Head of Cloud FinOps

The Head of Cloud FinOps will lead the financial operations strategy for the organization’s cloud infrastructure, ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of cloud resources. This role is critical in driving financial accountability, cost optimization, and business value from cloud investments. The successful candidate will establish and lead a cross-functional FinOps practice, balancing the needs of finance, IT, and engineering teams to maximize the return on cloud investments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job.  Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below.  Specific activities may change from time to time.
1. Partners with business leaders in understanding IT processes and restrictions.
2. Monitors progress of the team relative to established objectives and priorities. Manages performance and provides coaching as needed. Ensures that projects are delivered according to Enterprise Technology policies and procedures.
3. Works closely with senior leaders within Enterprise Technology and in the assigned line of business. Aligns appropriate support teams to ensure performance by demanding a strict performance-based measurement process for teammates.
4. Organizes, plans, and manages projects. Partners with others within technology and the business on the execution of delivery projects from conception through implementation. Makes judgments about priorities and the team’s approach to work based on an understanding of how the team contributes to the achievement of broader objectives.
5. Adapts plans to meet service and/or operational challenges. Identifies and resolves technical, operational, risk management, and organizational challenges. Has full management responsibilities for teammates: hiring, disciplinary, coaching, terminating, performance reviews.
6. In an Agile environment, may serve as the “IT Leader.”

QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Bachelor’s Degree and ten years of experience managing complex IT projects or equivalent education and related training or experience
2. Demonstrated experience in project management/delivery teams
3. Ability to interpret internal and external business challenges and implement best practices to improve products, processes, or services
4. Knowledge of technology structures that incorporate variable staffing evolving platforms, cost and value arbitrage value propositions. Knowledge of business process reengineering and operations
5. Broad view of how industry and technology changes impact technology and client experience through digital channels. Strong business acumen and domain expertise in the assigned portfolio. Ability to lead projects of significant complexity and risk exposure
6. Ability to exercise judgment in solving technical, operational, and organizational challenges in the context of business objectives and priorities. Ability to influence and negotiate to enable agreement on scope, cost, and schedules
7. Ability to manage a team, including identifying and recruiting talent, managing performance, and making decisions about resource allocation
8. Functional and technical knowledge of Data, Analytics and Client data capabilities

Preferred Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
2. 10+ years of experience in finance, IT, or operations, with at least 5 years in cloud cost management or FinOps roles.
3. Proven track record of managing cloud financial operations in multi-cloud environments, particularly with AWS and Azure.
4. Experience in developing and leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
5. Strong understanding of cloud technologies, pricing models, and financial management principles.
6. In-depth knowledge of cloud cost management tools and platforms (e.g., AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, CloudHealth, etc.).
7. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills.
8. Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across different functions.
9. Certifications such as Certified FinOps Practitioner, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, or similar are highly desirable.