Lead Sql Server Database Administrator

We are looking for a talented and experienced Senior Database Administrator (SQL Server).

Overview

We're seeking a Senior Database Administrator to own the health, performance, and reliability of our on-premises Microsoft SQL Server estate, with growing exposure to Azure SQL. This is a hands-on role for a seasoned DBA who is equally comfortable tuning a stubborn query, architecting a high-availability topology, and troubleshooting the Windows Server layer beneath the database. You'll be the senior technical authority on all things SQL Server and a key partner to engineering, infrastructure, and application teams.

Responsibilities:

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 presentation communication skills
• Strong team and individual player
• Maintains composure during all types of situations and is collaborative by nature
• High standards of professionalism, consistently producing high quality results
• Self-sufficient, independent requiring very little supervision or intervention
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to bring creative solutions to address issues
  

Bridgenext is an Equal Opportunity Employer