Lead Database Administrator

Role OverviewThe IT Database/Application Admin Manager leads a team of database and application administrators supporting critical business systems. The role focuses on operational reliability, risk management, team development, and collaboration with business and technology stakeholders. It requires a person-oriented technical leader balancing these priorities effectively.Key ResponsibilitiesLeading, coaching, and developing database and application administration teams with clear expectations and accountability.Ensuring stability, availability, security, and performance of production database and application environments.Managing daily operations such as incident, problem, and change management, capacity planning, backup and recovery, and disaster recovery preparedness.Collaborating with infrastructure, security, project management, business teams, executives, and vendors to align technology services with business needs and risk expectations.Utilizing operational metrics like service availability, Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR), root cause analysis, and change success rates to enhance service quality and team performance.Communicating technical issues clearly in business terms, including impact, urgency, ownership, and next steps.Supporting vendor coordination, budget management, audit readiness, and continuous improvement.Promoting a culture of ownership, collaboration, documentation, and reliable service delivery. Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.Over 7 years in IT operations, database or application administration, infrastructure, or related fields.At least 3 years of team leadership experience involving coaching, performance management, hiring, prioritization, and development.Experience supporting production, business-critical systems in structured operational environments.Strong adherence to Change Management procedures within SOX/SOCII compliance frameworks.Working knowledge of relational databases, application and server administration, backup and recovery, disaster recovery, change management, security practices, and cloud platforms.Ability to assess technical risks, ask diagnostic questions, and guide teams through complex operational challenges.Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.Technical QualificationsThe role requires diverse technical skills with about 25% focused on SQL database administration. Daily tasks include server and software installationand administration. Key technical qualifications include:Microsoft SQL Server (2016 to 2022), SSIS, SSRS, SSAS with over 5 years’ experience.Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (2016 and later) for client and server environments, 5+ years.Linux OS and server management (Ubuntu or similar), 1+ years.VMware or virtual server infrastructure, 2+ years.Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, SQL Management Studio, T-SQL, SQL Profiler, Extended Events, and other monitoring/performance tools.At least 2 years of Microsoft PowerShell experience.Server OS operations and patching.Microsoft Active Directory tools.Preferred experience includes:Working in regulated industries or financial environments with audit, compliance, security, or risk management demands.Vendor management, budgeting, service-level management, and technology roadmap planning.Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.Experience with Azure DevOps repositories and deployment methods.Knowledge of ticketing systems like ServiceNow.Familiarity with MS Visual Studio development.Use of systems monitoring software such as Dynatrace, Prometheus/Grafana, or Quest Spotlight.Experience with Windows clustering and Always On configurations (2+ years preferred).Understanding financial environments including loan accounting and origination.Container technologies like Docker, Kubernetes Swarms.Leadership ProfileThe ideal candidate combines technical credibility with strong leadership skills. Key leadership attributes include:Setting clear direction.Developing team members.Clear communication.Sound decision-making under pressure.Enabling the team to deliver reliable service. Leadership and team management are the primary priorities, followed by operational excellence, technical expertise, business communication, and ongoing professional development.