Cloud-First SQL Database Administrator - Azure

This is not a traditional on-premise SQL Server DBA position.We are looking for a genuinely cloud-first DBA who combines strong SQL Server fundamentals with substantial, recent experience managing production database services in Microsoft Azure.You must already be comfortable operating within Azure at scale. This role will not suit someone whose career has been almost entirely focused on on-premise SQL Server and who is now looking for their first meaningful cloud opportunity.The roleWorking within a modern Cloud Platform team, you will take responsibility for the deployment, operation, security and continual improvement of development and production database environments.You will help move the database estate towards cloud-native, automated and repeatable ways of working-improving resilience, performance, security and operational efficiency across the platform.Key responsibilities will include:Managing and optimising production database services within AzureSupporting the modernisation and migration of SQL Server workloads into AzureMonitoring performance and resolving issues involving queries, indexing, capacity, CPU and I/ODesigning and maintaining backup, restore, high-availability and disaster-recovery processesImplementing database security, encryption, access controls, patching and vulnerability managementAutomating database provisioning, configuration and routine operational tasksImproving CI/CD processes for database changes and deploymentsEstablishing cloud database standards, documentation and operational runbooksWorking closely with Platform Engineering, Architecture, Information Security, Compliance and application teamsAt least five years’ experience in database administration, with strong Microsoft SQL Server expertiseSubstantial, recent hands-on experience operating large-scale Azure infrastructure and database servicesProduction experience with Azure SQL Database and/or Azure SQL Managed InstanceExperience modernising or migrating SQL Server workloads into Azure-not simply supporting SQL Server on-premiseStrong knowledge of performance monitoring, query optimisation, indexing and capacity managementExpertise across backup, restore, replication, resilience and disaster recoveryExperience applying database security and least-privilege access controls within AzureStrong scripting and automation capability using PowerShell, Python or similarExperience with modern CloudOps, DevOps or Site Reliability Engineering practicesFamiliarity with CI/CD, source-controlled database changes and automated deploymentsWorking knowledge of Windows and Linux operating environmentsStrong communication and problem-solving skills within a complex enterprise environmentWhat “cloud-first” means for this position:Your Azure experience must be practical and production-based. Certifications are valuable, but they will not replace evidence that you have personally operated, secured, automated and optimised database platforms within Azure.This opportunity is unlikely to be suitable if your experience is predominantly:Long-term administration of traditional on-premise SQL Server estatesLimited to SQL Server hosted on Azure virtual machinesBased on training, certifications or personal projects rather than production ownershipFocused on manual DBA processes without automation, DevOps or cloud-native practicesWe are looking for someone who is already an Azure-focused database engineer-not a traditional DBA hoping to transition into one. #J-18808-Ljbffr