IT Asset Specialist

This role is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK and is a 6-month fixed term contract. At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century. Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide. Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community. Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

An exciting opportunity for an IT Asset Specialist to play a vital role in maintaining accurate records of IT hardware and software assets, supporting budget planning, procurement, licensing compliance, and supplier relationships to help the organisation achieve best value from its IT investments. This position reports to the Head of IT and works closely with the IT Service Manager and wider IT team to support asset lifecycle management and financial reporting.

The Role

The IT Asset Specialist will support the Head of IT in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and value of the SKAO’s IT asset management processes covering both hardware and software assets. The role will focus on maintaining asset records, supporting budget planning and forecasting, ensuring software licensing compliance, supplier negotiations and relationships, and helping the organisation achieve best value from its IT investments. Reporting to the Head of IT, the IT Asset Manager will work closely with the IT Service Manager and the broader IT Team to maintain accurate asset data, support procurement processes, track asset lifecycles, and contribute to financial and service management reporting.

Key Outcomes of the Role:

• Accurate and up-to-date IT asset records.
• Timely support to budget planning and financial forecasting processes.
• Improved software licence and data residency compliance with reduced risk.
• Effective procurement support and evidence of cost savings.
• Regular asset reporting and audits completed

We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, especially those from member countries. However, for these roles visa and relocation support will not be available and applicants must be able to comply with the terms of a UK based local contract, details of which may be accessed on SKAO's recruitment portal. This role is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK and is a 6-month fixed term contract. SKAO is committed to providing a flexible working environment that meets the needs of our staff while delivering the objectives of the Observatory. We encourage open conversations about flexible working arrangements during the recruitment process and throughout employment. Some occasional working across time zones may be required for this role, and flexible working hours will be supported in line with SKAO policy and in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Ensure accurate records are maintained for all IT hardware and software assets, including their lifecycle stages, locations, ownership, and licensing status.
• Manage asset tracking systems and ensure asset data integrity through regular audits and reconciliations.
• Support IT budget setting and forecasting processes by providing accurate asset data and financial tracking/forecasting.
• Assist with procurement processes, working with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of IT assets.
• Monitor software licensing and ensure compliance with licence terms and optimal use of product/suite versions, including nonprofit offerings.
• Support the maintenance of a data residency register for utilised software as a service (SaaS).
• Identify opportunities to optimise asset usage and deliver cost savings through reallocation, rationalisation, supplier negotiation, or improved procurement practices.
• Work closely with the IT Service Manager to support asset lifecycle planning, including capital replacement schedules and warranty tracking.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and metrics to provide visibility of asset status, budget tracking, and procurement activity.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives, particularly those related to asset management, procurement, nonprofit pricing, and budget forecasting.
• Undertake any other duties within your capabilities as may reasonably be required.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience in IT asset management, including hardware and software lifecycle tracking.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience supporting budget management and forecasting processes.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and vendor engagement.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and suppliers.
• Proficiency in using asset management tools, spreadsheets, and reporting systems.
• A flexible team player who is adaptable to change.
• Willingness and ability to work outside of normal working hours on occasion to meet operational needs.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Certification in IT asset management (e.g. from International Association of IT Asset Managers, IAITAM) or related disciplines.
• Experience with, or certification in, Service Management Frameworks such as ITIL.
• Knowledge of software licensing models and compliance management.
• Familiarity with financial tracking tools or ERP systems.
• Experience with Cloud products from Microsoft, Google, and Atlassian.
• Experience contributing to Lean Agile service improvements.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda. Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background. Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided. SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries. The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.