Manager Database Administration

The Judge Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking an experienced Database Administration Manager to lead a team responsible for the performance, scalability, and reliability of enterprise databases supporting production systems and project initiatives.

You will partner with engineering, infrastructure, and IT operations to drive data integrity, system availability, and operational excellence, while guiding budgeting, staffing, and career development in a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years in database administration and data management.
• 3+ years in managing database teams or functions.
• Experience with SQL-based systems: DB2, Sybase, Informix, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and EDB.
• Experience across multiple OS and database technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage the availability, performance, and reliability of enterprise databases in line with business and technical requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team of database administrators, including task assignment, performance management, and career development.
• Oversee database support for production systems and ensure timely issue resolution and incident response.
• Review and approve database design changes, ensuring alignment with architecture standards and best practices.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support project delivery and system integrations.
• Establish and maintain data management standards, ensuring data integrity, security, and recoverability.
• Drive resource planning, budgeting, and staffing decisions for the database team.
• Develop and track team goals, performance metrics, and departmental objectives.
• Support organizational initiatives and contribute to broader operational and strategic projects.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

DB2

Sybase

Informix

SQL Server

PostgreSQL

EDB

Job description

Hybrid: Dallas, TX or Chicago, IL (3 days on-site)

Direct Hire

About the job

As a Database Administration Manager, you will lead a team responsible for ensuring the performance, scalability, and reliability of enterprise databases supporting both production systems and project initiatives. You will partner closely with engineering, infrastructure, and business stakeholders to drive data integrity, system availability, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Manage the availability, performance, and reliability of enterprise databases in line with business and technical requirements
• Lead and mentor a team of database administrators, including task assignment, performance management, and career development
• Oversee database support for production systems and ensure timely issue resolution and incident response
• Review and approve database design changes, ensuring alignment with architecture standards and best practices
• Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, infrastructure, IT operations) to support project delivery and system integrations
• Establish and maintain data management standards, ensuring data integrity, security, and recoverability
• Drive resource planning, budgeting, and staffing decisions for the database team
• Develop and track team goals, performance metrics, and departmental objectives
• Support organizational initiatives and contribute to broader operational and strategic projects
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations for team members
• Support employee growth through training, development plans, and career progression opportunities
• Foster an inclusive and motivating work environment that supports retention and engagement
• Maintain up-to-date skills inventory and align team capabilities to project needs
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 7 years of experience in database administration and data management
• 3 years of experience managing database teams or functions
• Experience with SQL-based systems (e.g., DB2, Sybase, Informix, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, EDB)
• Experience working across multiple operating systems and database technologies

Preferred qualifications:

• Cloud certification (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
• Familiarity with database design, modeling, and documentation tools
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Additional Information

• This role includes direct people management responsibilities
• Requires strong analytical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills
• Involves regular interaction with technical and non-technical stakeholders