---
title: 'Lead / Chief Architect at MEA'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-chief-architect-mea-saudi-arabia-k47jmn1f4h11'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Lead / Chief Architect at MEA

- **Company:** MEA
- **Location:** Saudi Arabia
- **Posted:** 2026-07-01
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xebiamea/jobs/6104626004

## Job description

Xebia is a global AI-first, digital transformation, and engineering partner. With over 25 years of experience and a team of 5,000 professionals across 16 countries, we help organizations design and build scalable products, platforms, and data-driven solutions.

We specialize in Artificial Intelligence, Data and Cloud, Intelligent Automation, and Digital Products, combining deep technical expertise with a strong focus on engineering excellence and a people-first culture.

In the CEE region, we’re a team of nearly 1,000 experts delivering modern applications, data platforms, and AI solutions for clients such as McLaren, Aviva, Deloitte, Spotify, Disney, ING, UPS, Tesco, Truecaller, AllSaints, Volotea, Schmitz Cargobull, Allegro, InPost, and many, many more. We work with leading technologies including AWS, Azure, GCP, Databricks, and Snowflake, and combine strong engineering culture with a consulting mindset and a continuous focus on growth and knowledge sharing.

You will be:

- Defining and owning the programme reference architecture, architecture principles, and design standards across all workstreams.
- Leading architecture governance through Architecture Review Boards (ARB), design authority forums, and stage gate assessments.
- Producing and maintaining Architecture Decision Records (ADRs), conceptual and logical architecture artefacts, and the architecture runway.
- Governing technical risks, dependencies, and architecture-level decisions across the programme.
- Leading and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of solution, security, and data architects.
- Collaborating with government security authorities, defence primes, system integrators, and senior client stakeholders.
- Translating strategic business and programme objectives into scalable, secure architectural decisions.
- Defining and validating non-functional requirements covering performance, resilience, scalability, and availability.

Your profile:

- 12+ years of experience in enterprise or solution architecture, including 5+ years supporting government, defence, or national security programmes.
- Proven experience leading architecture governance, including Architecture Review Boards, design reviews, and stage gate assessments.
- Strong understanding of Secure-by-Design principles within classified or restricted environments.
- Experience working with Tier-1 defence contractors or Ministry of Defence programmes.
- Deep expertise in AWS, Azure, or Oracle Cloud, including sovereign cloud, landing zones, identity federation, and network segmentation.
- Knowledge of architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, MoDAF, NAF, or DODAF.
- Strong understanding of Zero Trust Architecture and enterprise-scale implementation.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior executives and technical teams alike.

Nice to have:

- Experience supporting GCC or KSA government or defence programmes.
- Familiarity with Saudi NCA or UAE IA cybersecurity frameworks.
- Exposure to C4ISR, C2, or ISR platform architectures.
- Active or recent SC, DV, or NATO SECRET clearance.
- Professional working proficiency in Arabic.
- TOGAF Practitioner certification.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or equivalent.
- SABSA Chartered Architect certification.

Recruitment Process:

CV review – HR call – Interview – Client Interview – Decision

## About MEA

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Xebia MEA is the Middle East and Africa regional arm of Xebia, a global AI-first consulting, software engineering, and training company that helps organizations drive digital transformation through data, AI, cloud, and automation solutions.
- **Entity Type**: Private (subsidiary of Xebia, which is privately held)
- **Headquarters**: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (regional HQ); global HQ in Hilversum, Netherlands
- **Founded**: 2001 (global); MEA operations established later, with active expansion since 2023
- **Founders**: Anand Sahay (CEO & Executive Director, Global)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: IT Services & Consulting (Digital Transformation, AI, Cloud, Data Engineering, Software Development)
- **Target customers**: B2B, primarily Enterprise and Public Sector (government entities in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and UAE)
- **Mission or purpose**: To help organizations become digital leaders and build resilient organizations at any scale, with a focus on AI-first transformation. Their mission is captured in one word: "Authority" — as professionals, as a global company, and as a digital pioneer.

