Senior SQL Server Database Administrator

Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior SQL Server Database Administrator with a strong banking or financial services background to manage, automate, and optimize mission-critical SQL Server environments. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in high availability, disaster recovery, and performance tuning with hands-on automation and cloud hosting experience. Key Responsibilities Administer and maintain SQL Server database environments across production, DR, and non-production estates Design, implement, and manage High Availability and Disaster Recovery solutions including Always On Availability Groups, Distributed AGs, replication, and mirroring Administer SQL Server failover clusters and ensure resilience of critical banking systems Automate routine DBA tasks such as provisioning, patching, and upgrades using tools like Ansible, Jenkins, Terraform, and ArgoCD Perform performance tuning and query optimization using Query Store, Profiler, and related tools Plan and execute SQL Server version upgrades, including in-place upgrades with AG, DAG, and Windows Failover Clustering Implement and maintain security controls including auditing, TLS, and access management Manage backup, restore, and recovery strategies across multiple recovery models Lead database migration projects, including cross-platform and cross-environment migrations Support hosting of SQL Server clusters on cloud platforms (OCI, AWS, Azure) Collaborate with infrastructure teams on OS and virtualization environments (Windows, VMware, Hyper-V) Write and maintain scripts using PowerShell, SQL/PL-SQL, Bash, or Python for operational efficiency Work within Agile delivery frameworks and manage multiple concurrent projects Provide professional communication and status reporting to stakeholders under pressure and tight deadlines Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science or related field Relevant SQL Server certifications 6+ years of experience in SQL Server DBA roles within large organizations Prior experience in a banking or financial services environment Excellent knowledge of SQL Server database administration Excellent knowledge of automating routine DBA tasks (provisioning, patching, upgrades) Excellent knowledge of HA/DR options for SQL Server Excellent knowledge of SQL Server Always On cluster administration Excellent knowledge of performance tuning, query tuning, Query Store, and Profiler Excellent knowledge of SQL Server upgrades (in-place, with AG/DAG/WFC) Excellent knowledge of SQL Server security features (auditing, TLS) Excellent knowledge of backup, restore, and recovery models Excellent knowledge of database migration Preferred Qualifications Good knowledge of designing and developing HA solutions (Always On AGs, Distributed AGs, replication, mirroring) Good knowledge of MSSQL features (SQL 2019 and higher) Good knowledge of hosting SQL Server clusters on cloud platforms (OCI, AWS, Azure) Technical knowledge of OS and virtualization (Windows, VMware, Hyper-V) Good knowledge of SQL and/or PL/SQL or PowerShell Good knowledge of Unix/Linux/Windows operating systems Good knowledge of Agile working practices Good knowledge of modern automation tools (Ansible, Jenkins, Terraform, ArgoCD) Good knowledge of scripting languages (Bash, Python) Good knowledge of other database platforms Key Attributes Ability to work under pressure Strong professional communication skills Self-managed and accountable Ability to work across multiple projects simultaneously