For a leading Islamic Bank, we are seeking a hands-on Microsoft SQL Server DBA with 7+ years of experience to manage SQL Server databases across Production, UAT, DR, and Development environments. The role covers operations, backup & recovery, HA/DR, performance tuning, security & compliance, automation, incident/problem management, and documentation/reporting. Basic Oracle knowledge is preferred to support small ad-hoc needs and coordination/escalation when required.
Key Responsibilities
Database Administration & Operations
- Administer and manage SQL Server databases across Production, UAT, DR, and Development environments.
- Perform daily operational monitoring of database health, services, jobs, disk space, blocking, and performance indicators.
- Configure and manage SQL Server Agent Jobs (creation, scheduling, troubleshooting).
- Implement and maintain database standards, naming conventions, and documentation.
- Manage logins, users, roles, and permissions following the Principle of Least Privilege.
Backup, Restore & Disaster Recovery
- Design and implement a comprehensive backup strategy (Full, Differential, Transaction Log).
- Configure and maintain High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions including Always On Availability Groups, Failover Cluster Instances (FCI), Log Shipping, and Replication.
- Define and maintain RPO/RTO requirements.
- Participate in DR drills and document recovery procedures.
- Note: This scope will be done on the native SQL engine and does not include any work on backup tools.
Performance Monitoring & Optimization
- Monitor database performance using DMVs, Extended Events, Query Store, and monitoring tools.
- Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks (CPU, Memory, I/O, Blocking, Deadlocks).
- Optimize queries, indexes, execution plans, and statistics.
- Implement index maintenance and database integrity checks.
- Capacity planning and growth forecasting.
- Note: Monitoring will use either native engine monitoring or a customer-provided monitoring tool.
Installation, Configuration & Upgrades
- Install, configure, and patch SQL Server instances.
- Perform version upgrades and migration projects (e.g., 2016/2017/2019 to 2022).
- Apply Service Packs and Cumulative Updates.
- Harden SQL Server configurations according to security best practices.
Security & Compliance
- Implement database security standards (TDE, Always Encrypted, SSL, Auditing).
- Monitor and respond to security vulnerabilities.
- Conduct periodic security reviews and access audits.
- Ensure compliance with corporate and regulatory policies.
High Availability & Replication
- Configure and support Always On Availability Groups.
- Support Database Mirroring (legacy environments).
- Configure and support Transactional and Snapshot Replication.
- Troubleshoot synchronization and failover issues.
- Monitor cluster health and availability metrics.
Automation & Scripting
- Develop automation scripts using T-SQL and PowerShell.
- Automate maintenance, monitoring, and reporting tasks.
- Maintain a version-controlled scripts repository.
Incident & Problem Management
- Provide L1/L2 support for database-related incidents.
- Prepare Root Cause Analysis (RCA) documentation.
- Support critical production issues within agreed SLA.
- Coordinate with Application, Infrastructure, and Security teams.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- 7+ years of hands-on experience as Microsoft SQL Server DBA supporting enterprise production environments.
- Strong knowledge of backup/restore and recoverability on the native SQL engine (excluding backup tools).
- Hands-on experience with HA/DR: Always On Availability Groups, FCI, Log Shipping, and Replication.
- Strong troubleshooting and performance tuning using DMVs, Extended Events, and Query Store.
- Strong security background: user/role management, least privilege, and security controls (TDE, Always Encrypted, SSL, Auditing).
- Experience with SQL Server installation, patching, upgrades, and migrations (including upgrade paths to SQL Server 2022).
- Automation experience with T-SQL and PowerShell; ability to maintain reusable scripts in a controlled repository.
- Ability to produce clear documentation, runbooks, and periodic health reports.
Preferred / Nice to Have
- Basic Oracle administration exposure (monitoring, routine checks, backup validation concepts, and coordination/escalation).
- Experience in banking or regulated environments with audit/compliance practices.
- Familiarity with ITIL-aligned incident/problem management and RCA.
