Head of Platform Engineering - AI-Native Platform

This is a hands on combining platform architecture, cloud and identity foundations, AI agent runtime environments, and enterprise technology ownership, delivered through a lean model of AI agents and specialist vendors rather than a large internal team. Client Details A high profile financial services environment in Abu Dhabi operating across multiple jurisdictions and business lines. The organisation has a strong focus on technology, data and AI, with security positioned as a core enabler of its operating model. Description * Define and deliver the firm's technology platform strategy, co authoring the enterprise reference architecture * Design and implement cloud, identity, and network foundations across a multi-entity environment * Own the AI agent runtime and orchestration layer, ensuring agents can be securely deployed into business workflows * Build the integration layer (APIs, iPaaS, MCP servers) enabling connectivity across systems and tools * Establish observability, reliability, and incident response across platforms and services * Lead DevOps, CI/CD, and secure engineering practices, aligned with cybersecurity standards * Drive FinOps and cost management across cloud and AI inference usage * Operate a lean delivery model leveraging AI agents, managed services, and vendor ecosystems * Act as a key technology leader engaging with senior stakeholders and shaping firm-wide AI adoption Job Offer * Opportunity to build a greenfield, AI native technology platform * Exposure to cutting edge AI operating models and agent-based delivery * High visibility with senior leadership and direct influence on organisation-wide technology strategy

* 12+ years in platform engineering, cloud architecture, or enterprise technology leadership * Strong hands on experience across cloud, identity, integration, and observability platforms * Proven experience running production platforms at scale and making critical architectural decisions * Experience building or operating AI/ML platforms, MLOps environments, or agent based systems * Strong understanding of DevOps, CI/CD, and secure engineering practices * Experience managing complex vendor ecosystems and managed service providers * Background in financial services or other regulated environments is highly preferred * Commercial mindset with experience in cloud cost optimisation and FinOps * Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to operate at senior leadership level