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Software Portfolio Strategist

Apple· Corporate Functions
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Sunnyvale, CA$178.8k - $268.4kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Strategist-focused role within IS&T’s Software Asset Management team (Office of the CIO) to govern a multi-hundred-million-dollar software portfolio, drive lifecycle strategy, and influence enterprise software decisions through rigorous analysis and cross-functional partnership.

Responsibilities

  • Own full lifecycle for assigned software portfolios — renewals, true-ups, terminations, migrations — with a strategic lens on every decision
  • Develop and maintain directional lifecycle strategies grounded in spend, criticality, utilization, and market trajectory
  • Lead software rationalization efforts: classify, prioritize, and drive action on portfolio optimization to reduce TCO and increase value delivery
  • Establish and run portfolio steering reviews with cross-functional stakeholders
  • Own multi-million-dollar budget forecasts and 5-year directional plans for your portfolios
  • Build and present build-vs-buy evaluations, TCO models, cost optimization analyses, and scenario planning
  • Identify spend trends proactively — particularly AI-driven consumption growth — and frame them for leadership action
  • Translate complex licensing structures into clear financial narratives that connect software costs to business value for non-technical audiences
  • Lead large-scale programs (migrations, platform transitions, rationalization initiatives) independently
  • Host and drive meetings with product owners, IMT leaders, and executive stakeholders — you set the agenda, not just attend
  • Deliver executive presentations, deal summaries, and strategic recommendations that land with senior leadership
  • Build relationships that make you the person people call when a software decision needs to be made well
  • Establish governance frameworks and policies that scale across IS&T's software estate
  • Lead audit strategy and coordinate responses with Legal, Finance, and Procurement
  • Drive proactive risk identification — licensing exposure, contractual risks, vendor lock-in — before they become escalations

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 7+ years in software asset management, IT vendor management, technology finance, or strategic portfolio roles
  • 5+ years leading complex cross-functional programs or investment portfolios
  • Strong command of enterprise licensing models (ELAs, subscriptions, perpetual, consumption/token-based, hybrid)
  • Demonstrated ownership of multi-million-dollar software budgets and forecasts
  • Track record of presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership and influencing outcomes
  • Hands-on analytical capability — you build the analysis, not just review it
  • Experience with software rationalization, optimization, or portfolio governance at enterprise scale
  • Familiarity with complex license metrics (Oracle Processors, IBM PVUs, vCPUs, points/credits)
  • Ability to read and interpret enterprise software contracts, audit clauses, and compliance frameworks
  • Background in IT finance (capex vs. opex, prepaid structures, contractual uplifts, NTE pricing)
  • Experience creating or re-engineering processes and tools that improve operational efficiency
  • Comfort navigating ambiguity and making independent judgment calls with enterprise-level impact
  • Consulting, strategy, or finance background (in addition to or in lieu of traditional SAM experience) is a plus

Skills

Required:Software portfolio managementTCO modelingLicensing and contract interpretationCross-functional leadershipFinancial forecasting

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • Retirement benefits
  • Discounted products and free services
  • Educational reimbursement for career advancement
  • Discretionary bonuses or commission payments (eligible)
  • Relocation (eligible)
  • Apple employee stock programs including RSUs and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) eligibility
Last updated Sep 18, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

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