Senior Database Administrator (SQL Server)

Database Administration & Operations Install, configure, patch, and maintain SQL Server instances across production, staging, and development environments Manage database security: logins, roles, permissions, encryption (TDE), and auditing Own backup and recovery strategy, including regular restore testing and RTO/RPO validation Manage capacity planning, storage growth, and database file/filegroup layout Performance & Optimization Diagnose and resolve performance bottlenecks using execution plans, wait statistics, DMVs, Query Store, and Extended Events Tune indexes, statistics, and T-SQL; partner with developers to improve query and schema design Establish and maintain performance baselines, alerting, and monitoring High Availability & Disaster Recovery Design, implement, and maintain HA/DR solutions: Always On Availability Groups, failover clustering, log shipping, and replication Conduct failover testing and maintain documented, tested recovery procedures Windows Systems Administration Administer the Windows Server layer supporting SQL Server: OS patching, service accounts, disk/storage configuration, and Windows Failover Clustering Troubleshoot at the intersection of OS, storage, network, and database Manage Active Directory service accounts, group policy considerations, and NTFS/share permissions relevant to SQL Server Automation & Maintenance Automate routine administration, deployments, and monitoring using PowerShell and T-SQL (e.g., dbatools, SQL Agent jobs, Ola Hallengren's maintenance solution) Build and maintain repeatable, documented processes for provisioning and configuration Cloud (Azure SQL) Administer and support Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance workloads Assist with hybrid connectivity and on-prem-to-Azure migration efforts as the estate evolves Required Qualifications 6+ years of hands-on SQL Server database administration in production environments Deep expertise in performance tuning, query optimization, and index strategy Proven experience designing and operating HA/DR solutions (Always On AGs, clustering, log shipping, replication) Strong Windows Server administration skills, including Windows Failover Clustering, storage, and service account management Proficiency with T-SQL and PowerShell scripting for automation Solid understanding of backup/recovery, security, and disaster recovery best practices Experience with SQL Server monitoring and diagnostic tooling (DMVs, Query Store, Extended Events, Profiler/traces) Preferred Qualifications Experience with Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance and hybrid cloud environments Familiarity with the dbatools PowerShell module and community maintenance solutions Experience with SSIS/SSRS/SSAS or related BI components Exposure to CI/CD for database changes (e.g., dacpac deployments, source-controlled schema) Relevant certifications (Microsoft SQL Server / Azure Database Administrator Associate) Experience across multiple SQL Server versions and large or highly transactional estates Soft Skills Strong troubleshooting instincts and a calm, methodical approach under pressure (including on-call/incident response) Clear written and verbal communication; able to explain database concepts to non-DBA stakeholders Documentation discipline and a bias toward automating repetitive work Collaborative partner to developers, infrastructure teams, and application owners Professional Skills: Solid written, verbal, and .