SQL Server Database Administrator

Purpose

To manage, optimise, and continuously improve the organisation’s SQL Server environment, ensuring high availability, performance, data integrity, and automation across a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. The role also supports development delivery, data governance, and cloud transformation initiatives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Database Administration & Operations

• Administer and maintain SQL Server environments (on-prem and future hybrid cloud).

• Perform SQL Server installation, configuration, and patching across environments.

• Manage failover cluster environments (Active/Passive nodes).

• Monitor database health, performance, availability, and capacity.

• Manage backups, restores, and disaster recovery processes (including DR testing).

• Ensure zero/low downtime operations in a critical production environment.

• Ensure SQL Server environments adhere to best practice standards and configurations.

Performance Tuning & Optimization

• Optimize slow queries and procedures.

• Work with developers to improve SQL queries and stored procedures.

Database Upgrades & Modernization

• Upgrade SQL Server 2019 to SQL Server 2022.

• Ensure minimal downtime during upgrades.

High Availability & Disaster Recovery

• Maintain Failover Cluster Instances (FCI).

• Implement and manage Availability Groups (AGs).

Automation & Efficiency

• Develop automation scripts using PowerShell and T-SQL.

Data Governance & Stewardship

• Manage Critical Data Elements (CDEs) and Data Quality Rules.

Collaboration & Support

• Work closely with Developers, Business Analysts, Infrastructure Teams, and QA Testers/PSA Team.

• Provide guidance on database design, standards, and best practices.

• Manage and resolve database-related incidents and service requests (helpdesk tickets).

• Ensure issues are resolved within defined SLA timelines.

• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring or critical issues and implement permanent fixes.

• Participate in incident response for high-priority production issues.

Release & Deployment Management

• Support and govern database deployments via CI/CD pipelines.

• Assist development teams with SQL script validation, deployment readiness, and release troubleshooting.

• Transition from manual deployments to fully automated database deployments.

• Ensure version control and auditability of all database changes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Technical Skills

Required

• SQL Server (2016–2022)

• Failover Clustering

• Performance Tuning

• T-SQL

• CI/CD Pipelines

• Power BI

• SSRS

Advantageous

• Availability Groups

• SQL Server 2022

• Azure / Hybrid Cloud

• PowerShell Automation

Core Capabilities

Test

• Conduct tests to determine whether equipment, software, or procedures are operating as expected.

Computers

• Knowledge of servers, SANs, applications, and programming.

Complex Problem Solving

• Identify complex problems, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.

Behavioral Competencies

Managing the Job

Analyse

Demonstrates strong analytical ability by gathering and evaluating relevant information, identifying key issues and relationships, comparing data from multiple sources, and drawing logical cause-and-effect conclusions to support effective decision-making and problem-solving.

Attention to Detail

Consistently demonstrates a high level of attention to detail by ensuring accuracy, thoroughness, and quality in the completion of tasks while adhering to established standards, processes, and procedures.

Organisational Citizenship

Demonstrates organisational citizenship by consistently contributing beyond core job requirements, supporting team and departmental objectives, maintaining a constructive and cooperative approach, and showing commitment to the organisation’s values, standards, and overall success.

Managing Self

Organise

• Methodical approach to problem-solving.

• Strong drive for execution.

Flexible

• Adapts readily to changing situations.

Self-Management

• Resists immediate short-term rewards in order to attain greater rewards in the future.

Managing Others

Communicate

• Apply effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication methods to achieve desired results.

Teamwork

Demonstrates an active commitment to enhancing team effectiveness, consistently shows due consideration for the needs and perspectives of others, and recognises the value of a well-managed team in achieving improved organisational outcomes.

Customer Service

• Listens to and understands the needs of internal and external customers and prioritises customer satisfaction.

Minimum Requirements

Education / Qualifications

• IT Degree or Diploma.

• Microsoft SQL-related certifications (advantageous).

• Azure Database Administrator Associate certification (advantageous).

Experience

• 8+ years SQL Server DBA experience.

General Terms and Conditions

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent.

It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, tasks, and skills required to perform this job.

The incumbent may be required to perform additional tasks and duties outside of this description, if required.