SQL/Oracle Database Architect & Administrator

SQL/Oracle Database Architect & Administrator

We are seeking a highly skilled Database Architect/Administrator (DBA) with strong experience in SQL Server (and Oracle would be a bonus) to support a strategic initiative transitioning operational database responsibilities from the Business Systems group into IT Operations. This role focuses on database observability, performance and availability optimization, modernization, architecture, and long-term management practices that will stabilize, optimize, and streamline the customer's data environment. This is expected to be a 1-year engagement, with potential extension based on project scope and operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Database Architecture & Redesign
• Assess existing SQL Server and Oracle database environments for structural, performance, and design issues.
• Redesign database hosting environments to reduce complexity and improve scalability, licensing costs, and flexibility - conversion from single SQL server model into a SQL cluster environment is highly desirable.
• Develop long-term database architecture standards and best practices for IT Operations.

• Database Management & Administration
• Install, configure, patch, and upgrade SQL Server and Oracle database platforms.
• Manage storage structures, indexing strategies, partitioning, and capacity planning for OLTP/OLAP workloads.
• Develop and maintain backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies.

• Performance, Observability, Optimization & Troubleshooting
• Facilitate the detection and alerting strategy across operational environments, triage issues when necessary.
• Identify performance bottlenecks, tune SQL queries, optimize indexes, and streamline inefficient schema components.
• Diagnose and resolve complex database issues across both SQL and Oracle platforms.

• Data Integrity, Security, and Standards
• Implement and enforce data governance guidelines, user access controls, and security policies.
• Maintain metadata, documentation, data models, and standard operating procedures.

• Collaboration & Transition
• Work with Business Systems, developers, and IT Operations to transition operational database ownership into IT.
• Provide mentorship, documentation, and operational guidance to support sustainable internal ownership.
• Assist in application integration and support related system modifications.

Required Skills & Experience

Proven experience in architecting, redesigning, and administering SQL Server and Oracle environments. Strong background in database optimization, schema redesign, capacity planning, and performance tuning. Experience supporting enterprise environments, including backup/recovery and high availability. Ability to analyze and refactor poorly structured or legacy databases. Strong documentation and communication skills to support operational transition. Experience working under the ITIL disciplines of Change, Incident, Problem, and Service management.

Preferred Experience

Experience leading database modernization initiatives or migrating responsibilities between departments. Prior consulting or short-term engagement experience is a plus.