Senior Database Administrator (SQL Server)

Company Overview At Bridgenext, we engineer Growth Operating Systems. Most enterprises have spent millions on their revenue stack and still aren't seeing the growth they expected.They have tools that function, but no system that wins. We help growth-hungry companies close that gap by turning fragmented platforms, siloed teams, and disconnected data into one integrated Growth OS. More than a technology company or marketing agency, we're a global digital consultancy with experts in engineering, data, AI, creative and more.

Our teams are made up of experts who believe in engineering impact, starting with putting people at the center of everything we do. Every team member directly shapes our work, culture, and values. Nothing matters more to us than a kind, respectful, fulfilling environment that supports everyone. Our flexible, inclusive culture gives you the autonomy, resources, and opportunities to thrive.

Position Description We're seeking a Senior Database Administrator to own the health, performance, and reliability of our on-premises Microsoft SQL Server estate, with growing exposure to Azure SQL. This is a hands-on role for a seasoned DBA who is equally comfortable tuning a stubborn query, architecting a high-availability topology, and troubleshooting the Windows Server layer beneath the database. You'll be the senior technical authority on all things SQL Server and a key partner to engineering, infrastructure, and application teams.

Responsibilities

• Database Administration & Operations

• Install, configure, patch, and maintain SQL Server instances across production, staging, and development environments

• Manage database security: logins, roles, permissions, encryption (TDE), and auditing

• Own backup and recovery strategy, including regular restore testing and RTO/RPO validation

• Manage capacity planning, storage growth, and database file/filegroup layout

• Performance & Optimization

• Diagnose and resolve performance bottlenecks using execution plans, wait statistics, DMVs, Query Store, and Extended Events

• Tune indexes, statistics, and T-SQL; partner with developers to improve query and schema design

• Establish and maintain performance baselines, alerting, and monitoring

• High Availability & Disaster Recovery

• Design, implement, and maintain HA/DR solutions: Always On Availability Groups, failover clustering, log shipping, and replication

• Conduct failover testing and maintain documented, tested recovery procedures

• Windows Systems Administration

• Administer the Windows Server layer supporting SQL Server: OS patching, service accounts, disk/storage configuration, and Windows Failover Clustering

• Troubleshoot at the intersection of OS, storage, network, and database

• Manage Active Directory service accounts, group policy considerations, and NTFS/share permissions relevant to SQL Server

• Automation & Maintenance

• Automate routine administration, deployments, and monitoring using PowerShell and T-SQL (e.g., dbatools, SQL Agent jobs, Ola Hallengren's maintenance solution)

• Build and maintain repeatable, documented processes for provisioning and configuration

• Cloud (Azure SQL)

• Administer and support Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance workloads

• Assist with hybrid connectivity and on-prem-to-Azure migration efforts as the estate evolves

Must Have Skills

• 6+ years of hands-on SQL Server database administration in production environments
• Deep expertise in performance tuning, query optimization, and index strategy
• Proven experience designing and operating HA/DR solutions (Always On AGs, clustering, log shipping, replication)
• Strong Windows Server administration skills, including Windows Failover Clustering, storage, and service account management
• Proficiency with T-SQL and PowerShell scripting for automation
• Solid understanding of backup/recovery, security, and disaster recovery best practices
• Experience with SQL Server monitoring and diagnostic tooling (DMVs, Query Store, Extended Events, Profiler/traces)
• Strong troubleshooting instincts and a calm, methodical approach under pressure (including on-call/incident response)
• Documentation discipline and a bias toward automating repetitive work

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance and hybrid cloud environments
• Familiarity with the dbatools PowerShell module and community maintenance solutions
• Experience with SSIS/SSRS/SSAS or related BI components
• Exposure to CI/CD for database changes (e.g., dacpac deployments, source-controlled schema)
• Relevant certifications (Microsoft SQL Server / Azure Database Administrator Associate)
• Experience across multiple SQL Server versions and large or highly transactional estates

Professional Skills

• Clear written and verbal communication; able to explain database concepts to non-DBA stakeholders
• Collaborative partner to developers, infrastructure teams, and application owners
• Maintains composure during all types of situations and is collaborative by nature
• High standards of professionalism, consistently producing high quality results
• Self-sufficient, independent requiring very little supervision or intervention
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to bring creative solutions to address issues

Bridgenext is an Equal Opportunity Employer