Senior SQL Server DBA (Azure)

Based in Gulshan-e-Jamal, Karachi, this full-time position offers night shift hours for an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator with a strong focus on Azure environments. The ideal candidate will bring over seven years of comprehensive SQL Server experience, including at least three years managing production workloads on Azure. This role demands a proactive professional skilled in optimizing database performance, managing high availability solutions, and leading cloud migration projects.

Key Responsibilities:
- Optimize SQL Server performance through advanced query tuning, execution plan analysis, indexing strategies, and workload assessment.
- Design and maintain scalable database schemas and data models to support evolving business needs.
- Manage High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions, including Always On Availability Groups, failover clustering, and Azure geo-replication.
- Administer SQL Server instances across Azure platforms such as Azure VMs, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure SQL Database.
- Implement robust backup, recovery, monitoring, security, and maintenance strategies to ensure database integrity and availability.
- Lead end-to-end migrations from on-premises SQL Server environments to Azure cloud databases.
- Automate routine database operations using PowerShell, dbatools, and Azure CLI to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
- Troubleshoot production incidents promptly, perform root cause analysis, and provide mentorship to junior DBAs to foster team growth.

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience as a SQL Server DBA, with at least 3 years managing production workloads on Azure.
- Strong expertise in SQL Server versions 2016 through 2022, including T-SQL programming, query optimization, and performance tuning.
- Hands-on experience with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server deployed on Azure VMs.
- In-depth knowledge of HA/DR technologies such as Always On Availability Groups, database mirroring, log shipping, and failover clustering.
- Proven skills in backup and restoration processes, disaster recovery planning, and database security best practices.
- Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation tools to streamline database administration tasks.
- Understanding of Azure infrastructure components including networking, storage, and identity management.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) certification is highly desirable.
- Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates, and familiarity with database CI/CD pipelines.
- Exposure to data integration and analytics tools like SSIS, Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric, Synapse, or Power BI.
- Knowledge of additional database platforms such as PostgreSQL or Cosmos DB.
- Experience working within regulated environments, including SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS compliance frameworks.
- Competitive monthly salary range from Rs200,000 to Rs400,000.
- This position requires in-person attendance at the Karachi office.

This role offers a challenging opportunity to work at the intersection of traditional SQL Server administration and modern cloud technologies, ideal for candidates looking to advance their career in Azure database management within a dynamic team environment.