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Senior Database Administrator (Plano, TX) (Hybrid)

Our client, a well-established insurance organization, has an immediate need for a Senior Database Administrator to design, manage, and optimize SQL Server databases with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Azure cloud solutions. This individual ensures the performance, scalability, security, and governance of database systems critical to business operations, leading Azure-based database initiatives, enforcing data security and governance policies, safeguarding sensitive data, and ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards while mentoring team members and aligning solutions with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs, deploys, and manages Microsoft SQL Server databases on-premises and in Azure (e.g., Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance) with secure and governed architectures
• Optimizes SQL Server performance through query tuning, index management, and resource optimization while adhering to data governance and security standards in Azure environments
• Implements and enforces data security measures, including encryption (e.g., Transparent Data Encryption, Always Encrypted), Azure Active Directory authentication, and role-based access control (RBAC)
• Establishes and maintains data governance frameworks, including data classification, lineage tracking, and metadata management, to ensure data quality and compliance
• Develops and executes backup, recovery, and high-availability strategies using Azure Blob Storage, Azure Backup, and Always On Availability Groups to protect data integrity and availability
• Monitors and responds to security threats using Azure Defender for SQL, audit logs, and compliance tools, while ensuring governance policies are upheld
• Troubleshoots and resolves complex database, security, and governance issues in SQL Server and Azure SQL platforms, minimizing disruption and ensuring policy adherence
• Collaborates with development teams to design secure, efficient, and governed database schemas for Azure-hosted applications, incorporating data security and governance best practices
• Automates database administration, security, and governance tasks using T-SQL, PowerShell, and Azure Automation to streamline operations and enforce standards
• Conducts regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and data governance audits of Azure database resources to meet regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC)
• Leads migrations from on-premises SQL Server instances to Azure cloud database services, ensuring secure data transfer, validation, and governance compliance
• Provides expertise on Azure data services (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics) and their secure data transfer, validation, and governance compliance
• Works with stakeholders to define and enforce data policies, standards, and procedures, ensuring data accessibility, accuracy, and accountability
• Mentors junior DBAs and IT staff on Microsoft database technologies, Azure best practices, data security protocols, and data governance principles

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field required (equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
• Preferred Certifications: Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate; Microsoft Certified: Data Management and Analytics; and/or Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
• Strong proficiency in T-SQL, SQL Server administration, performance optimization, and secure, governed database design
• In-depth knowledge of data security practices (e.g., encryption, access controls) and data governance principles (e.g., data quality, lineage, compliance)
• Expertise in Azure security tools (e.g., Azure Defender, Key Vault, network security groups) and governance tools (e.g., Azure Purview, data cataloging)
• Familiarity with PowerShell scripting for SQL Server, Azure automation, security, and governance management
• Excellent analytical skills with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating security risks and ensuring data governance
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with technical teams and explain security and governance practices to non-technical stakeholders
• Knowledge of additional Azure data tools (e.g., Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Purview) and their secure, governed implementation preferred
• Familiarity with hybrid cloud database architectures and secure, governed data synchronization between on-premises SQL Server and Azure preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in database administration, with at least 3 years in a senior role focused on Microsoft SQL Server, data security, and governance
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Azure, including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure security and governance features
• Hands-on experience with SQL Server high-availability solutions (e.g., Always On, Failover Clustering) and Azure disaster recovery, aligned with governance policies
• Experience with Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, or Infrastructure as Code (e.g., ARM templates, Terraform) in secure and governed deployments preferred