📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director Cloud FinOps
Company: ServiceNow
Location: Santa Clara, California, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Web Infrastructure & Cloud
Date Posted: August 1, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site (Remote OK)

🚀 Role Summary

Strategic Cloud Cost Management: Lead the Public Cloud Cost & Usage governance team, establishing long-range plans, monthly forecasts, and optimization opportunities across AWS, GCP, and Azure.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with cloud engineers, customer experience teams, product managers, and data engineers to capture immense value and ensure efficient resource usage.
Cost Allocation & Visibility: Define and implement cost allocations, measure unit metrics of cost per customer and cost per instance, and provide visibility through dashboards and reports.
Commit-based Discount Management: Handle commit-based discount coverage and utilization to optimize long-term costs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of cloud cost management tools, financial forecasting, and budgeting to drive strategic decision-making and maximize cloud investment value.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud Cost Optimization: Monitor, analyze, and optimize cloud spending across AWS, GCP, and Azure to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Collaboration with Engineering Teams: Work closely with engineering teams to implement cost-effective cloud solutions and promote best practices for cloud cost governance.
Forecasting & Budgeting: Develop and maintain cloud cost forecasting models, manage monthly forecasts, and ensure budget compliance.
Cost Tool Management: Manage and optimize the use of cloud cost management tools, such as AWS Cost Explorer, Google Cloud Billing, CloudHealth, or Cloudability.
Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement in cost management to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Stakeholder Communication: Present financial insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to effectively collaborate with various teams and make data-driven decisions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree in Finance, IT, Cloud Computing, Business, or a related field (strongly preferred)

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years of proven experience in a FinOps or cloud financial management role
Hands-on experience with AWS, GCP, Azure, or other cloud providers (strongly preferred)
Deep knowledge of cloud cost management tools (e.g., AWS Cost Explorer, Google Cloud Billing, CloudHealth, Cloudability, home-grown cost-and usage tool)

Required Skills:

Strong experience in financial forecasting, budgeting, and enterprise-level cost optimization strategies
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and partner closely with Engineering, Finance, and Executive Leadership teams
Full professional proficiency in English (mandatory)

Preferred Skills:

FinOps Certified Practitioner or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Experience with automation tools for cost management
Familiarity with AI integration and automation workflows

Soft Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Proactive and self-driven mindset

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with relevant certifications, experience with automation tools, and a strong understanding of AI integration will have a competitive advantage in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Cloud Cost Optimization Projects: Highlight successful cloud cost optimization projects, including the methodology used, results achieved, and the tools employed.
Forecasting & Budgeting Case Studies: Showcase your experience in developing and maintaining cloud cost forecasting models, and managing monthly forecasts.
Stakeholder Communication: Demonstrate your ability to present complex financial information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through case studies or examples.

Technical Documentation:

Cost Management Tool Documentation: Provide documentation on your experience with cloud cost management tools, including any customizations or integrations.
Process Improvement Documentation: Share examples of process improvement initiatives you've led, including the methodology used, results achieved, and any automation tools implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will demonstrate the candidate's ability to optimize cloud costs, manage forecasts and budgets, and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $189,200 - $331,100 per year (base pay, plus equity, variable/incentive compensation, and benefits)

Benefits:

Health plans, including flexible spending accounts
401(k) Plan with company match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Matching donations
Flexible time away plan
Family leave programs

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a guideline and may vary based on qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. Research indicates that the average salary for a Director of Cloud FinOps in the Santa Clara, California area is within the provided range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: ServiceNow is a global market leader in digital workflow technology, empowering organizations to find smarter, faster, and better ways to work.

Company Size: ServiceNow has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: ServiceNow was founded in 2004 by Fred Luddy, with a vision to transform how we work using innovative AI-enhanced technology.

Team Structure:

The Global Cloud Services organization consists of various teams, including cloud engineers, customer experience teams, product managers, data engineers, and more.
The Director of Cloud FinOps will report to the Vice President of Technology Business Management & FinOps.

Development Methodology:

ServiceNow uses Agile methodologies for software development, with a focus on continuous improvement and customer value.
The company encourages innovation and embraces emerging technologies to stay ahead in the market.

