Microsoft Optimisation Manager (18 month FTC)

Kingfisher; Southampton; On-site; 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

Overview

We’re Kingfisher, A team made up of over 74,000 passionate people who bring Kingfisher - and all our other brands: B&Q, Screwfix, Brico Depot, Castorama and Koctas to life. Guided by our purpose Better Homes. Better Lives. For Everyone. We believe a better world starts with better homes, and we work every day to make that a reality. Join us and help shape the future of home improvement.

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Microsoft Optimisation Manager to join us on a fixed-term contract (until no later than 1st May 2028, circa 18 months), to lead the strategy, governance and optimisation of our Microsoft technology estate in the lead up to our next Enterprise Agreement renewal. You'llwork across multiple teams, influence strategicdecisionsand help drive measurable business value through strong governance, commercialinsightand continuous improvement;ultimately ensuring that Kingfishermaintains control of licensing costs and is positioned to negotiate from a position of strength during Enterprise Agreement and cloud contract renewals.

This rolecould bebased out of ourSouthampton or Paddington offices, with an expectation of 12 days a month in the office. Travel willalsobe expected between sites in the UK andEurope, to build relationships with stakeholders across our key locations.

What's the job?

• 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.

What you'll bring

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft licensing programmes, including EA, MCA-E and CSP.

• Experience managing Microsoft 365 licensing within a large-scale or enterprise environment.

• Commercial and financial management experience, with a focus on value optimisation.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to generate clear reporting and actionable insights.

• Experience negotiating with software vendors and service providers.

• Ability to build effective stakeholder relationships and translate complex licensing information into clear business value.

How We WorkWe believe in flexibility and balance. Our hybrid model blends home working for focus with time spent connecting and collaborating - whether in our offices or at offsite locations. On average, around 60% of your time will involve in-person collaboration.

We value the perspectives new team members bring and encourage you to apply - even if youdon’tmeet 100% of the requirements.

What We OfferAn inclusive environment where your potential is limited only by your imagination. We encouragenew ideas, support experimentation, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can be their best self. Find out more about Diversity & Inclusion at Kingfisherhere.

We also offer a competitive benefits package and plenty of opportunities to stretch and grow your career. Scroll down below to find out more about our benefits.

Diversity & InclusionOur customers come from allwalks of life- and so do we.We’recommitted to ensuring all colleagues, future colleagues, and applicants are treated equally, regardless of age, gender, marital or civil partnership status, ethnicity, culture, religion, belief, political opinion, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

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