Senior DBA - (Microsoft SQL Server ) - Contract

About this position

Pretoria (Centurion) OR Durban (La Lucia) | Full-time | On-site | R85k to R102k per month

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced Senior Database Administrator / Intermediate Database Administrator who is passionate about maintaining high-performing, secure, and reliable database environments. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional with strong SQL Server expertise who thrives on solving complex technical challenges, improving database performance, and supporting critical business applications.

As part of our technology team, you’ll play a key role in managing and optimising enterprise database platforms, supporting high availability environments, and driving automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Do

• Administer, maintain, and support enterprise-scale database environments
• Implement and support high availability and disaster recovery solutions (clustering, availability groups, replication)
• Manage backups, restores, upgrades, patching, and maintenance activities
• Monitor performance and proactively identify optimisation opportunities
• Analyse and troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement preventative measures
• Optimise queries, indexes, and configurations for performance and reliability
• Develop and maintain replication and data movement solutions across environments
• Automate routine administration tasks using scripting tools (PowerShell, Python, Bash)
• Support infrastructure and cloud migration initiatives
• Ensure database security, access controls, compliance, and governance standards
• Create and maintain operational documentation, procedures, and runbooks
• Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and application support teams
• Provide guidance to junior team members and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Participate in incident management and provide after-hours support when required

What We’re Looking For

• 5–8+ years of Database Administration experience in medium to large enterprise environments
• Relevant degree/diploma in IT, Computer Science, or related field
• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server
• Solid understanding of database architecture, performance tuning, and optimisation techniques
• Experience with high availability and disaster recovery solutions
• Knowledge of replication technologies, backup/recovery strategies, and maintenance planning
• Experience with scripting and automation tools (PowerShell, Python, Bash)
• Exposure to cloud platforms and modern infrastructure environments (advantageous)
• Familiarity with technologies such as ClickHouse, FoundationDB, Valkey, LGTM Stack (Loki, Grafana, Tempo, Mimir) (beneficial)
• Understanding of database security, auditing, compliance, and governance practices
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Proactive, collaborative, and focused on continuous improvement

Benefits & Perks:

• R2000 Medical Aid subsidy (Discovery or Momentum)
• Provident Fund with Alexander Forbes. You can choose to contribute 3, 4 or 5% of your CTC on a monthly basis and our client will match your contribution
• School Subsidies: Creche (R800 per month to help you cover the cost up to the age of 3) / Pre-school (R400 per month up to the age of 6) / High school (depending on your years of service, we will subsidize high school fees)
• Insured Benefits: Group Life / Income Protector / Funeral Fund / Capital Disability)
• 2 Annual bonuses – of up to 70% of a month’s basic salary
• Canteen, Gym, Concierge, L&D etc)

Why Join Our Client?

• Work with modern database technologies and enterprise-scale environments
• Gain exposure to cloud platforms, automation frameworks, and infrastructure modernisation initiatives
• Be part of a collaborative, high-performing technology team
• Contribute to meaningful projects that directly impact business performance and reliability
• Enjoy professional growth, learning, and career development opportunities
• Join a culture that values innovation, accountability, and technical excellence

Location: Pretoria (Centurion) or Durban (La Lucia) Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site

If you’re passionate about database administration, performance optimisation, and delivering reliable data platforms that support business success, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay: R85 000,00 - R102 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person