Azure Infrastructure and Cost Optimization Consultant

Description We are seeking an experienced Azure Architect or FinOps consultant to perform a full audit and optimization review of our environment and help us reduce costs while maintaining reliability and performance. Scope of Work Phase 1: Assessment • Review our existing Azure resources (VMs, App Services, SQL, Storage, Networking, etc.) • Identify unused or underutilized resources • Evaluate architecture for scalability and redundancy inefficiencies • Review resource group organization, tagging, and policies • Assess backup, replication, and retention strategies Phase 2: Recommendations • Provide a detailed cost-reduction plan (rightsizing, reservations, auto-scaling, storage tiering, etc.) • Identify quick wins (e.g., shutting down idle dev/test resources) and long-term strategies • Recommend governance improvements (tagging standards, budgets, alerts) • Estimate projected monthly savings Phase 3 (Optional): Implementation Support • Assist our internal team in applying the recommended changes • Configure Azure Cost Management dashboards or Power BI reports for ongoing tracking Requirements Deliverables • A written audit report with findings and specific savings opportunities • Cost-savings projection summary (by category) • Follow-up consultation to review findings and discuss next steps Ideal Experience • 5+ years hands-on Azure architecture and administration • Deep knowledge of: • Azure Cost Management + Billing • Azure Advisor recommendations • Reserved Instances and Savings Plans • Auto-scaling, storage tiering, and region selection • Azure Policy, RBAC, and tagging best practices • Microsoft Certifications preferred: • Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) • Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) • FinOps Certified Practitioner or equivalent experience a plus Duration: 2-4 weeks Contract/Consulting Position Immediate Start Apply tot his job