Database Administrator

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Portugal.

📋 Description

• Oversee comprehensive administration of SQL Server within both on-premises VMware and Azure Cloud environments.

• Install, configure, apply patches, and maintain SQL Server instances and databases.

• Streamline repetitive database administration tasks through automation.

• Create, assess, and enhance stored procedures, queries, and indexes while addressing performance challenges.

• Manage backup, restoration, security, access controls, and overall database health.

• Serve as a technical escalation point and collaborate with vendors on complicated issues.

• Conduct morning production checks that encompass system health, overnight jobs, monitoring, and alerts.

• Monitor database platforms utilizing Redgate SQL Monitor and Azure Monitor while fine-tuning alerting thresholds.

• Engage in daily cross-team stand-ups and oversee work through Azure DevOps boards.

• Address ITSM incidents, BAU tasks, and service requests throughout delivery.

• Take ownership of incidents as DRI, including triage, resolution, root-cause analysis, and conducting blameless post-mortems.

• Automate alert management processes and ensure database incidents are resolved to closure.

• Initiate, document, and implement changes under client governance, which includes presenting at CAB.

• Enforce data protection measures for PII data and participate in DPIA processes.

• Maintain communication with technical and business stakeholders during incidents and changes.

• Eliminate repetitive tasks using PowerShell/dbatools, T-SQL, SQL Agent/Elastic Jobs, and ADO pipelines.

• Develop runbooks and self-healing solutions for recurring alerts.

• Integrate database modifications into CI/CD using Redgate or SSDT with release validation.

• Support project initiatives alongside BAU and contribute to the client change portfolio and roadmap.

• Assist with Dynamics case and claims data flows utilizing Azure Data Factory pipelines.

• Provide support for Azure Synapse, ETL, and batch processing activities.

• Offer advice on reliability, cost, and security for database workloads, including migrations from VMware to Azure.

• Implement least-privilege, auditing, and encryption standards.

• Maintain documentation, runbooks, procedures, and provisioning records in Confluence.

⛳️ Requirements

• Significant hands-on experience as a SQL Server DBA, encompassing administration, configuration, and performance optimization.

• SQL Server expertise in VMware-virtualised and Azure Cloud environments, including Azure SQL or SQL on Azure VMs.

• HA/DR proficiency with Always On AGs, FCIs, log shipping, geo-replication, and backup/restore testing.

• Solid understanding of SRE principles, including SLIs/SLOs, toil reduction, RCA, and post-incident reviews.

• Competent T-SQL capabilities, including writing, troubleshooting, and optimizing stored procedures.

• Scripting and automation abilities using PowerShell/dbatools, T-SQL, and Python.

• Familiarity with ITSM processes, including incident, service request, and change management, as well as CAB.

• Experience with Azure DevOps boards for task tracking and delivery management.

• Strong documentation skills, particularly with Confluence.

• Exceptional communication skills with both technical and business stakeholders.

• Experience dealing with sensitive or PII data while adhering to GDPR and DPIA controls.

• Preferred: Proficiency with Redgate tooling, Azure Monitor, and Log Analytics.

• Preferred: Experience with Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, and ETL/batch processes.

• Preferred: Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics data flows and integrations.

• Preferred: Database CI/CD experience with ADO pipelines and exposure to Infrastructure as Code using Bicep/Terraform.

• Preferred: Azure cost optimization and FinOps expertise for data platforms.

• Preferred certifications: Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300), Azure Administrator (AZ-104), VMware VCP, ITIL Foundation, or SRE Foundation.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible remote working environment.

• Permanent employment opportunity.

• Access to global and pan-European technological centers and best-shoring capabilities.

• Professional collaboration with global engineering, technology, and consulting teams.