Head of Platform Engineering - AI-Native Platform

Michael PageAbu DhabiUnited Arab EmiratesPosted 22 Aug 2026

Why This Role Stands Out

Lead the strategic development of an AI-native platform in a dynamic financial services environment, shaping the future of technology adoption. This hybrid role offers an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned leader with extensive experience in cloud, AI, and platform engineering to drive innovation and make a significant impact.

Quick Overview

Seniority

Leader

Employment type

Full Time

Work mode

Hybrid

Location

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Posted

6 weeks ago

MLOps

Job Description

Platform engineering leadership role in an AI-native operating model
Define and build a technology and agent platform across financial services

About Our Client
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.
Job 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

The Successful Applicant

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

What's on 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

Contact
Matt Jones
Quote job ref
JN-062026-7046384