price, quality, terms and conditions, and service levels for IT solutions and services
• Develop and execute Technology Platform (Software license, SaaS and IaaS) optimization and sourcing processes in client projects focused on delivering superior commercial structures inclusive of cost savings, risk mitigation and improved agility
• Assist our clients in thinking through broader operational and transformation implications of their technology purchases
• Stay abreast of research and analyze the relevant IT marketplaces (i.e. software and consulting/contracting vendors) to provide industry insight on the abovementioned providers
• Generate articles, papers and other collateral on industry trends and strategies for use in marketing and education to our prospective Clients; Speak as a SME at ISG conferences and other events
• Interact and influence effectively at an executive level with our clients
• Perform complex financial evaluations of proposals, business case scenarios, and transformation costs and risks associated with technology deployment
• Manage multiple projects which potentially span a wide category range (services, cloud, transformation, software, and potentially hardware)

Required Skillsets

• Minimum of five years’ consulting sourcing related experience in software and cloud negotiations
• Minimum of ten years’ commercially focused experience with Microsoft, cloud, and other technology negotiations
• Mandatory in-depth knowledge of Microsoft including understanding of their commercial models, licensing metrics, market positioning and sales tactics, and corresponding vendor specific sourcing strategies
• In depth knowledge of at least one other major software vendor (SAP, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Oracle, VMWare, and IBM/Red Hat); understanding of their commercial models, licensing metrics, market positioning and sales tactics, and corresponding vendor specific sourcing strategies
• Dynamic intellectual curiosity / passion for learning and growth
• Excellent communication skills /effectively communicates with all levels of management with both concision and eloquence
• Ability to clearly define projects, objectives, goals, schedules and assignments
• Manage complex projects and timelines
• Presenting and selling ideas at multiple levels in a large organization, including support for and participation in ISG sales pursuits and presentations
• Understanding of enterprise sourcing cultures and behaviors
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Proven analytical and research skills
• Identify and cultivate additional projects within existing Client’s and support sales calls as required
• Proficient in the use of business collaboration and analytics tools (e.g.: O365, Dropbox, Tableau)

Education

• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in a technical or scientific field ideally in information technology, finance, engineering, math/analytics or equivalent
• MBA/MS or other advanced degree(s) desirable
• Specific training or certification in technology, sourcing and business transformation 

At ISG, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our clients, and our communities. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. ISG is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The more diverse and inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

The duties and responsibilities described in this job description may not be a comprehensive list. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time and/or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

#LI-Remote

This is a remote position based in the United States.