SQL Database Administrator

Zensar Technologies; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Job summary

Zensar Technologies in Pretoria/Durban is seeking a seasoned Database Administrator (Level 3) for a 12‑month contract. You will own large SQL Server estates, drive automation, ensure high availability, and lead modernisation efforts across on‑prem and cloud environments.

Collaboration with cross‑functional teams is essential to maintain performance and security. You will design, implement, and optimise complex replication architectures, monitor systems, and mentor junior DBAs while contributing

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive database administration experience in enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise with SQL Server or comparable relational DBMS.
• Experience with HA, DR, and replication technologies.
• Advanced performance tuning and query optimisation skills.
• Automation experience using scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, Python).
• Familiarity with modern DB tech such as ClickHouse/FoundationDB/LGTM stack.
• Cloud exposure and governance/compliance awareness.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain high‑availability and disaster‑recovery solutions.
• Develop and manage complex data‑movement and replication architectures.
• Monitor DB environments and proactively address performance and reliability issues.
• Perform advanced performance tuning using execution plans and profiling tools.
• Investigate incidents, perform root‑cause analysis, and implement remediation.
• Drive database automation initiatives using scripting and self‑service tooling.
• Support infrastructure modernisation projects including cloud adoption.
• Ensure database security, compliance, and governance controls.
• Create documentation, runbooks, and operational standards.
• Mentor junior DBAs and provide after‑hours support when needed.

Skills

SQL Server expertise

High availability

Performance tuning

Incident response

Automation scripting

PowerShell

Python

Communication skills

Tools

ClickHouse

FoundationDB

LGTM stack (Loki, Grafana, Tempo, Mimir)

Replication technologies

Job description

Job Summary

We’re looking for a highly skilled Database Administrator (Level 3) on a 12‑month contract based in Pretoria or Durban. The role focuses on managing large SQL Server estates, ensuring high availability, performance, and scalability, and driving automation and modernisation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain high‑availability and disaster‑recovery solutions such as clustering, availability groups, and replication frameworks.
• Develop and manage complex data‑movement and replication architectures.
• Monitor database environments and proactively address performance, stability, and reliability issues.
• Perform advanced performance tuning using execution plans, wait statistics, and profiling tools.
• Investigate incidents, conduct root‑cause analysis, and implement remediation strategies.
• Drive database automation initiatives using scripting and self‑service tooling to improve operational efficiency.
• Support infrastructure modernisation projects, including cloud adoption.
• Ensure database security, compliance, and governance through controls such as encryption, auditing, and access management.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and operational standards.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior database administrators.
• Participate in critical incident response and provide after‑hours support when required.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive experience in database administration within enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in SQL Server or a comparable relational database management system.
• Proven experience with high‑availability, disaster‑recovery, and replication technologies.
• Advanced skills in database performance tuning and query optimisation.
• Experience with automation and scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, or Python).
• Experience with modern database technologies such as ClickHouse, FoundationDB, LGTM stack (Loki, Grafana, Tempo, Mimir), Rybbit, or Valkey.
• Exposure to cloud platforms and modern infrastructure environments.
• Solid understanding of security, compliance, and data governance practices.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to manage critical incidents independently.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across technical and business stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player who values knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements and a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

Equal Opportunity Statement

Zensar is an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Zensar is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities or religious observances.