BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income. The company is deeply footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774. With around 6200 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is the largest employer in the German footwear industry. To ensure our quality standards, we produce over 95% of our products in Germany and source more than 90% of our materials and components from Europe. The BIRKENSTOCK Group is headquartered in Linz am Rhein and maintains several locations in Germany, as well as sales offices in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

 

For our division IT ,at our location in Köln we are looking for a

Software Asset and Procurement Manager (m/f/d)

YOUR SHOES TO FILL:

 

  • Oversee and monitor the license portfolio, identify expiring contracts, optimize usage, and conduct cost analyses.
  • Ensure compliance with licensing agreements, maintain accurate records, and support both internal and external audits.
  • Stay informed on licensing models and procurement trends; integrate best practices into organizational strategies.
  • Maintain clear documentation of contracts and inventories to support software acquisition activities.
  • Support IT budget monitoring focused on license spending and cost optimization.
  • Coordinate and govern IT procurement processes within the CIO Office, ensuring strategic alignment, consistency, and transparency with vendors.
  • Design and implement efficient end-to-end workflows, from software approval through deployment to inventory maintenance, to manage the entire software license lifecycle.
  • Serve as a key interface across functions—IT, finance, procurement, legal, security, business units, PMO, vendors—to uphold governance standards and facilitate procurement decisions. 

 

YOUR WALK OF LIFE:

 

  • Degree in Computer Science, Business Informatics, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Several years of experience in IT procurement and software license management, including knowledge of industry standards and practices.
  • Hands-on familiarity with major vendor licensing models (e.g., Microsoft, SAP) and proficiency in managing license audits.
  • Skilled in license management tools and procurement platforms.
  • Strong analytical abilities to interpret complex licensing data, assess risks, optimize costs, and support decision-making.
  • Structured, process-oriented mindset with a governance-first approach.
  • Excellent communication skills in German and English, both written and spoken.
  • Proven stakeholder management and negotiation capabilities.
  • Strategic thinking to align licensing decisions with business and IT goals.
  • Proactive problem-solving in a dynamic environment, balancing multiple responsibilities and stakeholders efficiently.

 

WE OFFER:

BIRKENSTOCK offers you all the advantages of a successful, fast growing, global company: dynamic work environment, considerable design freedom, authentic and open corporate culture and excellent development opportunities. Sounds exciting? It is. We are looking forward to receiving your online application, stating your salary expectations!

If you have any further questions, please contact Ankita Arora


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