Microsoft Licensing Optimisation Manager – 18-Month Contract (Hybrid)

Kingfisher; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingfisher operates across the UK and Europe, with offices in Southampton and Paddington. We seek a Microsoft Optimisation Manager on a fixed-term contract to lead licensing strategy across Microsoft 365, Azure, and related services, driving governance and cost optimisation.

You will collaborate with Finance, Procurement and IT teams to improve forecasting, track utilisation, and negotiate favourable terms with Microsoft and partners.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft licensing programmes, including EA, MCA-E and CSP.
• Experience managing Microsoft 365 licensing in large enterprises.
• Commercial and financial management experience focused on value optimisation.
• Strong analytical skills to generate clear reporting and insights.
• Experience negotiating with software vendors and service providers.
• Ability to translate licensing information into clear business value.

Responsibilities

• Own the Microsoft licensing and optimisation strategy across Microsoft 365, Azure, Security, Copilot and Power Platform services.
• Drive licence utilisation, cost optimisation and waste reduction through data-led analysis, governance and forecasting.
• Lead Microsoft commercial management activities, including Enterprise Agreement (EA), MCA-E and CSP consumption, renewals and true-up processes.
• Establish and lead Microsoft governance forums, promoting accountability, compliance and financial control across the organisation.
• Develop reporting, dashboards and insights that support investment decisions, adoption strategies and commercial negotiations.
• Collaborate with Finance, Procurement, HR, Identity and Technology teams to improve forecasting, strengthen Joiner-Mover-Leaver processes and maximise return on Microsoft investments.
• Manage relationships with Microsoft and licensing partners to help secure maximum value from the Microsoft technology estate.

Skills

Microsoft licensing

Microsoft 365 licensing

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Vendor negotiation

Forecasting

Job description

Kingfisher operates across the UK and Europe, with offices in Southampton and Paddington. We seek a Microsoft Optimisation Manager on a fixed-term contract to lead licensing strategy across Microsoft 365, Azure, and related services, driving governance and cost optimisation.

You will collaborate with Finance, Procurement and IT teams to improve forecasting, track utilisation, and negotiate favourable terms with Microsoft and partners.