Lead Database Administrator

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Benefits program

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL seeks a Lead Database Administrator to own advanced SQL Server operations, performance tuning, and hub-and-spoke data architecture. You will guide a team, resolve high-impact issues, and help move systems toward Azure and Databricks.

The role requires 6+ years with SQL Server, strong ETL expertise (SSIS/SSRS), mentoring skills, and experience with Azure SQL and VMware. This hybrid, on-site role offers a competitive salary and bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 6+ years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server (2016–2022) in enterprise environments.
• Expert-level SQL Server performance tuning and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting large-scale ETL and data distribution architectures.
• Hands-on experience with SSRS, SSIS, Visual Studio for SSIS/SSRS development, replication, and Availability Groups.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex SQL Server issues including performance and replication.
• Design, maintain, and enhance hub-and-spoke data distribution architecture and ETL solutions.
• Mentor junior to mid-level DBAs on query tuning, performance optimization, and best practices.
• Lead root-cause analysis for recurring issues and participate in capacity planning and roadmap initiatives.
• Develop and support enterprise reporting and automation using SSRS, SSIS, Visual Studio, and PowerShell.

Skills

SQL Server performance tuning

Root-cause analysis

ETL design

Mentoring DBAs

PowerShell scripting

Power BI for reporting

Azure SQL Server administration

VMware

Windows Server

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

SSRS

SSIS

Visual Studio

SQL Server replication

SQL Server Availability Groups

SQL Sentry

Job description

The Lead Database Administrator is a senior member of the database team responsible for the advanced operational support, performance optimization, and architectural maintenance of the firm's database environments, including the legacy hub-and-spoke data distribution framework. This role independently resolves complex, high-impact issues, mentors other database administrators, and serves as a key technical escalation point for the team. The Lead Database Administrator also helps guide the team's transition toward cloud-native and modern data platforms (Azure, Databricks) as those initiatives mature.Duties and Responsibilities:Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex SQL Server performance, replication, availability, and database infrastructure issues, including support of the firm's hub-and-spoke data distribution framework.Design, maintain, and enhance the firm's hub-and-spoke data distribution architecture, including staging tables, MERGE-based sync procedures, intermediary databases, and related SQL Server ETL/data integration solutionsMentor and provide technical leadership to Database Administrators through guidance on query tuning, performance optimization, ETL design, troubleshooting, and best practices.Lead root cause analysis for recurring database issues, recommend long-term improvements, and participate in database capacity planning and infrastructure roadmap initiatives.Develop, implement, and support enterprise reporting, data integration, and automation solutions using SSRS, SSIS, Visual Studio, PowerShell, and related SQL Server technologies.Monitor, optimize, and maintain database performance, availability, backup and recovery, security, and disaster recovery technologies, including replication, log shipping, failover clustering, and SQL Server Availability Groups.Perform SQL Server administration, including patching, cumulative updates, version upgrades, documentation, and support for Azure-based SQL Server environments.Evaluate and support modernization initiatives by piloting Azure-native and Databricks-based solutions, including database migrations across on-premises and cloud environments in partnership with database leadership.Participate in a rotating 24x7 on-call schedule and provide off-hours support as required to ensure the availability and reliability of critical database systems.Education and/or Experience:Required:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experienceA minimum of 6 years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server (2016–2022) in enterprise environments, including at least 3 years in a senior or lead technical capacityExpert-level SQL Server performance tuning and troubleshooting experience, including execution plans, indexing strategies, and root-cause analysis of recurring or systemic issuesDemonstrated experience designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting large-scale ETL and data distribution architectures (e.g., hub-and-spoke, staging/MERGE-based sync patterns, or equivalent)Strong hands-on experience with, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Visual Studio for SSIS/SSRS development, SQL Server replication technologies, and SQL Server Availability Groups, including setup, maintenance, and troubleshootingExperience with SQL Server monitoring tools (e.g., SQL Sentry or equivalent)Experience performing and overseeing SQL Server patching, cumulative updates, and upgrades, including change management governanceAdvanced proficiency in PowerShell scripting for SQL Server administration and automationDemonstrated experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior or mid-level database administratorsExperience with Power BI for reporting and analytics (preferred for enterprise reporting modernization)Strong knowledge of Windows ServerStrong knowledge of physical and VMware-based SQL Server configurationsAzure SQL Server administration experience, including hybrid on-prem/Azure environmentsPreferred:Experience modernizing legacy SSRS reporting to Power BIExperience automating SQL Server administration using PowerShell and CI/CD practicesExperience supporting large-scale, mission-critical SQL Server environments in regulated enterprisesDemonstrated ability to mentor and influence the technical work of others without direct management authorityExposure to Azure-native data platforms (Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Synapse, or similar) or DatabricksExperience leading or contributing to architecture/modernization roadmap discussionsOther Skills and Abilities:The following will also be required of the successful candidate:Strong organizational skillsStrong attention to detailGood judgmentStrong interpersonal communication skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAble to work harmoniously and effectively with othersAble to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretionAble to work under pressureAble to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities#LI-KG2#LI-HybridThe target salary range for this role is:$123,000 - $169,000 if located in Illinois.Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits .To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.