> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1490642-finops-cloud-cost-optimization-lead-digital-technology-services](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1490642-finops-cloud-cost-optimization-lead-digital-technology-services). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # FinOps & Cloud Cost Optimization Lead, Digital & Technology Services - **Company:** Alvarez & Marsal - **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $135,000.0 - $210,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing, Recommender Systems, Power BI, Cloud Services, SQL Databases, Enterprise Software Applications, Autoscaling, Flexera, Information Technology, Cloud Optimization - **Published:** July 29, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=6e76cac93ff35ca4 ## About the Role * Cloud cost modeling, optimization, and benchmarking (government and/or commercial comparables) including AI workloads. * FinOps framework implementation - governance, tagging taxonomy, chargeback/show-back models, KPI frameworks * FinOps Open Cost and Usage Specification (FOCUS), * 8-12+ years of professional experience in cloud cost management and FinOps practice development * FinOps Practitioner or FinOps Engineer certification strongly preferred * Demonstrated 15-30% cloud cost savings delivery on prior engagements * Strong data analytics and visualization skills - experience with SQL, PowerBI, or equivalent * Federal FinOps experience helpful but not required - demonstrated cost optimization at scale in any large enterprise is the primary qualifier * Bachelor's degree required; Finance, Computer Science, or MIS preferred * Comfortable with travel up to 80% * Full-time, contract, and project-based engagements available ## Description Alvarez & Marsal's Corporate Performance Improvement practice is looking for a FinOps leader who bridges finance, engineering, and operations to align cloud investments with maximum business value. This is both a strategic role - defining cloud financial management roadmaps - and a hands-on tactical role designing and implementing cost avoidance and cost reduction measures., * Workload rightsizing, auto-scaling, and commitment-based discount strategy (reserved instances, savings plans, committed-use agreements) * Orphaned/unused resource identification and remediation - VM rightsizing, guardrails, tagging automation * Native cloud cost management tools (AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, GCP Billing) and third-party FinOps platforms (Apptio, Flexera, Cloud Health) * Enterprise software licensing consolidation and optimization * AI-assisted cost anomaly detection, forecasting, and optimization recommendation engines - must demonstrate active use of AI tools in delivery; AI fluency is required for this role How you will contribute * Develop and execute comprehensive FinOps strategies aligned with business and mission goals, detailing frameworks, processes, and governance * Create and maintain FinOps roadmaps embedding cost-conscious practices into engineering and architecture lifecycles * Design KPI frameworks with clear targets and accountability mechanisms to monitor FinOps delivery * Establish governance frameworks for tagging, budgeting, and resource accountability - including guardrails to prevent unnecessary resource allocation * Drive automation and transparency in cost reporting, anomaly detection, and forecasting - providing real-time visibility into cloud spend across mission partners * Build ROI models and cost reduction business cases that quantify optimization impact for executive audiences * Integrate findings into A&M's broader engagement scope and deliverables * Support practice development through internal training, content creation, and people development ## Related Videos - [Beyond Dashboards: Fixing Text-to-SQL with Semantic RAG](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2036-beyond-dashboards-fixing-text-to-sql-with-semantic-rag) - [Fifty Shades of Kubernetes Autoscaling](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/813-fifty-shades-of-kubernetes-autoscaling) - [Mastering AWS Cost Optimization: Real-world technical and operational cost-saving best practices](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1408-mastering-aws-cost-optimization-real-world-technical-and-operational-cost-saving-best-practices) - [Azure-Well Architected Framework - Cost Optimization in practice](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2100-azure-well-architected-framework-cost-optimization-in-practice) - [REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and more: A comparison of modern API styles](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100247-rest-graphql-grpc-and-more-a-comparison-of-modern-api-styles) - [Move Fast, Break Budgets: FinOps in the Age of DevOps and AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2016-move-fast-break-budgets-finops-in-the-age-of-devops-and-ai) ## Related Articles - [7 Cloud Computing Trends Coming in 2025 for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/412-7-cloud-computing-trends-coming-in-2025-for-developers) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [Got AI ideas but no money? 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