Job Description

Role Purpose

The SQL Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for managing and maintaining SQL Server databases across development, testing, and production environments. This role ensures high performance, availability, and security of databases, while supporting development and operational teams. The DBA plays a key role in aligning database operations with application release cycles and business continuity strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Database Administration & Performance

Install, configure, and maintain SQL Server databases. Monitor performance and apply patches and upgrades as needed. Optimise and tune SQL queries, indexes, and stored procedures. Implement and maintain database security (roles, permissions, encryption). Perform regular backups and recovery procedures. Automate routine tasks using PowerShell or other scripting tools.

Application & Development Support

Collaborate with developers to design and review schemas, queries, and stored procedures. Support deployment of application releases and validate database scripts. Troubleshoot application-related database issues (e.g., slow queries, deadlocks). Maintain strong change-control practices and rollback strategies. Integrate database changes into CI/CD pipelines.

Compliance & Documentation

Define and enforce data access policies in line with GDPR and other standards. Maintain documentation for configurations, processes, and procedures. Produce operational runbooks and knowledge base articles. Partner with business continuity teams to validate DR and HA strategies.

Incident Response & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as escalation point for database-related incidents. Provide guidance on database best practices to developers and application managers. Translate database performance and availability into business impact terms (RPO, RTO). Collaborate with stakeholders across development, support, and business teams.

Required Experience & Skills

3+ years experience in

SQL DBA

within MSP or multi-tenant environments. Proven experience as a

SQL Server DBA (SQL Server 2016+).

Strong knowledge of

T-SQL, SSIS, SSRS

, and

SQL Server Agent

. Experience with performance tuning and query optimisation. Familiarity with HA and DR options for

SQL Server

. Understanding of data security and compliance standards (e.g.,

GDPR, HIPAA

). Experience with monitoring tools (e.g.,

Redgate, SolarWinds DPA, SQL Sentry

). Experience supporting production databases for critical business applications (

ERP, CRM, finance

). Hands-on expertise in CI/CD integration and automation (

PowerShell, Python

). Proven troubleshooting skills for application-related database issues. Regional or global support experience, ideally in an

AMS

environment.

Qualifications (Preferred, Not Mandatory)

Microsoft certifications (e.g.,

MCSA: SQL Server

,

Azure Database Administrator Associate

). Experience with

cloud-based databases

(Azure SQL, AWS RDS). Knowledge of

NoSQL

or other database technologies is a plus. Familiarity with

DevOps

practices and CI/CD pipelines.

Key Competencies

Strong ownership mindset and accountability. Calm and structured approach under pressure. Clear communicator with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Positive contributor to a collaborative Cape Town & UK cross-site culture).

Working Conditions

Standard Cape Town hours with overlap to UK business hours. * Participation in on-call / after-hours response rotation when required.