Software Asset Management (SAM) Lead

All locations
  • Oslo, Norway
  • Pune, India
Business:
Global Shared Services
Job ID:
7175
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Overview

About us

We are the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence.

As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.

About GSS

As the internal support organization for DNV and DNV owned companies, we deliver shared services within Human Resources, Finance, IT and Real Estate & Procurement to DNV globally. Our mission is to enable DNV to grow, succeed with its business goals and improve competitiveness. Customer experience is at the core of everything we do. GSS is responsible for many of the tools, processes and daily routines that create the backbone of DNV. 

About the role

DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through our broad experience and deep expertise, we advance safety and sustainable performance, set industry standards, and inspire and invent solutions.
Global Shared Services IT (GSS IT) delivers secure, modern, and cost-efficient IT services to all of DNV. As part of our enterprise software governance ambition, we have established a new centralized Software Asset Management (SAM) function that governs how software is acquired, used, and managed across DNV — to improve compliance, reduce cost, and strengthen IT security.

The opportunity
We are now looking for a Head of Section – SAM Lead to take ownership of this newly established function and shape it into a permanent, employee-led capability. Today the SAM function is run by an interim, contractor-based core team and operates as a temporary unit reporting directly to the GSS IT Director. Your mission will be to take it from start-up to a mature, enterprise-wide control tower for software — and to be the leader who anchors it permanently within a GSS IT Head of Group area.
This is a unique opportunity to build a global function from the ground up — combining strategy, governance, operations, vendor management, and data and tooling — with strong executive sponsorship and a clear mandate across all of DNV.

What you will do
As Head of Section – SAM, you will own the SAM operating model, governance, KPIs, audit readiness, and stakeholder alignment across GSS IT and DNV's Business Areas. Specifically, you will:

  • Own the SAM function end-to-end – strategy, roadmap, KPI framework, governance, and reporting to GSS IT leadership and the SAM SteerCo.
  • Build and lead the permanent team – recruit, onboard, and develop the SAM core team (SAM Operations & Tooling Responsible, SAM Licensing Specialist), and transition knowledge from the current contractor-led setup to a permanent organisation.
  • Run the Managed / Co-Managed / Governed operating model – allocate operational responsibility by risk, complexity, spend, and strategic importance across DNV's software estate.
  • Deliver Phase 2 of the SAM project – expand scope beyond Phase 1 (launched 1 April 2026), including broader vendor coverage, optimization, and maturity uplift throughout 2026.
  • Ensure audit readiness and compliance – establish Effective License Position (ELP) methodology, audit defence playbooks, and a robust vendor compliance posture for major vendors.
  • Drive data quality and tooling – ensure Snow Atlas, discovery, inventory, and integrations deliver a reliable single source of truth for software assets.
  • Govern the software lifecycle in MyGSS and the VerIT Store – partner closely with Digital Workplace on software intake, fulfilment, renewals, and retirement, ensuring a seamless and secure user experience.
  • Enable cross-functional governance – establish and run a standing SAM Governance Board with Digital Workplace, Cloud Infrastructure, EA/D&A/Security, RemProc (Procurement), Finance, and BA representation.
  • Optimize cost and risk – identify license optimization opportunities, support renewal and negotiation strategies, and reduce shadow IT in collaboration with Security.
  • Be the face of SAM in DNV – build trust and credibility with BAs, GSS IT Heads of Group, Procurement, and senior stakeholders, and represent SAM externally with vendors and auditors.

What we offer
  • A highly visible Head of Section role with a clear enterprise mandate and direct access to GSS IT leadership.
  • The opportunity to shape and lead a strategic new function from day one.
  • A global, diverse, and professional environment with strong development opportunities.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits, aligned with DNV's local market practice in Norway and India.
  • A purpose-driven organization committed to safeguarding life, property, and the environment.
DEI STATEMENT: DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.

About you

We are looking for a builder, operator, and people leader — someone who combines strategic thinking with a strong delivery mindset and the ability to lead through influence in a complex, global organisation.

Must-have qualifications

  • Significant experience in Software Asset Management, IT Asset Management, software licensing, or IT vendor and commercial management — ideally including the build-up of a SAM/ITAM function.
  • Demonstrated people leadership experience at Head of Section level or equivalent, ideally leading globally distributed teams.
  • Proven understanding of licensing models and audit and compliance management for major software vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, Adobe).
  • Experience working with SAM tooling (Snow Atlas, ServiceNow SAM, Flexera, or similar) and the data foundations behind it (discovery, normalization, CMDB integration).
  • Strong governance and stakeholder management capabilities, with a track record of working across IT, Procurement, Finance, Security, and business stakeholders.
  • Solid commercial acumen – understanding of contracts, ELPs, renewals, and total cost of ownership.
  • Excellent communication skills in English; ability to communicate clearly at executive level.

