Cloud FinOps Expert

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About the role:

We are seeking a highly experienced and analytical Cloud FinOps & Cost Optimization Expert for a critical freelance engagement. You will be instrumental in driving a significant cost optimization initiative for a key client, helping them achieve maximum financial efficiency and value from their cloud infrastructure across AWS, Azure, and GCP.

This is a hands-on role for a true subject matter expert who is passionate about translating complex cloud usage data into actionable, high-impact financial strategies. You will be the go-to specialist for identifying inefficiencies, recommending solutions, and establishing best practices for cloud financial governance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of multi-cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) billing, usage reports, and architectural patterns to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop and present detailed cost optimization strategies, including right-sizing, instance scheduling, storage tiering, and leveraging pricing models like Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, and Spot Instances.
• Provide expert recommendations on architectural changes that can lead to significant cost reductions without compromising performance or reliability.
• Establish and champion FinOps best practices, including tagging strategies, budget alerting, and showback/chargeback models.
• Create insightful dashboards and reports to provide stakeholders with clear visibility into cloud spending, trends, and the impact of optimization efforts.
• Collaborate with technical teams to implement recommendations and foster a culture of cost-accountability.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven Expertise:

  5+ years of hands-on experience dedicated to cloud cost management, cloud financial operations (FinOps), and optimization.

• Multi-Cloud Fluency:

  Deep, practical knowledge of cost management tools and services in at least two of the major cloud platforms: AWS (Cost Explorer, Trusted Advisor), Microsoft Azure (Cost Management + Billing), and Google Cloud Platform (Billing Reports, Cost Management).

• FinOps Practitioner:

  Strong understanding of the FinOps lifecycle (Inform, Optimize, Operate) and experience implementing its principles in a real-world environment.

• Technical Acumen:

  Solid understanding of core cloud services (compute, storage, networking, databases), containerization (Kubernetes, Docker), and serverless architectures to effectively identify waste.

• Analytical Mindset:

  Exceptional ability to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and translate technical data into clear, actionable business insights.

• Excellent Communicator:

  Ability to articulate complex cost-saving strategies to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Self-Starter:

  As this is a remote, freelance role, you must be disciplined, proactive, and able to manage your time effectively to deliver results.