Lead IT Systems Analyst

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities. At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter. This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today. The Role At Lumen, we are igniting business growth by connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. As a Lead IT Systems Analyst (Software Asset Management) within the Vendor Management Office (VMO), you will play a critical role in optimizing Lumen's software investments and driving strategic vendor partnerships that support our technology transformation initiatives. In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to technical, procurement, and business leaders, helping guide software purchasing, licensing, renewal, and vendor management decisions across a software portfolio exceeding $200 million annually. You will leverage data-driven insights, financial analysis, and industry best practices to maximize value, reduce risk, and ensure alignment between software investments and business objectives. This is an opportunity for a collaborative, analytical leader who enjoys influencing decisions, improving processes, and delivering measurable impact across a complex enterprise environment. Location This is a remote opportunity open to candidates located anywhere in the U.S. The Main Responsibilities Partner with technical teams, Procurement, Legal, and business stakeholders to develop software acquisition, renewal, and optimization strategies. Lead analysis and recommendations for software maintenance and subscription renewals, modifications, or cancellations across a large enterprise software portfolio. Perform financial, operational, licensing, and risk assessments to support informed decision-making and maximize return on software investments. Evaluate vendor proposals, licensing models, and contract terms to ensure alignment with business requirements and long-term flexibility. Support and influence negotiation strategies for high-value software transactions and key licensing agreements. Lead complex software asset management and license compliance initiatives, ensuring accurate entitlement tracking and effective utilization of software assets. Develop, improve, and standardize Software Asset Management (SAM) processes, metrics, and best practices to drive operational excellence. Serve as a trusted consultant and primary point of contact for assigned teams, providing guidance on software licensing, vendor management, and risk mitigation. Drive cross-functional projects and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to achieve business objectives and resolve challenges efficiently. Champion continuous improvement through process optimization, automation opportunities, knowledge sharing, and adoption of emerging technologies, including AI-powered tools. What We Look For in a Candidate Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Operations, Economics, Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience. 8+ years of professional experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 6+ years with a Master's degree. Experience managing software assets, software licensing, renewals, contract analysis, vendor management, or related IT procurement activities. Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate financial, contractual, operational, and licensing data to drive business outcomes. Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders across technical and non-technical organizations. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment while exercising sound judgment. Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with complex software licensing agreements for major vendors such as Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Red Hat, Salesforce, SAP, Adobe, and similar providers. Experience supporting or leading multi-million-dollar software transactions and contract negotiations. Familiarity with Software Asset Management platforms such as Flexera. Experience with cloud providers including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Knowledge of purchasing, procurement, IT asset management, or vendor management processes within a large enterprise environment. Master's degree in a related field. Compensation This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors. Location Based Pay Ranges $105,786 - $141,047 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY $111,074 - $148,099 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI $116,364 - $155,152 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WA Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process. Learn more about Lumen's: Benefits Bonus Structure #LI-Remote Requisition #: 343105 Life at Lumen Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win. To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit: https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/life-at-lumen Background Screening If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page . Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Equal Employment Opportunities We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training. Privacy Notice Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data. To review Lumen’s Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit: https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice Disclaimer The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.