Lead Database Administrator

Sidley Austin•Chicago, IL

4d•$123,000 - $169,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Database Administrator is a senior member of the database team responsible for the advanced operational support, performance optimization, and architectural maintenance of the firm's database environments, including the legacy hub-and-spoke data distribution framework. This role independently resolves complex, high-impact issues, mentors other database administrators, and serves as a key technical escalation point for the team. The Lead Database Administrator also helps guide the team's transition toward cloud-native and modern data platforms (Azure, Databricks) as those initiatives mature.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience
A minimum of 6 years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server (2016–2022) in enterprise environments, including at least 3 years in a senior or lead technical capacity
Expert-level SQL Server performance tuning and troubleshooting experience, including execution plans, indexing strategies, and root-cause analysis of recurring or systemic issues
Demonstrated experience designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting large-scale ETL and data distribution architectures (e.g., hub-and-spoke, staging/MERGE-based sync patterns, or equivalent)
Strong hands-on experience with, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Visual Studio for SSIS/SSRS development, SQL Server replication technologies, and SQL Server Availability Groups, including setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Experience with SQL Server monitoring tools (e.g., SQL Sentry or equivalent)
Experience performing and overseeing SQL Server patching, cumulative updates, and upgrades, including change management governance
Advanced proficiency in PowerShell scripting for SQL Server administration and automation
Demonstrated experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior or mid-level database administrators
Strong knowledge of Windows Server
Strong knowledge of physical and VMware-based SQL Server configurations
Azure SQL Server administration experience, including hybrid on-prem/Azure environments
Strong organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Good judgment
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
Able to work under pressure
Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Nice To Haves

Experience with Power BI for reporting and analytics (preferred for enterprise reporting modernization)
Experience modernizing legacy SSRS reporting to Power BI
Experience automating SQL Server administration using PowerShell and CI/CD practices
Experience supporting large-scale, mission-critical SQL Server environments in regulated enterprises
Demonstrated ability to mentor and influence the technical work of others without direct management authority
Exposure to Azure-native data platforms (Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Synapse, or similar) or Databricks
Experience leading or contributing to architecture/modernization roadmap discussions

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex SQL Server performance, replication, availability, and database infrastructure issues, including support of the firm's hub-and-spoke data distribution framework.
Design, maintain, and enhance the firm's hub-and-spoke data distribution architecture, including staging tables, MERGE-based sync procedures, intermediary databases, and related SQL Server ETL/data integration solutions
Mentor and provide technical leadership to Database Administrators through guidance on query tuning, performance optimization, ETL design, troubleshooting, and best practices.
Lead root cause analysis for recurring database issues, recommend long-term improvements, and participate in database capacity planning and infrastructure roadmap initiatives.
Develop, implement, and support enterprise reporting, data integration, and automation solutions using SSRS, SSIS, Visual Studio, PowerShell, and related SQL Server technologies.
Monitor, optimize, and maintain database performance, availability, backup and recovery, security, and disaster recovery technologies, including replication, log shipping, failover clustering, and SQL Server Availability Groups.
Perform SQL Server administration, including patching, cumulative updates, version upgrades, documentation, and support for Azure-based SQL Server environments.
Evaluate and support modernization initiatives by piloting Azure-native and Databricks-based solutions, including database migrations across on-premises and cloud environments in partnership with database leadership.
Participate in a rotating 24x7 on-call schedule and provide off-hours support as required to ensure the availability and reliability of critical database systems.