Head of Platform Engineering - AI-Native Platform

About the role

A high-profile financial services environment in Abu Dhabi, operating across multiple jurisdictions and business lines, is looking for a Head of Platform Engineering to lead an AI-native operating model. The role defines and builds a technology and agent platform, 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.

Key responsibilities

• Define and deliver the firm's technology platform strategy and co-author 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 so agents can be securely deployed into business workflows
• Build the integration layer (APIs, iPaaS, MCP servers) connecting 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 using AI agents, managed services and vendor ecosystems
• Engage with senior stakeholders and shape firm-wide AI adoption

Required profile

• 12+ years in platform engineering, cloud architecture or enterprise technology leadership
• 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
• Experience managing complex vendor ecosystems and managed service providers
• Background in financial services or other regulated environments highly preferred
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills at senior leadership level

Required skills

• Hands-on experience across cloud, identity, integration and observability platforms
• DevOps, CI/CD and secure engineering practices
• Cloud cost optimisation and FinOps

What we offer

• Salary of AED 648,000 - AED 792,000 per year
• 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 technology strategy