Principal Software Asset Administrator (SAM)

Title:

Principal Software Asset Administrator (SAM)

KBR combines mission expertise with advanced digital technologies to solve the world’s toughest challenges on a global scale. KBR is a trusted national security partner for a wide array of customers across space, land, air and sea. KBR delivers innovative solutions across digital engineering and integration, rapid prototyping, mission operations, data analytics, artificial intelligence and secure logistics. At KBR, We deliver™.

KBR is seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Asset Administrator to join our Corporate IT team in Houston, TX (hybrid) and support the operational execution, governance, and optimization of software assets across our global enterprise. This role plays a critical part in ensuring licensing compliance, cost efficiency, and operational effectiveness within a highly regulated government contracting environment.

In this role, you will drive day-to-day SAM execution, support process maturity, and ensure accurate tracking of software entitlements, usage, and financial data. You will act as a senior subject matter expert bridging strategy and execution—translating leadership direction into scalable, efficient, and compliant Software Asset Management practices.

The successful candidate will provide hands-on leadership of SAM operations, oversee lifecycle activities, and partner closely with IT, Procurement, Finance, and vendors to ensure alignment with contractual, financial, and cybersecurity requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Software Asset Lifecycle Management

• Own and manage the end-to-end lifecycle of software assets, including request intake, procurement coordination, deployment, utilization tracking, renewal planning, reclamation, and retirement
• Ensure adherence to governed workflows aligned with IT operations, procurement, finance, and cybersecurity requirements
• Drive lifecycle controls across commercial software, SaaS, subscriptions, cloud applications, and trial/freeware usage
• Partner with stakeholders to support demand forecasting, usage validation, optimization, and reuse strategies
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready records of software entitlements and deployments across environments

Operational Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, guide, and develop SAM analysts and administrators, setting clear priorities and expectations for operational delivery
• Act as the escalation point for complex licensing, compliance, and contract issues
• Coach and mentor team members to promote consistent adoption of SAM best practices
• Build team capability through training, development planning, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence

ServiceNow & Data Management

• Serve as the functional owner and subject matter expert for ServiceNow SAM Pro and Contract Management capabilities
• Oversee data quality across software models, entitlements, contracts, discovery data, and configuration items
• Manage and improve SAM processes including reconciliation, normalization, entitlement management, and reporting
• Partner with IT, platform teams, and business stakeholders to enhance automation, integrations, and CMDB alignment
• Establish and enforce data governance practices to ensure audit-ready and accurate asset records

Compliance, Audit & Governance

• Ensure compliance with software licensing agreements and internal governance standards
• Support audit readiness activities, including validation of data, evidence collection, and remediation actions
• Identify and mitigate compliance risks and gaps in licensing or usage practices
• Manage true-ups and support license optimization efforts to balance compliance and cost control

Procurement, Financial & Contract Support

• Partner with Procurement and Finance to support vendor quotations, purchase requisitions, and invoice reconciliation
• Ensure alignment between contracts, entitlements, and financial records
• Support internal billing and chargeback processes through accurate data tracking
• Provide insights into renewal planning, consumption trends, and optimization opportunities
• Contribute to financial tracking and forecasting activities related to software spend

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Collaborate cross-functionally with IT, procurement, finance, cybersecurity, and vendors
• Provide expert guidance on licensing models, usage optimization, and governance practices
• Communicate complex SAM concepts and issues in clear business terms
• Support leadership with reporting, insights, and recommendations for decision-making
• Contribute to enterprise initiatives including digital transformation and cloud adoption

Basic Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen.
• Extensive experience in Software Asset Management (SAM), IT Asset Management (ITAM), or software licensing
• Proven experience leading or mentoring SAM analysts or IT asset management professionals in an enterprise environment

Technical Expertise

• Strong expertise in software asset lifecycle management and licensing models (SaaS, subscription, and perpetual)
• Hands-on experience with SAM tools (e.g., ServiceNow SAM Pro) and data management processes
• Experience managing contracts, entitlements, renewals, compliance positions, and audit support activities
• Knowledge of procurement, invoicing, financial tracking, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP or similar)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data governance skills
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and audit readiness
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Process-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating within government contracting or other highly regulated environments
• Ability to work at both strategic and tactical levels, balancing execution with process maturity initiatives
• Proven ability to translate leadership direction into clear operational priorities and outcomes
• Demonstrated success developing talent and building high-performing SAM teams
• Strong commercial acumen to balance compliance, cost optimization, and business needs
• Experience supporting cloud licensing and cost management (e.g., Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS)

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.