You will not inherit a playbook — you will write one. This role sits at the intersection of technology strategy, financial planning, and cross-functional influence within the Office of the CIO. You will own a portfolio of enterprise software investments end-to-end: setting lifecycle direction, building the analytical case for action, and driving decisions through rooms where you do not have positional authority but earn credibility through rigor and clarity.
The OCIO exists to enable Apple's business and create value — and this role is a direct expression of that mission. You will quantify and optimize total cost of ownership across your portfolio, ensuring Apple gets maximum strategic and operational value from every software dollar spent. That means going beyond sticker price to evaluate implementation costs, operational overhead, integration complexity, and long-term vendor trajectory.
Our operating model is shifting from manual processing to automation-enabled strategic work. That means less time chasing renewals and more time answering harder questions: Should we build or buy? Where is AI-driven cost growth outpacing value? Which vendors are strategic partners vs. commodity suppliers? What does a 5-year TCO view of this portfolio actually look like?
You will work directly with IS&T leadership, product teams, Finance, and Procurement — not as a support function, but as a decision-shaping partner who connects software investment strategy to business value.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and 7+ years in software asset management, IT vendor management, technology finance, or strategic portfolio roles
5+ years leading complex cross-functional programs or investment portfolios
Strong command of enterprise licensing models (ELAs, subscriptions, perpetual, consumption/token-based, hybrid)
Demonstrated ownership of multi-million-dollar software budgets and forecasts
Track record of presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership and influencing outcomes
Hands-on analytical capability — you build the analysis, not just review it
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with software rationalization, optimization, or portfolio governance at enterprise scale
Familiarity with complex license metrics (Oracle Processors, IBM PVUs, vCPUs, points/credits)
Ability to read and interpret enterprise software contracts, audit clauses, and compliance frameworks
Background in IT finance (capex vs. opex, prepaid structures, contractual uplifts, NTE pricing)
Experience creating or re-engineering processes and tools that improve operational efficiency
Comfort navigating ambiguity and making independent judgment calls with enterprise-level impact
Consulting, strategy, or finance background (in addition to or in lieu of traditional SAM experience) is a plus