Database Operations Manager, Houston - Hybrid Schedule

The Database Operations Manager will lead database operations and performance optimization across a multi-company enterprise supporting approximately 1,100 employees. This role is responsible for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and availability of both on-premises and Azure-based SQL Server environments. The position oversees database monitoring, backup strategies, performance tuning, and capacity planning while supervising offshore DBA contractors. This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in SQL Server administration, Azure data platforms, and enterprise-scale database operations.

Environment Overview

This position supports shared services across a large ERP environment and additional database deployments for two smaller subsidiary companies. The database landscape includes a mix of custom-built and commercial off-the-shelf applications with extensive integrations. Infrastructure spans both on-premises and Azure-based environments including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VMs, Azure Synapse, and migration paths to Microsoft Fabric and Foundry.

Key Responsibilities

Database Performance & Optimization

• Monitor, analyze, and optimize database performance across all SQL Server environments (on-premises and Azure-based)
• Conduct advanced performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies
• Troubleshoot and resolve database integrity issues, blocking/deadlocking, connectivity, and security issues
• Perform capacity planning and resource optimization for very large databases (VLDBs) supporting OLTP applications

Backup, Recovery & High Availability

• Design, implement, and manage enterprise backup and recovery strategies using Idera SQL backup tools
• Implement and maintain SQL Server high availability solutions (clustering, mirroring, Always On, replication)
• Execute and test disaster recovery procedures

Monitoring & Operational Excellence

• Implement and maintain database monitoring solutions using Idera monitoring tools and SQL Server native tools (Performance Monitor, SQL Profiler, DMVs)
• Leverage monitoring and alerting to shift from reactive to proactive operations
• Execute DBCC commands and maintenance routines

Automation & Efficiency

• Drive automation across database operations to reduce manual intervention and eliminate fragile processes
• Implement self-service capabilities where appropriate while maintaining proper guardrails
• Develop scripts and automation frameworks to improve operational efficiency

Azure & Cloud Database Management

• Manage Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs
• Support data warehouse operations in Azure Synapse and migrations to Microsoft Fabric and Foundry platforms
• Optimize cloud database costs and performance

Data Platform & Pipeline Oversight

• Understand and support data pipelines including ingestion, transformation, orchestration, and downstream consumption
• Manage both batch and real-time data flows across the enterprise
• Partner closely with DBAs, data engineers, and analytics teams to ensure seamless data operations

Reliability, Quality & Governance

• Define and enforce data SLAs and SLOs for database operations
• Implement data quality management practices, monitoring data freshness, completeness, and accuracy
• Support metadata management, lineage tracking, and data observability initiatives
• Collaborate on data governance, retention policies, and compliance requirements

Database Development & Architecture Support

• Develop and troubleshoot stored procedures, functions, views, triggers, indexes, and constraints
• Review and approve database designs for new projects
• Partner with application engineers and the BI-focused Data Architect to align solutions with strategic direction
• Publish and enforce database standards

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervise and mentor 2 offshore DBA contractors
• Develop clear performance goals and provide regular coaching and feedback
• Coordinate work assignments and ensure quality delivery across time zones

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Provide regular updates on operational status, risks, and mitigation strategies
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Support multiple concurrent projects across the enterprise
• Maintain documentation for all database systems, configurations, and procedures

Position Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field required
• Relevant certifications (Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, MCSA: SQL Server, etc.) preferred

Required Experience & Skills

• 8+ years of hands-on experience with SQL Server administration and performance tuning across enterprise-scale environments
• 5+ years of T-SQL programming, stored procedures, and database development experience
• Proven experience with Idera tools (SQL backup, monitoring, and diagnostic tools) or similar enterprise database management platforms
• Strong experience managing both on-premises and Azure-based SQL Server environments (Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, VMs, Synapse)
• Extensive experience with database performance tuning, query optimization, and execution plan analysis
• Deep knowledge of backup and recovery strategies and high availability solutions
• Experience with very large databases (VLDBs) in OLTP environments
• Proficiency with SQL Server versions 2012 and above
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex database issues including performance bottlenecks, deadlocks, and connectivity problems
• Experience with automation and scripting (PowerShell, Python, or similar) to streamline database operations
• Understanding of data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and data integration patterns
• Supervisory or team lead experience, preferably managing remote or offshore resources

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Microsoft Fabric and/or Palantir Foundry
• Familiarity with Azure Data Factory and data integration patterns
• Knowledge of data warehouse and BI architectures (SSIS, SSRS)
• Background supporting custom applications and ERP systems
• Experience with metadata management, data lineage, and data quality frameworks
• Familiarity with modern data stack technologies (data lakes, lakehouses, streaming platforms)

• Experience with other relational database platforms (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle) and willingness to learn new technologies

Key Characteristics & Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills with ability to mentor and develop team members
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with analytical and systematic troubleshooting approach
• Outstanding communication skills - able to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Self-starter who is resourceful and comfortable working independently
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive and responsive - anticipates issues and acts before they become problems

Working Conditions

• Standard business hours with on-call responsibilities for critical database issues
• In-office (Gainesville, GA or Houston, TX) with the option for a hybrid schedule after a 4-month introductory period

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.