Azure Cloud & Infrastructure Solution Architect

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 

Role Overview 

You will serve as the trusted technical advisor in the pre-sales lifecycle, collaborating with both client and internal stakeholders to transform business and infrastructure challenges into robust solution proposals. Your expertise will span Azure, on-prem, or hybrid environments, backed by hands-on knowledge of infrastructure platforms like Dell, HPE, VMware, OpenStack, and OpenShift. You’ll ensure every design reflects enterprise-grade architecture principles, aligned to the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework and Azure Landing Zones, while also tailoring high-performance, GPU-powered capabilities when they elevate the solution’s value. 

Key Responsibilities

Architecture Leadership & Technical Governance: 

• Shape end-to-end hybrid and private cloud architectures with Azure as the foundation, featuring GPU-capable compute (e.g., ND H-series, AKS GPU pools). 

• Govern and guide implementation of enterprise-scale Landing Zones and the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework - enforcing automation, cost, security, and policy controls. 

• Lead architecture reviews and design forums; harmonize best-of-breed infrastructure across on-prem and cloud platforms. 

Pre-Sales Solutioning & Client Engagement:

• Translate business and technical requirements into formal proposals—including RFI/RFP responses, technical content, SOWs, and detailed resource estimations. 

• Develop resource models and contribute to programme delivery plans, supporting phased implementation and capacity planning. 

• Lead design workshops, proof-of-concepts, and technical deep-dives to both technical and C-level audiences, articulating the value of Azure, on-prem, or hybrid approaches. 

Infrastructure & Cloud Integration:

• Design integrated solutions across VMware estates, Dell/HPE hardware, OpenStack/OpenShift, and Azure services (e.g., AKS, Azure Arc, Azure VMware Solution). 

• Scope and propose GPUaaS capabilities for compute-heavy workloads when appropriate. 

Automation, DevOps & Infrastructure-as-Code: 

• Design IaC-based deployments using Terraform, Bicep, and pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps), ensuring repeatability and scale. 

• Champion DevOps automation and guardrails to support governance and delivery velocity. 

Operational Integration & Security: 

• Design solutions that integrate seamlessly with ITSM (IT Service Management) platforms for end-to-end service delivery, support, and incident management. 

• Incorporate identity and access management (IAM) best practices, leveraging Azure Active Directory, RBAC, and industry standards to ensure secure authentication and authorization. 

• Ensure architecture designs are compatible with client Network Operations Centre (NOC) and Security Operations Centre (SOC) processes and tooling. 

• Align solutions with enterprise security controls, covering threat detection, compliance, data privacy, and incident response, leveraging native Azure security services (e.g., Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Sentinel). 

Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Partner closely with sales, delivery, engineering, and partner teams to ensure solution feasibility and alignment with execution capabilities. 

• Act as trusted advisor through discovery, proposal validation, and deal closure. 

Qualifications: 

• Experience: 8–12 years in solution architecture or pre-sales roles with a strong emphasis on Azure-based hybrid integration. 

• Technical skills: Hands-on experience with CAF, Azure Landing Zones, identity/network/security design, GPU workloads, and multi-platform integration (Dell, HPE, VMware, OpenStack/OpenShift). 

• Pre-sales proficiency: Proven ability in crafting proposals, responding to RFPs/SOW creation, and facilitating solution-focused workshops. 

• Automation mindset: Skilled with Terraform, Bicep, and CI/CD tooling. 

• Communication: Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement skills - comfortable with C-level and technical audiences. 

• Certifications (desirable): Azure Solutions Architect Expert; GPU/VMware/OpenShift certifications.