Azure/Microsoft Technology Consultant

We are seeking a Principal Azure Consultant to join our team as a trusted advisor to the Head of the client's Infra/Security Department and their leadership team. The client runs a large and growing Microsoft estate: Azure landing zones, hybrid workloads, a rising number of AI and data initiatives, and many delivery partners building on the same platform. The role combines strategy and governance with hands-on technical depth — most of the time is spent advising, reviewing and steering, but when it matters, the consultant goes into the detail and builds or fixes things personally.

Responsibilities Act as day-to-day senior advisor to the department head and direct reports on Azure, Microsoft infrastructure, data and AI, networking and DevOps Shape the cloud and infrastructure roadmap: workload placement across Azure and on-premises, modernization priorities and target-state architecture Review and evolve the Azure landing zone, including management groups, subscriptions, identity, Azure Policy, tagging standards and guardrails for new workloads Advise on network architecture across Azure and on-premises: hub-and-spoke or Virtual WAN, hybrid connectivity, DNS and IP management Guide the hybrid strategy for the VMware estate, deciding what stays on-premises, what moves to Azure and how both are governed consistently Support data and AI platform decisions on Azure (data and analytics services, Azure OpenAI, AI Foundry) within landing zone standards and predictable cost Own the FinOps agenda: consumption analysis, savings (reservations, savings plans, rightsizing, licensing, Azure Hybrid Benefit), cost governance, showback/chargeback and tracking results Serve as design authority for solutions from internal teams and vendors, reviewing for standards fit, resilience and cost, and recommending changes before approval Guide DevOps and automation practices: Azure DevOps pipeline standards, IaC (Terraform, Bicep), SPN and managed identity based automation, and alignment with IDP golden paths Perform hands-on work when needed: proof-of-concepts, landing zone and policy changes, IaC modules, cost analysis and troubleshooting escalations Prepare recommendations, business cases and updates for department leadership, and support them at senior management and steering committee level Collaborate with Microsoft account and technical teams on architecture reviews and roadmap alignment Requirements 12+ years in IT infrastructure, cloud and architecture roles, including 5+ years on Microsoft Azure in large enterprises Proven track record as a client-facing advisor or architect working directly with heads of infrastructure or IT operations Deep knowledge of Azure landing zones, Cloud Adoption Framework and Well-Architected Framework Expertise in Azure Policy, Entra ID and governance at scale Strong background in Azure networking and hybrid connectivity Solid on-premises infrastructure experience, particularly VMware, and on-premises to Azure migration Practical Azure FinOps competency with measurable savings delivered Working knowledge of Azure data and AI services and how to run them governed and cost-controlled Hands-on skills in Terraform and/or Bicep, Azure DevOps pipelines, PowerShell and Python Capability to critically review third-party designs and defend recommendations to senior stakeholders Excellent written and verbal English (B2+ level) Willingness to work on site in Abu Dhabi Nice to have Certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, DevOps Engineer Expert, FinOps Certified Practitioner Cloud security experience: Defender for Cloud, privileged access and landing zone security baselines Exposure to Backstage or other Internal Developer Platforms Experience in oil and gas, energy or regulated critical-infrastructure sectors Prior work in the UAE or GCC; Arabic is a plus Armenia (Prod) We connect like-minded people Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your home Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries Corporate and social events We invest in your growth Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database Free English classes with certified teachers We cover it all Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program Comprehensive medical & family care package Four trust days per year for personal needs Discounts for fitness clubs Benefits package (hotels, restaurants, stores and services) Belarus (Prod+Hybrid) We connect like-minded people: Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact Enjoyable working environment, whether it's the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year We invest in your growth: Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database Free English classes with certified teachers We cover it all: Monetary bonuses for taking part in the referral program Comprehensive medical & family care package Seven trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate) Discounts from 800+ partners (sports activities, restaurants, stores and services) Georgia (Production) We connect like-minded people Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries Corporate and social events We invest in your growth Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database Free English classes with certified teachers We cover it all Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program Comprehensive medical & family care package Five trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate) Benefits package (sports activities, a variety of stores and services) Kazakhstan (Prod) We connect like-minded people: Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries Corporate and social events We invest in your growth: Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database Free English classes with certified teachers Discounts in local language schools, including online courses for the Kazakh language We cover it all: Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program Medical & family care package Six trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate) Coverage of psychology sessions of your choice Benefits package (sports activities, a variety of stores and services) Housing support program: preferential mortgage access via Otbasy Bank partnership Kyrgyzstan (Prod) We connect like-minded people: Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries Corporate and social events We invest in your growth: Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database Free English classes with certified teachers We cover it all: Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program Medical & family care package Six trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate) Coverage of psychology sessions of your choice Discounts for fitness clubs and sports programs Benefits package (sports activities, a variety of stores and services) Uzbekistan (Prod) We connect like-minded people: Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries Corporate and social events We invest in your growth: Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database Free English classes with certified teachers Discounts in local language schools, including offline courses for the Uzbek language We cover it all: Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program Medical & family care package Four trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate) Discounts for fitness clubs, dance schools and sports programs Benefits package (sports activities, a variety of stores and services)