Senior Database Administrator

NTT Data; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A global IT services provider is seeking a Database Administrator in Cape Town. This role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining database environments primarily focused on Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle MySQL. Candidates should have 3–7 years of experience and relevant certifications. Responsibilities include performance tuning, backup strategies, and ensuring database security. The position offers a hybrid work model with some in-office responsibilities on certain weekdays.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years' experience as a SQL DBA or in a similar database administration role.
• Proven experience managing both Microsoft SQL and MySQL production environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle MySQL database environments.
• Perform regular database health checks and performance tuning.
• Develop and implement backup and recovery strategies.
• Monitor database performance using native tools.
• Implement database security best practices.

Skills

Microsoft SQL Server

Oracle MySQL

T-SQL

Performance tuning

Database security best practices

Scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python)

Cloud-based database environments

Education

Bachelor's degree in information technology or Computer Science

Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate

Microsoft SQL Server DBA certification

Oracle MySQL Certified Database Administrator

Tools

SQL Management Studio (SSMS)

MySQL Workbench

Job description

Overview

The Database Administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and securing the organizations database environments, with a primary focus on Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle MySQL platforms. The role ensures optimal performance, availability, integrity, and scalability of critical business databases.

Key Responsibilities

Database Administration & Maintenance

• Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle MySQL database environments.
• Perform regular database health checks, performance tuning, and optimization.
• Manage database storage, capacity planning, and resource allocation.

Backup, Recovery & High Availability

• Develop, implement, and test backup and recovery strategies.
• Configure and maintain high-availability solutions (e.g., SQL Always On, replication, clustering, MySQL replication).
• Ensure disaster recovery readiness for all database platforms.

Performance Monitoring & Tuning

• Monitor database performance using native tools (SQL Profiler, Performance Monitor, MySQL Performance Schema, etc.).
• Optimize queries, indexes, and schema design to improve performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve performance-related issues.

Security & Compliance

• Implement database security best practices, including user access management, encryption, and auditing.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and internal security policies.
• Proactively address vulnerabilities and ensure secure configuration of all database servers.

Data Management & Support

• Provide support to development and business teams on database-related matters.
• Assist with SQL query development, stored procedures, views, and database objects.
• Support data migrations, integrations, and ETL processes.

Documentation & Standards

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of systems, configurations, and procedures.
• Define and enforce database development standards and naming conventions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of database processes and workflows.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server (2016 or later)
• T-SQL, SSMS, SQL Agent Jobs, backups, replication, Always On, performance tuning.
• Strong expertise in Oracle MySQL databases
• DB installation, MySQL Workbench, replication setup, backup strategies, query optimization.
• Solid understanding of database architecture, normalization, and design principles.
• Experience with monitoring and automation tools.
• Scripting knowledge (PowerShell, Bash, or Python) is advantageous.
• Understanding of cloud-based database environments (Azure SQL, AWS RDS for MySQL) is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Team‑oriented with strong customer service focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field (preferred).
• Matric
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
• Microsoft SQL Server DBA certification
• Oracle MySQL Certified Database Administrator

Experience

• 3–7 years\' experience as a SQL DBA or in a similar database administration role.
• Proven experience managing both Microsoft SQL and MySQL production environments.

Location

Cape Town: Role is in office with 1 day a week being remote, however Mondays and Fridays are in office days.

Special Request

This person would be expected to do Standby, but it would be discussion upfront and agreed upon.