Senior Systems Engineer - Software Asset Management (SAM)

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.

Hey, hello, hiya, g'day, mabuhay, kia ora, 你好, hallo, vítejte!

Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll get straight to the point.

Where and how you can work

Our flagship campus is in Sydney. We also have a campus in Melbourne and co-working spaces in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. But you have choice in where and how you work. That means if you want to do your thing in the office (if you're near one), at home or a bit of both, it's up to you.

About The Team

This role will sit within the IT Platform Group, under the Device & Software Management function - the part of IT responsible for making sure the tools, devices and access our Canvanauts rely on every day are secure, supported and scalable.

The team manages a wide range of internal software and device experiences from laptops to SaaS tools, provisioning, onboarding and license management. You’ll work closely with teams like Workforce Access Management, Global Tech Support, Finance Systems and Security to ensure our Canvanauts can focus on impactful work without friction.

The IT Platform Group is growing and maturing, and this role will help define how we manage software assets across the company. We’re entering an exciting phase in our maturity journey where we’re ready to design, build and scale a SAM capability with intention - starting small, proving value early and evolving over time.

What You’ll Be Doing

This is a Build → Operate → Embed kind of role. You’ll design the foundations, run it and help others adopt it over time.

Building the SAM Capability

• Set up simple, scalable processes that work with the way the business operates today

• Stand up tools (e.g. Zylo, ServiceNow SAM) to get clear, centralised visibility of what we’re using

• Define how we classify software (standard, non-standard, approved, high-risk)

• Align with teams like procurement, access management, tech support and finance to integrate SAM into existing workflows and ways of working

Operate It Day-to-Day

• Maintain inventory data and software ownership information to ensure accuracy

• Run lightweight usage reviews and prep teams for upcoming renewals

• Spot patterns, duplications, and cost opportunities - and help teams act on them

• Support rationalisation work when it makes sense - not as a blocker

Help Others Get It & Use It

• Co-design simple guides, playbooks and onboarding for app owners and tech leads

• Pilot “preferred tools” and “visibility dashboards” with teams who are ready

• Make SAM feel helpful, not bureaucratic

Scale It Pragmatically

• Design for scale - with feedback loops, insights and measurable wins

• Make it easy for others to participate without extra effort

• Help SAM become something the business wants to engage with

What We’re Looking For

You’ll likely have a minimum of 5-8+ years of experience working specifically across:

• Software asset management or SaaS management tooling

• Tech cost optimisation, procurement, IT operations or IT governance - with at least part of that time spent building or evolving new capabilities

• Fast-paced, low-process environments where you had to figure things out and influence without authority

Foundational Skills (Must Have)

• Hands-on with SAM/SaaS platforms like Zylo, Torii, Flexera, or ServiceNow SAM

• Deep understanding of SaaS license models, usage metrics and renewal planning

• Proven track record in standing up a capability or process from scratch

• Comfortable working where there may not always be formal authority, policy or mandate - can navigate and thrive in ambiguity and opportunity!

• Strong communication and collaboration across tech, procurement, finance and business stakeholders

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have)

• Experience rationalising tools or running successful cost-saving initiatives through influencing and partnership

• Exposure to hyper-growth or autonomous org structures

• Understanding of Application Portfolio Management and Technology Lifecycle Planning

• Familiarity with how SAM fits into broader IT operating models

We’re open to candidates at Senior Specialist or Capability Lead level, depending on experience, adaptability and ability to deliver outcomes independently in a maturing environment - we care more about impact, mindset and adaptability than job titles!

What Success Looks Like

• We have a clear, trusted view of what software usage is across the org

• Teams make better tool decisions with your help

• Rationalisation happens when it makes sense, not because someone said so

• SAM becomes a quiet strategic enabler in the background - not a process everyone tries to avoid

What This Role Is Not

• Not a procurement analyst or spreadsheet-only role

• Not a tool cop or approval gate

• Not a deeply and only technical systems engineer

• Not a policy-pusher or contract reader

What's in it for you?

Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard - and we do - but you'll experience lots of moments of magic, connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva, too. We also offer a stack of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work.

Here's a taste of what's on offer:

• Equity packages - we want our success to be yours too
• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
• An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more
• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally

Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.

Other stuff to know

We see AI as a powerful amplifier of creativity and technology at Canva.We’re evolving how we assess AI skills in our Technology hiring experience - you’ll tackle interactive, real-time challenges that reflect the kind of work we do. In some interviews, you may also be asked to solve a problem using an AI tool to show how you approach challenges with tech by your side. Your recruitment partner will walk you through what to expect.We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.We celebrate all types of skills and backgrounds at Canva so even if you don’t feel like your skills quite match what’s listed above - we still want to hear from you!

We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.

Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.