Azure Cloud & Infrastructure Solution Architect – Pre-Sales (Hybrid & On-Prem Specialist)
Insight
hybrid · Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · full time · £140,000 – £180,000/yr
About the role
This role sits at the intersection of technical architecture and pre-sales, acting as the primary trusted advisor for clients navigating Azure, hybrid, and on-premises infrastructure decisions. The architect translates complex business requirements into formal proposals, RFP responses, and detailed solution designs across a broad stack including Dell, HPE, VMware, OpenStack, and OpenShift. Work spans architecture governance, client-facing workshops, GPU-capable compute design, and IaC-driven automation. The position requires equal comfort presenting to C-level executives and engaging deeply with engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Shape end-to-end hybrid and private cloud architectures anchored on Azure, including GPU-capable compute (ND H-series, AKS GPU pools)
- Govern and implement enterprise-scale Landing Zones and the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework, enforcing automation, cost, security, and policy controls
- Lead architecture reviews, design forums, and proof-of-concept engagements for technical and executive audiences
- Translate business and technical requirements into RFI/RFP responses, SOWs, technical proposals, and resource estimations
- Design integrated solutions across VMware estates, Dell/HPE hardware, OpenStack/OpenShift, and Azure services (AKS, Azure Arc, Azure VMware Solution)
- Scope and propose GPUaaS capabilities for compute-heavy workloads
- Design IaC-based deployments using Terraform, Bicep, and Azure DevOps pipelines
- Incorporate IAM best practices using Azure Active Directory, RBAC, and enterprise security controls (Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Sentinel)
- Ensure solution compatibility with client NOC and SOC processes and tooling
- Partner with sales, delivery, engineering, and partner teams to validate solution feasibility through to deal closure
Requirements
- 8–12 years of experience in solution architecture or pre-sales roles with strong emphasis on Azure-based hybrid integration
- Hands-on experience with Cloud Adoption Framework, Azure Landing Zones, identity, network, and security design
- Experience with multi-platform infrastructure: Dell, HPE, VMware, OpenStack, and OpenShift
- Proven pre-sales proficiency: crafting proposals, responding to RFPs, creating SOWs, and facilitating solution workshops
- Practical skills with Terraform, Bicep, and CI/CD tooling
- Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement skills across C-level and technical audiences
- Experience designing GPU workloads and multi-platform cloud integration
Nice to have
- Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification
- GPU-related certifications
- VMware certifications
- OpenShift certifications