Lead Database Administrator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Illinois seeks a Lead Database Administrator to oversee advanced operational support, performance optimization, and architectural maintenance of SQL Server environments. This senior role mentors DBAs and guides cloud-native initiatives (Azure, Databricks) as modernization progresses.

The role requires expert tuning, disaster recovery planning, and collaboration on ETL, SSRS/SSIS, and Power BI development. Hybrid work model with a competitive package is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server (2016–2022) in enterprise environments, including 3+ years in a senior or lead capacity.
• Expert-level SQL Server performance tuning and troubleshooting (execution plans, indexing, root-cause analysis).
• Experience with hub-and-spoke data distribution architectures and large-scale ETL/data integration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary escalation point for SQL Server performance, replication, availability, and infrastructure issues.
• Mentor and lead Database Administrators in query tuning, ETL design, and best practices.
• Design, maintain, and optimize hub-and-spoke data distribution architecture and related ETL solutions.
• Develop and support enterprise reporting and automation using SSRS, SSIS, Visual Studio, and PowerShell.
• Participate in 24x7 on-call rotation to ensure availability of critical systems.

Skills

SQL Server

Performance tuning

ETL design

PowerShell

SSRS

SSIS

Azure

Databricks

Power BI

VMware

Windows Server

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

SSRS

SSIS

Visual Studio

PowerShell

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 solutions Mentor 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 experience. A 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 capacity. Expert-level SQL Server performance tuning and troubleshooting experience, including execution plans, indexing strategies, and root-cause analysis of recurring or systemic issues. Demonstrated 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 troubleshooting. Experience 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 governance. Advanced proficiency in PowerShell scripting for SQL Server administration and automation. Demonstrated experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior or mid-level database administrators. Experience with Power BI for reporting and analytics (preferred for enterprise reporting modernization). Strong knowledge of Windows Server. Strong knowledge of physical and VMware-based SQL Server configurations. Azure SQL Server administration experience, including hybrid on-prem/Azure environments.

Preferred: Experience modernizing legacy SSRS reporting to Power BI. Experience automating SQL Server administration using PowerShell and CI/CD practices. Experience supporting large-scale, mission-critical SQL Server environments in regulated enterprises. Demonstrated ability to mentor and influence the technical work of others without direct management authority. Exposure to Azure-native data platforms (Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Synapse, or similar) or Databricks. Experience leading or contributing to architecture/modernization roadmap discussions.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

The 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.

Sidley is an elite global law firm with a known reputation of deploying innovative strategies to achieve powerful results. Business professionals are essential to the firm’s ability to deliver the highest quality legal services to our clients. We are always looking for talented, motivated individuals who thrive in a performance-driven culture to join our team.

Sidley employs approximately 2,300 lawyers working with our clients in complex transactional, restructuring, crisis management, investigation, regulatory, and litigation matters. Our 160 years of perspective and reach are truly global, supported by 21 offices strategically situated in key commercial, regulatory, and financial centers across the world. Our lawyers and business professionals, fluent in more than 75 languages, possess the cultural awareness and cross-border legal acumen needed to bring clarity to a dynamic business landscape.

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