Job Purpose:

The Senior Database Administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, operating, and optimizing enterprise database platforms across Azure PaaS and hybrid environments. This includes Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL on servers/VMs, with accountability for availability, performance, security, backup/recovery, and migration readiness.

The role partners with architecture, application, and cloud teams to deliver reliable data platforms aligned with enterprise governance, compliance, and Microsoft Cloud Adoption / Well-Architected practices.

Job Accountabilities:

Azure Paas Database Platforms:

Administer and optimize Azure SQL Database (single database, elastic pools, Managed Instance where applicable), including performance, scaling, and configuration baselines
Design, operate, and tune Azure Cosmos DB workloads (partitioning, consistency models, RU management, indexing, and multi-region distribution)
Manage Azure Database for PostgreSQL (Flexible Server), including configuration, extensions, high availability, and operational best practices
Implement monitoring, alerting, and capacity planning using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and database-native telemetry
Apply Azure Policy, tagging, cost controls, and platform standards for managed database services

On-Premises & VM Database Operations:

Operate and maintain Microsoft SQL Server on servers/VMs (installation, patching, configuration, Always On / HA options, and lifecycle management)
Administer PostgreSQL on servers/VMs, including configuration, vacuum/maintenance, extensions, replication, and backup strategies
Establish operational runbooks, change control, and incident/problem management for hybrid database estates
Assess technical debt and recommend modernization paths from VM/server-hosted databases to Azure PaaS

Database Migration & Modernization:

Lead and support migration assessments for Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL workloads to Azure (rehost, replatform, or refactor)
Use Azure Database Migration Service, Azure Migrate, and related tooling for discovery, dependency analysis, and cutover planning
Define target architectures for Azure SQL Database, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, and Cosmos DB where NoSQL fits the use case
Plan and execute data migration, validation, rollback, and hypercare activities with application and infrastructure teams

Performance, Security & Resillience:

Tune queries, indexes, and database configurations to meet SLAs across Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server
Design and maintain HA/DR strategies (geo-replication, failover groups, backups, PITR, and recovery drills)
Implement database security controls: authentication/authorization, encryption at rest/in transit, auditing, and least-privilege access
Leverage Microsoft Defender for Cloud / Defender for SQL, Key Vault, and private networking patterns for secure data platforms
Ensure backup, restore, and retention policies meet RPO/RTO and regulatory requirements

Collaboration & Delivery:

Act as a technical advisor during project delivery with architects, developers, DevOps, and project managers
Participate in knowledge sharing and coaching of junior DBAs / engineers
Support agile delivery with clear change, release, and rollback practices for database changes
Produce assessments, runbooks, and implementation plans for database platform readiness and migrations

Job Specification:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field

Professional Certification:

DP-300: Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions
AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
DP-900: Azure Data Fundamentals (Preferred)
AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (Preferred)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (Preferred)
PostgreSQL certification or equivalent hands-on credential (Preferred)

Working Experience:

Minimum 6–8 years of experience as a Database Administrator in enterprise environments
Hands-on experience with Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, and Azure Database for PostgreSQL
Proven experience administering Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL on servers/VMs, including migration assessment to Azure
Experience with HA/DR, performance tuning, backup/recovery, and production incident management
Familiarity with agile delivery and collaboration with DevOps / cloud engineering teams
Added value: Practical experience administering Oracle Database (installation, backup/recovery, performance tuning, and HA)
Added value: Ability to support Oracle coexistence

Knowledge:

Strong knowledge of Azure SQL Database (Managed relational PaaS), Azure Cosmos DB (NoSQL / globally distributed PaaS), and Azure Database for PostgreSQL (Managed open-source relational PaaS)
Deep expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL on servers/VMs, including operational management and migration readiness
Solid understanding of database security, networking (private endpoints/VNets), monitoring, and cost optimization on Azure
Proficiency in T-SQL and PostgreSQL SQL; scripting with PowerShell, Bash, or Python for automation
Familiarity with Microsoft CAF/WAF principles as applied to data platforms
added value: Oracle Database administration skills and Oracle-to-Azure migration/coexistence knowledge