Description :

Role Overview :

We are looking for an experienced Lead Database Administrator to own, optimize, and support enterprise SQL Server environments. This role focuses on database performance, stability, security, capacity planning, and operational excellence, while also providing technical leadership, documentation, and proactive problem prevention. The ideal candidate brings strong SQL Server internals knowledge, hands-on production support experience, and the ability to guide best practices across database operations.

Key Responsibilities :

Database Administration & Operations :

- Own administration of SQL Server environments (SQL Server 2017 and above), including availability, performance, and reliability.

- Manage database security, encryption, access control, backup, restore, and archival processes.

- Ensure compliance with security and data protection best practices, especially for sensitive data.

- Support production databases and resolve recurring issues through structured problem management.

Performance Tuning & Optimization :

- Lead database performance tuning initiatives, including :

1. Query plan analysis and optimization

2. Index strategy design and maintenance

3. Statistics management

- Utilize advanced SQL Server tools for performance diagnostics :

1. Query Store for regression analysis

2. Extended Events for deep performance troubleshooting

- Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks proactively.

Monitoring, RCA & Problem Prevention :

- Perform root cause analysis (RCA) for database incidents and implement preventive measures.

- Design and enhance monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect issues early.

- Build and maintain a knowledge base of recurring issues and resolutions.

Capacity Planning & Resource Management :

- Analyze database growth, workload trends, and system utilization.

- Assist in capacity planning and recommend infrastructure scaling or optimization strategies.

- Support planning for upgrades, migrations, and performance improvements.

Architecture, Documentation & Governance :

- Maintain comprehensive documentation for :

1. Database topology and architecture

2. Operational procedures and runbooks

3. Data dictionaries and lineage documentation

- Ensure documentation is accurate, standardized, and centrally accessible.

- Enforce database operational standards and best practices.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership :

- Act as the database SME for cross-functional teams including application, data, and infrastructure teams.

- Work closely with Project Managers to translate business needs into database solutions.

- Mentor junior DBAs and support knowledge sharing within the team.

- Participate in reviews, planning discussions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Experience :

- 5- 9 years of hands-on experience as a SQL Server Database Administrator.

- Strong expertise in SQL Server internals and performance tuning

- Backup, recovery, security, and encryption

- High availability and operational support

- Experience with SQL Server tools such as Query Store and Extended Events.

- Solid understanding of transaction management, concurrency, and isolation levels.

- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration abilities.

Nice to Have :

- Exposure to database modernization initiatives or platform upgrades.

- Experience supporting large-scale, mission-critical production environments.

- Familiarity with compliance-driven environments (data security, auditing).