Company Website: ServiceNow

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow's culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and customer focus, providing an ideal environment for a Director of Cloud FinOps to thrive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, responsible for driving strategic cloud cost management initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Cloud FinOps will report directly to the Vice President of Technology Business Management & FinOps, with the opportunity to lead and mentor team members.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the company's bottom line by optimizing cloud costs, ensuring efficient resource usage, and driving strategic decision-making.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As the company continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Director of Cloud FinOps to take on more strategic roles or expand their team's scope.
Emerging Technologies: ServiceNow encourages its employees to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, providing opportunities to explore and adopt new tools and methodologies.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with various teams, the Director of Cloud FinOps can develop a deep understanding of the business and identify new opportunities for growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, with the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's bottom line and drive strategic initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: ServiceNow's headquarters in Santa Clara, California features a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Santa Clara, California, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The open workspace encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing between teams.
State-of-the-art Technology: ServiceNow provides its employees with access to the latest tools and technologies to ensure they can perform their jobs effectively.
Work-life Balance: ServiceNow offers flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, to support a healthy work-life balance.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours and the opportunity to work remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow's work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance, providing an ideal setting for a Director of Cloud FinOps to thrive.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone or Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills, cultural fit, and initial qualifications.
Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of the candidate's experience with cloud cost management, forecasting, and optimization. This may include case studies, problem-solving exercises, and tool demonstrations.
On-site Interview: A final interview with key stakeholders, including the Vice President of Technology Business Management & FinOps, to assess the candidate's fit for the role and the team.
Reference Check: A background check and reference verification to ensure the candidate's qualifications and work history align with the role's requirements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Cloud Cost Optimization Projects: Highlight successful cloud cost optimization projects, including the methodology used, results achieved, and the tools employed.
Forecasting & Budgeting Case Studies: Showcase your experience in developing and maintaining cloud cost forecasting models, and managing monthly forecasts.
Stakeholder Communication: Demonstrate your ability to present complex financial information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through case studies or examples.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Cloud Cost Management Tools: Familiarize yourself with the latest features and best practices for cloud cost management tools such as AWS Cost Explorer, Google Cloud Billing, CloudHealth, or Cloudability.
Forecasting & Optimization Techniques: Brush up on your knowledge of cloud cost forecasting, budgeting, and optimization techniques to ensure you can effectively discuss and demonstrate your expertise.
Stakeholder Communication: Practice presenting complex financial information in a clear and concise manner, tailoring your communication style to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong understanding of cloud cost management tools, forecasting techniques, and effective stakeholder communication will be crucial for success in the technical interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Providers:

AWS (Amazon Web Services)
GCP (Google Cloud Platform)
Azure (Microsoft Cloud)

Cloud Cost Management Tools:

AWS Cost Explorer
Google Cloud Billing
CloudHealth
Cloudability
Home-grown cost-and-usage tools

Collaboration & Productivity Tools:

Slack
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with the listed cloud providers, cloud cost management tools, and collaboration tools will be essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

ServiceNow Values:

Customer Success: Focus on customer needs and strive to exceed expectations.
Innovation: Embrace change and continuously seek new ways to improve.
Integrity: Act with honesty and integrity in all interactions.
Performance: Deliver results and hold ourselves accountable for high standards.
Collaboration: Work together to achieve common goals and celebrate success as a team.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: ServiceNow encourages collaboration between teams, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.
Code Review Culture: ServiceNow values peer review and feedback, ensuring high-quality work and continuous learning.
Mentoring & Growth: ServiceNow offers mentorship programs and training opportunities to support the professional development of its employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: ServiceNow's culture emphasizes customer success, innovation, and collaboration, providing an ideal environment for a Director of Cloud FinOps to thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across AWS, GCP, and Azure, while ensuring efficient resource usage and minimal service degradation.
Forecasting & Budgeting: Develop and maintain accurate cloud cost forecasting models, manage monthly forecasts, and ensure budget compliance in a dynamic and evolving cloud environment.
Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicate complex financial information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, driving data-driven decision-making and strategic initiatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Cloud Technology Trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest cloud technology trends, tools, and best practices to ensure continuous learning and professional growth.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring team members, driving strategic initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Emerging Technologies: Explore and adopt new technologies to enhance cloud cost management, forecasting, and optimization processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong understanding of cloud cost management, forecasting techniques, and effective stakeholder communication will be crucial for overcoming technical challenges and driving growth opportunities in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cloud Cost Management: Describe your experience with cloud cost management, including the tools you've used, the strategies you've employed, and the results you've achieved.
Forecasting & Optimization: Walk through your process for developing and maintaining cloud cost forecasting models, and discuss your approach to optimizing cloud costs and ensuring budget compliance.
Stakeholder Communication: Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, driving data-driven decision-making and strategic initiatives.

Company & Culture Questions:

ServiceNow Culture: Research ServiceNow's company culture, values, and mission, and discuss how your personal values align with the company's.
Team Dynamics: Inquire about the team's structure, dynamics, and collaboration style, and discuss how you would contribute to and support the team's success.
Growth Opportunities: Ask about potential growth opportunities within the role and the organization, and discuss your long-term career goals and aspirations.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Cloud Cost Optimization Projects: Highlight successful cloud cost optimization projects, including the methodology used, results achieved, and the tools employed.
Forecasting & Budgeting Case Studies: Showcase your experience in developing and maintaining cloud cost forecasting models, and managing monthly forecasts.
Stakeholder Communication: Demonstrate your ability to present complex financial information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through case studies or examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong understanding of cloud cost management, forecasting techniques, and effective stakeholder communication will be crucial for success in the interview preparation process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director of Cloud FinOps position at ServiceNow:

Submit Your Application: Visit the ServiceNow careers page and search for the "Director Cloud FinOps" role in Santa Clara, California.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience with cloud cost management, forecasting, and optimization, as well as your proficiency with cloud cost management tools and collaboration tools.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing your successful cloud cost optimization projects, forecasting and budgeting case studies, and examples of effective stakeholder communication.
Research ServiceNow: Familiarize yourself with ServiceNow's company culture, values, and mission, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process.
Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, focusing on your experience with cloud cost management, forecasting, and optimization, as well as your understanding of ServiceNow's company culture and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Director Cloud FinOps