We are looking for an experienced Database Lead to manage and lead a database administration team supporting critical business applications and production environments. The ideal candidate should have strong hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server , working knowledge of Oracle databases , and proven experience leading a team of 5-10 database professionals .
The role will be responsible for database operations, performance, availability, incident management, change management, security, capacity planning, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of 5-10 Database Administrators/Engineers.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, coaching, and performance management for the database team.
- Manage day-to-day database operations across production and non-production environments.
- Provide strong hands-on support for Microsoft SQL Server , including installation, configuration, upgrades, patching, backup/recovery, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
- Have working knowledge of Oracle Database administration and troubleshooting.
- Monitor database health, performance, availability, capacity, and resource utilization.
- Troubleshoot complex database performance and availability issues and drive incidents through to resolution.
- Lead database-related P1/P2 incidents and participate in root cause analysis and problem management.
- Ensure robust backup, restore, disaster recovery, and high-availability processes.
- Review and approve database changes, deployments, upgrades, and maintenance activities.
- Establish and maintain database standards, operational procedures, and technical documentation.
- Work closely with Cloud, Infrastructure, Application, Security, and NOC teams to resolve cross-functional issues.
- Drive automation of routine database administration and operational activities.
- Identify opportunities for database optimization, cost reduction, performance improvement, and operational efficiency.
- Participate in capacity planning and ensure database environments are appropriately sized.
- Ensure adherence to security, compliance, audit, and organizational IT policies.
- Track operational KPIs, SLAs, incidents, changes, and service availability.
- Act as the escalation point for complex database issues and provide technical guidance to the wider IT organization.
Required Technical Skills
Microsoft SQL Server
- Strong hands-on experience with SQL Server administration.
- SQL Server installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, and migrations.
- Backup and recovery, including disaster recovery planning.
- Performance monitoring and tuning.
- Query optimization and troubleshooting.
- High Availability/Disaster Recovery concepts such as Always On Availability Groups.
- Database maintenance, indexing, statistics, and capacity management.
- Strong understanding of SQL Server security, permissions, and access management.
- Experience working with monitoring and database management tools.
Oracle
- Working knowledge of Oracle Database administration.
- Understanding of Oracle architecture, backup/recovery, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to work with Oracle DBAs/teams to resolve complex issues.
General
- Good understanding of database security and access controls.
- Knowledge of ITIL-based incident, problem, and change management.
- Experience supporting enterprise production environments.
- Exposure to cloud database environments, preferably AWS and/or Azure , is an advantage.
- Experience with automation and scripting using PowerShell, Python, or similar technologies is desirable.
Leadership & Behavioral Skills
- Proven experience leading a technical team of 5-10 members .
- Strong ownership and accountability for database services.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple operational priorities.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Good communication skills, with the ability to interact with technical teams, management, and business stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively during high-severity incidents and under pressure.
- Strong focus on proactive monitoring, prevention, automation, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to mentor team members and build technical capability within the team.
- Strong customer and service-oriented mindset.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 6-8 years of relevant database administration/engineering experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing or leading a team of 5-10 database professionals .
- Strong SQL Server experience is mandatory.
- Oracle knowledge is mandatory.
- Experience supporting enterprise production environments is preferred.
Key Success Measures
- Database availability and stability.
- SLA adherence for incidents and service requests.
- Reduction in recurring database incidents.
- Database performance and capacity optimization.
- Successful execution of database changes and upgrades.
- Backup and disaster recovery readiness.
- Automation and reduction of manual operational activities.