## Products & Services
- **[Applied & GenAI]**: AI-first consulting and production-ready AI solutions, including a Claude-powered Enterprise GenAI Ecosystem. Xebia partners with NVIDIA and Anthropic to bring disciplined AI at scale.
- **[Cloud & Data Modernization]**: Cloud migration, data platform modernization, and AI-ready digital core services. Partners include AWS (first Premier Partner in Poland), Azure, GCP, Snowflake, Databricks, and dbt.
- **[Intelligent Automation]**: AI-powered automation, orchestration, and business process transformation.
- **[Digital Products & Platforms]**: Design, build, and scale custom software platforms and digital products for clients across fintech, e-commerce, aviation, logistics, media, and fashion.
- **[Training & Upskilling]**: Specialized training programs in AI, cloud, data, and software engineering for enterprise clients.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Global team of 5,500+ experts across 16 countries and 28 offices; MEA team is a growing subset of this
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: NVIDIA, Google Cloud (2024 Sales Partner Award for Benelux), AWS, Microsoft Azure, Databricks, dbt, Snowflake, Anthropic (Claude). Academic collaborator: Georgia Tech.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Recognized as a "Disruptor" in Avasant Generative AI Services 2025 RadarView
  - Named "Leader in Data & AI Services" and "Star Performer" in Everest Group PEAK Matrix 2025
  - Active expansion in Middle East public sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE AI Strategy
  - Participation at LEAP conference in Saudi Arabia (2026) and growing government partnerships
  - Global headcount growth from ~4,500 to 5,500+ in recent years

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep AI ecosystem partnerships**: Exclusive access and production discipline through partnerships with NVIDIA and Anthropic, rare among regional consultancies.
- **25-year track record**: Founded in 2001, Xebia has a long history of software craftsmanship and has survived multiple tech cycles, evolving from Java/Agile specialists to AI-first leaders.
- **Award-winning PEAK Matrix positioning**: Consistently rated as Leader or Major Contender by Everest Group across Data & AI, Software Engineering, and BFS IT Services.
- **"People First" culture**: Strong emphasis on knowledge sharing (Guilds, Labs, meetups), quality without compromise, and customer intimacy — creating a sticky talent base and high client retention.

## Strategic Focus
- **AI-first transformation**: Shifting from traditional IT services to an AI-first consulting model, helping enterprises move from AI strategy to production-ready solutions.
- **Middle East public sector expansion**: Deepening partnerships with Saudi and UAE government entities on Vision 2030 and AI Strategy initiatives (NEOM, Red Sea Project, etc.).
- **Regional growth**: Building out the MEA delivery team (currently hiring for Delivery Head for USA or MEA region) to serve both local and global clients from hubs in Dubai, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova.
- **Talent development**: Investing in upskilling programs, certifications, and community building (Software Talks, Data Tech Talks) to attract and retain top engineering talent.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: "People First" value — the company prioritizes team well-being and growth. Strong emphasis on sharing knowledge via Guilds, Labs, and company-sponsored training.
- **Work model**: Hybrid model with 2 days WFH policy; flexible work hours and remote options available.
- **Diversity & Inclusion**: Active D&I programs with tailored advancement opportunities for women. Inclusive environment where all are evaluated on work quality and contributions.
- **Perks**: Competitive salaries and performance bonuses; comprehensive health and wellness coverage; voluntary leaves for self-development; company-sponsored skilling and certification programs.
- **Engineering culture**: Modern, open-source stacks; opportunities to work with cutting-edge AI/cloud tech for high-profile clients (McLaren, Spotify, Disney, ING, UPS, Tesco, Allegro, InPost). Community-driven with meetups and tech talks.
- **Growth**: Clear career progression paths; personal development budgets for both tech and soft skills; optional leaves for upskilling.

## Sources
1. [xebia.com](https://xebia.com/about-us/)
2. [xebiapoland.recruitee.com](https://xebiapoland.recruitee.com/o/delivery-head-usa-mea-region-2-3)
3. [ambitionbox.com](https://www.ambitionbox.com/overview/xebia-it-architects-overview)
4. [xebia.com](https://xebia.com/blog/unlocking-opportunities-xebias-insights-into-the-middle-east-public-sector/)
5. [theorg.com](https://theorg.com/org/xebia/org-chart/dani-chivi)

## Other roles at MEA

- [Solution Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/solution-architect-mea-saudi-arabia-gh40ycqhg03c) — Saudi Arabia
- [Security/Sovereign Cloud Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/security-sovereign-cloud-architect-mea-saudi-arabia-3psjj4qwf40j) — Saudi Arabia
- [Data/Integration Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/data-integration-architect-mea-saudi-arabia-02df5d8x3617) — Saudi Arabia
- [SAP SuccessFactors ECP & Reporting Consultant_10+_Abu_Dhabi](https://feeny.ai/job/sap-successfactors-ecp-reporting-consultant-10-abu-dhabi-mea-abu-dhabi-gggn4544srr1) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates