FinOps & SaaS Operations Manager

Description Kela is a defense technology startup pioneering next-generation command & control and data infrastructure systems. We empower defense organizations with robust, scalable, and secure platforms that integrate diverse sensors and AI to deliver real-time battlefield intelligence. Backed by leading investors, Kela combines Israeli innovation with global mission impact.

We are seeking a hands-on FinOps & SaaS Operations Manager to own technology spend end to end, from invoice to renewal to decommission. You will be the person who knows exactly what we pay for, who uses it, whether it is worth it, and how to get a better deal. This is a builder role: you will define the processes, tooling, and automation from the ground up, working with R&D, Finance, and vendors.

Responsibilities

Own SaaS invoicing, contract inventory, and the renewal calendar, and negotiate better pricing and terms. AI tooling: Track and forecast AI spend (subscriptions, API/token usage, AI-powered SaaS), and cut duplicate tools by setting usage policies and standardizing one tool per use case. License lifecycle: Run regular license reviews to reclaim unused seats, retire redundant or low-adoption tools, and address shadow IT.

Cloud costs: Work with R&D on rightsizing and reserved capacity, build cost visibility through dashboards, tagging and alerts, and support budgeting with Finance. Automation: Automate manual Fin. Ops work like invoice intake, usage reports and renewal reminders, and set up standard processes for tool intake, approval and offboarding.

Requirements

4+ years of hands-on experience in FinOps, SaaS operations, IT procurement, or technology vendor management. Proven experience in a startup environment managing multiple cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and a large SaaS portfolio (hundreds of applications). Hands-on experience with vendor negotiation and contract renewals, with a track record of measurable savings.

Real, hands-on experience building AI-bot automation to optimize operational work (not just using AI tools, but building automations with them). Strong analytical skills: comfortable with usage data, cost dashboards, and building reports from scratch. Experience with SaaS management or Fin. Ops platforms (e.g., Torii, Zylo, Vertice, Cloud.

Health, Cloudability, native cloud cost tools). Excellent communication skills, able to push back on vendors and internal stakeholders alike. Fluent in Hebrew and English. Advantage Fin. Ops Certified Practitioner (Fin. Ops Foundation) or equivalent. Experience with usage-based and AI pricing models (tokens, credits, consumption tiers).

Familiarity with procurement and legal review processes. Scripting or low-code automation experience (Python, Zapier/Make, custom bots).