Azure Cloud Cost Optimisation Consultant

Job Description : Azure Cloud Cost Optimisation Consultant with at least 5 years of experience in Azure cloud environments and a proven track record of at least two successful cost optimisation implementations. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in identifying and executing cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high system performance and reliability. Specific skills include ECP environment cleanup, orphaned resource management, log analytics optimisation, power scheduling, backup and recovery strategies, and file service optimisation. Additionally, experience with generative AI tools for cost management and optimisation is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cost Optimization and Cleanup:

Conduct detailed cleanup of ECP (Enterprise Cloud Platform) environments to eliminate unused or misconfigured resources.

Identify and manage orphaned resources (e.g., unattached disks, idle VMs, unused storage accounts).

2. Log Analytics Optimization:

Analyze and optimize Log Analytics configurations to reduce data ingestion and retention costs.

Implement targeted logging strategies to balance cost and visibility.

3. Power Scheduling and Automation:

Design and implement automated power scheduling for non-critical resources to minimize costs during off-peak hours.

Utilize Azure tools like Azure Automation, Logic Apps, and Runbooks for cost-efficient scheduling.

4. Backup and Recovery Strategy:

Develop optimised backup and recovery strategies, ensuring data integrity while minimising storage and operational costs.

Utilise Azure Backup and third-party tools to implement cost-effective solutions for disaster recovery.

5. Generative AI for Cost Management:

Integrate and leverage generative AI-based tools (e.g., Azure OpenAI, ChatGPT, or third-party platforms) to generate insights, automate repetitive tasks, and improve spend management.

Use AI-driven recommendations to proactively identify cost-saving opportunities.

6. Spend Tracking and Reporting:

Establish detailed spend tracking mechanisms using tools like Azure Cost Management, Power BI, and custom dashboards.

Provide actionable insights on usage patterns, cost anomalies, and optimisation opportunities.

7. File Service Optimisation:

Optimise Azure File Services (e.g., Azure Files, Blob Storage, and Data Lake Storage) by analyzing storage tiers and implementing lifecycle policies.

Design cost-effective solutions for long-term data archiving and high-availability needs.

8. Governance and Best Practices:

Implement robust governance practices, including tagging strategies and cost management policies.

Define budgets, alerts, and thresholds to ensure proactive cost control.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align cost optimisation strategies with business objectives.

Required Skills & Experience:

Azure Cloud Expertise:

Proven experience in Azure services including compute, storage, networking, Log Analytics, and Backup.

Strong knowledge of Azure Cost Management tools and best practices for cloud financial management (FinOps).

Cost Optimization Skills:

Hands-on experience with ECP environment cleanup, orphaned resource identification, and resolution.

Expertise in Log Analytics optimisation, power scheduling, and file storage cost management.

Familiarity with backup and recovery strategies that balance cost and performance.

Generative AI and Automation:

Experience using generative AI tools (e.g., Azure OpenAI, ChatGPT) for cloud cost management and optimisation.

Strong automation skills with Azure CLI, PowerShell, or Terraform for implementing policies and optimisation strategies.

Spend Tracking & Reporting:

Proficiency in creating spend reports and dashboards with tools like Power BI, Azure Cost Management, and custom analytics platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certifications:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Administrator Associate, or FinOps Certified Practitioner.