FinOps Program Manager

About the Role

The FinOps function is critical to Plaid's continued growth and success, as the company expands its network of financial institutions and develops new products and services. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of modern cloud-native architectures, as well as experience working with cross-functional teams to drive business outcomes.

What You Will Do

• Monitor and analyze engineering spend across cloud, AI/ML, data platforms, and SaaS, identifying trends, anomalies, and optimization opportunities
• Build and maintain forecasts for engineering spend, partnering with Finance and engineering leaders to understand drivers, assumptions, and risks
• Partner with engineering, product, and TPMs to incorporate cost considerations into roadmaps, architectural decisions, and execution plans
• Lead cost optimization initiatives, such as rightsizing, commitment strategies, and workload efficiency improvements, in collaboration with engineering owners
• Create and maintain dashboards and reporting that make spend understandable and actionable for both engineers and executives
• Implement FinOps practices and processes, including showback/chargeback models, unit economics, and cost ownership frameworks
• Partner on tooling and automation, working with data and engineering teams to improve cost visibility, forecasting accuracy, and operational efficiency
• Drive alignment and behavior change, helping teams balance cost, performance, reliability, and velocity through data-driven decision making
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement cost-saving initiatives
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including engineering leaders, product managers, and finance teams

What We Are Looking For

• 6-10+ years of relevant experience working at the intersection of engineering, infrastructure, data, or finance in a cloud-native or SaaS environment
• Proven experience partnering closely with engineering teams to influence decisions involving cloud infrastructure, data platforms, AI/ML workloads, or SaaS spend
• Working understanding of modern cloud-native architectures, including core components such as compute, storage, networking, data pipelines, and managed services
• Strong foundation in cost analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and variance management, with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights
• Comfort working directly with data, including writing SQL (or effectively using AI-assisted tools to do so) to explore datasets, validate assumptions, and answer ad hoc questions
• Experience building clear, high-quality dashboards and BI artifacts that are not only accurate, but intuitive and delightful for engineers and leaders to use
• Demonstrated success driving adoption and behavior change—embedding cost awareness into day-to-day engineering workflows, not just producing reports
• Experience owning and delivering cross-functional programs end-to-end, often without direct authority or a dedicated team

Nice to Have

• Experience with cloud cost optimization tools, such as AWS Cost Explorer or Google Cloud Cost Estimator
• Knowledge of agile development methodologies and experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Familiarity with data visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI
• Experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence applications
• Certification in cloud computing, such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Developer

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible PTO and vacation policy
• Remote work stipend and equipment allowance
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorships
• Access to a diverse and inclusive community of professionals
• Opportunity to work with a cutting-edge technology stack and contribute to the development of innovative products and services

• Be prepared to showcase your experience in cost optimization, forecasting, and budgeting, and highlight your ability to partner with cross-functional teams.
• Develop a deep understanding of Plaid's products and services, as well as the company's goals and priorities.
• Emphasize your strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and be prepared to provide examples of how you have driven cost savings and process improvements in previous roles.
• Highlight your experience working with data and your ability to write SQL and use data visualization tools.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud cost optimization tools and your knowledge of agile development methodologies.
• Show enthusiasm for Plaid's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the company's continued growth and success.