Database Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Database Administrator is a critical operator in the company's data infrastructure-ensuring performance, availability, and integrity across both on-premise SQL environments and Azure cloud platforms. As the business scales and modernizes its data ecosystem, this role directly enables reliable analytics, operational continuity, and system resilience.
This position addresses the increasing complexity of hybrid data environments, the need for real-time data reliability, and the demand for secure, high-performance systems that support business decision-making. Success in this role means stable, optimized database environments, seamless deployments, minimized downtime, and a continuously improving data platform that supports the company's growth. What you'll do1. Own database operations and performance

• Administer and support SQL Server environments across on-premises and Azure platforms
• Monitor system health, troubleshoot issues, and proactively optimize database performance
• Manage transactional log processes, ensuring reliable restoration and data integrity across environments
• Analyze workload patterns and implement tuning strategies to improve efficiency and scalability

2. Drive cloud and infrastructure excellence

• Administer and enhance Azure-based data warehouse and database environments
• Lead patching, upgrades, and release deployments to maintain security and performance standards
• Support cloud-native data solutions including Azure SQL, Data Factory, and Data Lakes
• Contribute to cloud architecture decisions and modernization initiatives

3. Execute and improve database systems and projects

• Define, plan, and coordinate database-related projects from concept through implementation
• Participate in enterprise initiatives to upgrade or modernize database platforms
• Identify system deficiencies and implement solutions that improve reliability and efficiency
• Maintain up-to-date documentation, diagrams, and operational procedures

4. Resolve incidents and maintain availability

• Provide 24x7x365 support coverage as part of a shared operations model
• Resolve incidents, service requests, and change orders in a timely, high-quality manner
• Act as a technical escalation point for database-related issues
• Ensure clear communication and status updates for all assigned work

5. Enable data integrity, security, and best practices

• Apply established methodologies and governance standards across database environments
• Maintain CI/CD processes within cloud data platforms to support consistent deployments
• Ensure security, compliance, and data protection best practices are enforced
• Continuously evaluate and improve operational processes to prevent recurring issues

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
• 4+ years of hands-on experience supporting SQL Server environments (on-premises and Azure)
• 4+ years of experience with Azure-based data warehouse and data integration solutions
• Strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server (2008-2019) including SSRS, SSIS, SSAS
• Advanced T-SQL skills with the ability to write and optimize complex queries
• Experience with performance tuning, indexing strategies, and query optimization
• Proven experience managing CI/CD pipelines in cloud data environments
• Solid understanding of database architecture, design principles, and data modeling
• Experience with Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lakes, and Azure DevOps preferred
• Familiarity with cloud computing infrastructure and distributed processing models preferred
• Strong problem-solving mindset with persistence in diagnosing complex issues
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer service skills
• 5+ years of overall IT experience preferred

How you operate

• You think in systems, not isolated tasks
• You take ownership of outcomes, not just assigned work
• You move quickly while maintaining precision and control
• You proactively identify risks and resolve issues before escalation
• You communicate clearly, consistently, and with intent
• You operate with discipline, structure, and attention to detail
• You collaborate effectively across technical and business teams
• You continuously look for ways to improve performance and reliability

Compensation & Setup

• Pay: $85,000-$105,000 base salary
• Location: Onsite - Downers Grove, IL
• Benefits: Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary physical activity performing non- strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand, reach/handle items, work with the fingers, and talk and hear others in conversations via the phone or in person.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

* The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive. The position and any of the requirements listed above are subject to change at any time according to the changing needs of the company.

* Roadrunner is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

* We will not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters or recruiting agencies. Thank you!

#LI-OnsiteDowners Grove, IL

About Roadrunner

Roadrunner is for ambitious, smart people who excel at execution over talking about it, and who would rather invent the next standard in freight than accept the status quo.

We are looking for the Best of the Best. Action driven leaders who want to be part of real change and help design the future of LTL in the U.S. This is a place where high performers can grow, influence outcomes, and make an impact while working directly with executives and smart people from across industries.

We bring a winner mindset. We take ownership, raise the bar, and measure ourselves by results. We Run Safe. We Run Smart. We Run Together. These principles create an environment of high standards, clear ownership, and direct collaboration. We trust data over intuition, move with urgency, and hold each other accountable because winning requires it.

Roadrunner exists to prove that LTL can be better than the industry has settled for. To be the best means we need to think bigger, look outside the box, and question every assumption: too many handoffs, limited visibility, and the quiet belief that "this is just how it works." We rejected that story. We built a proprietary Smart Network for direct, long haul, metro to metro service that delivers fewer touches, faster transit, real time visibility, and genuine accountability. We are the most tech forward company in LTL, and we are not finished widening the gap.

The foundation is already strong. Recognized as one of Built In Chicago's Best Large Places to Work. Earning top marks for improvement, quality, and service. The real opportunity is still ahead: helping invent what comes next.

If you want to be evaluated among the Best of the Best and help set the new standard in LTL, we should talk.