Director Analyst, Microsoft Contract Negotiations & Licensing

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director Analyst, Microsoft Contract Negotiations & Licensing based in United States.** This role offers the opportunity to become a trusted advisor on enterprise software licensing, procurement strategy, and contract negotiations. You will create impactful research, insights, and recommendations that help global organizations optimize technology investments. The position combines deep subject matter expertise with client engagement, thought leadership, and strategic analysis. You will influence executive decision-making by translating complex licensing challenges into actionable business strategies. Working within a collaborative global environment, you will contribute to innovative research and mentor fellow experts. This is an ideal opportunity for a technology procurement leader who enjoys shaping industry practices and advising senior stakeholders. ### Accountabilities: The Director Analyst will serve as a subject matter expert in Microsoft licensing, contract negotiations, and software procurement, developing actionable insights and advising enterprise clients on complex technology decisions. The role requires strong analytical thinking, research capabilities, and the ability to influence senior leaders through credible recommendations. - Create innovative, high-value research content, market insights, and best practices focused on Microsoft licensing, contract strategy, and software procurement. - Provide strategic guidance to clients and prospects on Microsoft agreements, licensing optimization, negotiation planning, vendor management, and commercial decision-making. - Analyze market trends, technology shifts, and vendor strategies to deliver actionable recommendations for enterprise organizations. - Conduct deep research to identify client challenges, uncover root causes, and develop frameworks that support better business outcomes. - Engage with executives through virtual and in-person meetings, briefings, conferences, and industry events to deliver expert advice. - Represent research methodologies and strategic viewpoints while building credibility as a trusted industry advisor. - Support internal teams with market expertise, content development, and client engagement strategies. - Review and enhance research materials to ensure accuracy, relevance, and industry impact. - Collaborate with global peers on innovation, research initiatives, and knowledge sharing. - Mentor and support junior team members while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. ## Requirements: The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in enterprise software licensing, technology procurement, and contract negotiations, combined with strong communication, research, and advisory skills. This professional should be comfortable engaging executives, analyzing complex business challenges, and operating in a global, matrixed environment. - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required; graduate degree preferred. - 12+ years of relevant industry or professional experience. - 8+ years of experience in SaaS/software contract negotiations, technology procurement, category management, vendor management, software asset management, consulting, or related fields. - 5+ years of hands-on Microsoft renewal negotiation experience, including recent exposure to agreements such as MCA, EA, and CSP. - Deep expertise in Microsoft volume licensing, commercial models, cloud services markets, and reseller ecosystems. - Experience assessing and managing software license compliance risks, audits, and mitigation strategies, particularly related to Microsoft. - Experience negotiating with additional major technology vendors such as AWS, Google, Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, or ServiceNow is preferred. - Strong executive presence with the ability to establish credibility with senior stakeholders. - Excellent research,…