Sofia Azhar
Mississauga,Canada
Summary
Results-driven Software Asset Management Specialist with over 6 years of experience optimizing enterprise licensing across Oracle PULA, Java, SaaS, and cloud platforms. Skilled in ELP development, audit defense, and cost-saving strategies through data-driven insights, and Power BI reporting. Adept at interpreting complex license agreements, ensuring compliance, and partnering with cross-functional teams to align IT, finance, and procurement goals. Proficient in Flexera, ServiceNow, and RVTools, with a working knowledge of ITIL and ISO 19770 standards. Committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering sustainable licensing solutions that reduce risk and maximize value.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Software License Specialist
LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD
Toronto, Canada
01.2023 - Current
- Managed Oracle contract portfolios, including PULA, Java, and Cloud agreements, collaborating with EPG and Finance for entitlement alignment.
- Created and maintained Effective Licensing Position reports quarterly, refreshing them monthly with data from Flexera and ServiceNow.
- Designed Power BI dashboards to visualize ELPs, tracking usage compliance gaps and optimization opportunities in real time.
- Developed publisher playbooks detailing license usage, risks, and cost-saving strategies, focusing on Oracle PULA contracts.
- Identified products without active contracts, driving pre-renewal remediation to minimize audit exposure.
- Delivered cost analysis and historical usage trends via Power BI, facilitating stakeholder engagement for remediation.
- Collaborated with Procurement, IT, Security, and Finance to enhance contract governance and asset visibility.
- Authored SOPs to implement licensing processes aligned with ITIL and ISO 19770 standards.
Data & Reporting Analytics Specialist (MicroStrategy, Power BI & GCP)
LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD
Toronto, Canada
01.2015 - 01.2023
- Led MicroStrategy reporting for Supply Chain systems, overseeing dashboard creation and report governance.
- Spearheaded Power BI development, building enterprise dashboards for freight cost and inventory metrics.
- Owned GCP-hosted datasets, ensuring scalable cloud reporting infrastructure and governed data access.
- Conducted root-cause analysis across systems to resolve discrepancies and ensure high-integrity reporting.
- Created Labor Standard Reports and operational dashboards, enhancing visibility into inventory performance.
- Maintained centralized SharePoint reporting portal, automating distribution of KPIs and insights.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to align reporting with contractual obligations and rate governance.
- Managed AR/VMS Master File updates and delivered compliance-focused reports using JDA and Excel.
Vendor Compliance Analyst
LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD
Toronto, Canada
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Enforced Vendor Pickup Agreement compliance and conducted semiannual NSC audits to uphold vendor quality.
- Coordinated with Operations and Category Managers to address non-compliance issues and implement corrective actions.
- Managed Carrier Hiring and Contract Award Process, overseeing onboarding and contract governance across CDM, CCS, TMS, and FGP teams.
- Oversaw Ocean Carrier Contracts, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and delivery standards.
- Maintained carrier profile and insurance audits to ensure legal and safety compliance.
- Distributed P&G fuel updates and issued timely fuel pricing notifications for cost transparency.
Vendor Negotiations & Procurement Specialist
LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD
Toronto, Canada
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Negotiated FOB, FGP, and COGS transportation rates with vendors, enhancing cost efficiencies.
- Managed freight rate conversions and fuel conversion projects to ensure contractual accuracy.
- Analyzed historical spend data to identify vendor opportunities and support strategic sourcing.
- Partnered with Procurement and Vendor Management teams to streamline contract negotiations and compliance.
- Conducted vendor data validation using Bi Query, Biceps, JDA, VMS, and TMS systems for accuracy.
- Communicated negotiation outcomes and contract updates to stakeholders, promoting transparency.
Education
International Business Administration - Supply Chain Management
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology
Toronto, Ontario01.2008
Skills
- Oracle & Java Licensing Expertise
- SaaS Licensing Strategy and Compliance
- Software License Advisory and Contract Analysis
- Effective Licensing Position Reporting and Audit Defense
- Software Asset Governance and Risk Mitigation
- Vendor negotiation and stakeholder engagement
- Cross-functional collaboration
- ITAM Tool Proficiency
- Data Analytics and Visualization
- Forecasting
- Cost avoidance
- License Optimization
- SaaS, IaaS, Cloud Reporting, and Compliance Insights
- Strong communication
- Executive reporting skills
Certification
- Oracle & Java Licensing Training – Deloitte-led program on Oracle PULA, Java contract governance, entitlement tracking, and audit risk management
- Flexera Professional Training – Navigating reports, building custom reports, and analyzing license data for optimization
- ServiceNow Tool Training – Navigating, building dashboards, custom reports, incident tracking, and CI queries
- MicroStrategy Certification (Data Scientist SCI) – Dashboarding, Predictive Analytics, Reporting
- Pursuing ITIL Foundation Certification – Target 05/2025
- Preparing for CISA Certification – Goal: 2025
- Toastmasters – Presentation Mastery Skills
- Toastmasters – Leadership Skills: Includes Strategic Leadership, Effective Communication, and other core leadership competencies
- Pursuing advanced, hands-on training in Adobe, Microsoft, IBM, SAP, VMware, and Citrix licensing to strengthen enterprise-level licensing strategy and compliance expertise.
Timeline
Senior Software License Specialist
LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD
01.2023 - Current
Data & Reporting Analytics Specialist (MicroStrategy, Power BI & GCP)
LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD
01.2015 - 01.2023
Vendor Compliance Analyst
LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD
01.2013 - 01.2015
Vendor Negotiations & Procurement Specialist
LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD
01.2011 - 01.2013
International Business Administration - Supply Chain Management
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology