Senior SQL Database Administrator

Senior SQL Database Administrator

Location: Randburg

Duration: 6 – 12 Months contract

Work Model: Hybrid (1-2 days a week)

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior SQL Database Administrator (DBA) with over 10 years of hands-on expertise in managing, optimizing, and securing enterprise-level database environments. The ideal candidate will ensure high availability, performance, and reliability of mission-critical databases while supporting development and business intelligence teams.

Knowledge of AWS S3 would be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

Database Administration & Operations

• Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server environments (on-premises and/or cloud).
• Manage database performance, uptime, and availability (24/7 support where required).
• Perform proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and tuning of databases.
• Implement and maintain High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR) solutions (Always On, Failover Clustering, Log Shipping, Replication).
• Design and execute backup and recovery strategies.

Performance Optimization

• Analyze query performance and optimize SQL code, indexes, and execution plans.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements in database and system architecture.
• Capacity planning and proactive performance tuning.

Security & Compliance

• Implement database security policies, access controls, and encryption strategies.
• Ensure compliance with data governance and audit requirements.
• Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments.

Development & Support

• Collaborate with developers to design efficient database schemas and queries.
• Review and optimize stored procedures, functions, and triggers.
• Support ETL processes, data migrations, and integrations.

Automation & Scripting

• Develop automation scripts (T-SQL, PowerShell) to improve operational efficiency.
• Implement monitoring tools and alerts.

Cloud & Modern Data Platforms

• Manage SQL databases in cloud environments (Azure SQL, AWS RDS, etc.).
• Support cloud migration strategies and hybrid environments.
• Knowledge of AWS S3 would be advantageous.

Documentation & Best Practices

• Maintain detailed documentation of database systems and processes.
• Establish and enforce database standards and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience as a SQL DBA in enterprise environments.
• Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server (2012–2022).

Strong experience with:

• Backup/Restore and Disaster Recovery
• Performance tuning and query optimization
• High availability solutions (Always On, clustering)
• Experience with database monitoring tools (e.g., SQL Profiler, Extended Events, Redgate, SolarWinds).
• Proficiency in T-SQL scripting and automation (PowerShell preferred).
• Experience with cloud database platforms (Azure/AWS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft certifications (e.g., Azure Database Administrator Associate, SQL Server certifications).
• Experience with data warehousing, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Exposure to other database systems (Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL).
• Experience in containerized or microservices environments is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and manage critical incidents
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities