SQL Server DBA Lead — Hybrid & Cloud

Kirkland & Ellis; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 153,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking an experienced Database Administration Manager to lead the firm’s DBA team, deploying and maintaining on-premises and cloud SQL Server environments. Oversee production support, upgrades, migrations, and security for resilient, high-performing databases across the firm.

This hybrid role combines remote work with in-office collaboration in Chicago. You will mentor staff, shape architecture, manage incidents, and partner with technology teams to align database strategies

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of database administration experience with Microsoft SQL Server
• One to three years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Strong SQL Server installation, configuration, and performance optimization
• Knowledge of Azure SQL and AWS RDS for SQL Server
• Experience with SSIS/SSRS scripting and deployment
• PowerShell and database tools like Idera, Redgate, SentryOne preferred
• Ability to communicate complex topics clearly to varied audiences

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the DBA team, ensuring professional growth and collaboration
• Direct major database incident resolution and root-cause analysis
• Shape database architecture and data models for scalability
• Plan and execute upgrades, patches, and migrations with minimal downtime
• Monitor and optimize database performance and stability
• Maintain backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes
• Enforce database security policies and regulatory compliance
• Create and document SOPs and technical standards
• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate databases with applications and infrastructure

Skills

SQL Server administration

Cloud capabilities

Transact-SQL

People leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Systems

Tools

PowerShell

Idera

Redgate

SentryOne

SSIS

SSRS

Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Managed Instance

AWS RDS for SQL Server

Job description

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking an experienced Database Administration Manager to lead the firm’s DBA team, deploying and maintaining on-premises and cloud SQL Server environments. Oversee production support, upgrades, migrations, and security for resilient, high-performing databases across the firm.

This hybrid role combines remote work with in-office collaboration in Chicago. You will mentor staff, shape architecture, manage incidents, and partner with technology teams to align database strategies