Nice to have

  • Industry certifications such as IAITAM (CSAM/CITAM), ITIL, or equivalent.
  • Experience leading a global function across multiple regions and time zones.
  • Experience with FinOps, SaaS governance, or shadow IT detection.
  • Experience operating in a regulated environment or under frameworks such as NIS2, ISO 27001, or similar.

Personal qualities

  • A pragmatic builder who thrives in early-stage, ambiguous environments.
  • Strong ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
  • Comfortable making decisions and defending them with data.
  • Collaborative, trust-building, and able to lead through influence across GSS IT and BAs.
  • Curious, structured, and continuously improving.
Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country-specific laws and practices.

Benefits

Please note, benefits may depend on your contract type, please confirm with your recruiter.

Profit Share

You’ll be part of our global profit share scheme that means we all share in our success as a business. If we profit, so do you. This will be part of our Total Compensation approach each year and depends on our year-end results.

Insurance

Taking care of you with travel, life, and accident insurance.

Pension Schemes

We care about your long-term financial security and prioritize pension and retirement benefits to reflect our caring values.

Professional Development

We believe in the 70/20/10 learning model, where 70% of your learning comes from performing your everyday tasks and working on different projects, new areas and initiatives to gain new skills. 20% from working with others and mentoring and the rest from formal education.

Hybrid Working

Adapting to the changing world of work around the world.

Purpose-led organization

You become part of a world-leading company where we know and live our purpose; to safeguard life, property, and the environment, with the opportunity to tackle global change through your work.

Supportive and caring culture

We offer opportunities to connect through social and professional networks. Our largest community CONNECT, organizes after-work events and informal meetings throughout the year.

Attractive rewards

We focus on work/life balance and offer employees flexible working hours and workplace, annual vacation allowance, competitive pension, insurance, and a global profit share scheme.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At DNV, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not only an ethical choice, but also a business decision.

Diversity, fairness, and a sense of belonging are a source of strength for our people, our business, and our customers, and help us to deliver on our purpose, vision, and values.

Learn more

Working here

Since 1864 we’ve been dedicated to safeguarding life, property and the environment. Today we remain at the forefront of new technologies and techniques to help our customers transform for a more sustainable future.

At DNV you can expect to deliver career and industry defining work. You’ll be given the time to build your network, the resources to support your development, and the freedom to satisfy your curiosity and desire to learn.

Learn more

Application Process

FAQs

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. We’ve put together answers to the questions we’re asked most often to help you find the information you need quickly and easily. Whether you're curious about our recruitment process, benefits or career growth and development, you should find the information below.

How can I find job openings that fit my skills and interests?

Explore our official job search page where you can use filters such as job type, location, and department to find roles that best match your qualifications and career aspirations.

What’s your application process like?

You can apply directly through our careers page by submitting your CV and any other documents we require (i.e. university diplomas/transcripts; visas; previous employment reference letters). Make sure your application is fully completed, and you tailor it to the specific job listing. 

Is your recruitment process designed to be inclusive and accessible?

Yes, it is. We're an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all candidates. We’re happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. Share the details of what you need within your application.

What types of interviews might I undergo?

Depending on your role, our interview process may include initial phone screenings, video conferences, and in-person interviews, focusing on both your technical abilities and our shared values. You can ask your recruiter specifically about the interview process for your role. 

How long does the hiring process typically take from application to decision?

The timeline can vary but we make every effort to reply to each candidate as soon as possible and keep everyone up-to-date with where they are in the recruitment process.

How do I know if a recruitment contact is legitimately from your company?

Official communication will come from our verified company email addresses. Carefully check any suspicious looking emails and if you have any doubts, don’t engage.

Are there any fees involved in your recruitment process?

No, we do not charge any fees at any stage of our recruitment process. All applications and interviews are free of charge, we will never ask you to pay any fees or make any payments – please be wary of any requests for payment as these are likely scams.

What should I do if I suspect a job scam?

If you encounter suspicious job postings or recruitment practices, do not provide personal information and contact your recruiter as soon as possible. We take these matters seriously. We will never ask you to pay any fees or make any payments part of our recruitment process.

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Disclaimer

Please beware of recruitment scams that pretend to be from DNV or its employees. We will never ask you to pay any fees or make any payments as part of our recruitment process.