Team Lead (Sql DBA) (India)

We are looking for an experienced Database Lead to manage and lead a database administration team supporting critical business applications and production environments. The ideal candidate should have strong hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server, working knowledge of Oracle databases, and proven experience leading a team of 5-10 database professionals.

The role will be responsible for database operations, performance, availability, incident management, change management, security, capacity planning, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 5-10 Database Administrators/Engineers.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, coaching, and performance management for the database team.
• Manage day-to-day database operations across production and non-production environments.
• Provide strong hands-on support for Microsoft SQL Server, including installation, configuration, upgrades, patching, backup/recovery, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
• Have working knowledge of Oracle Database administration and troubleshooting.
• Monitor database health, performance, availability, capacity, and resource utilization.
• Troubleshoot complex database performance and availability issues and drive incidents through to resolution.
• Lead database-related P1/P2 incidents and participate in root cause analysis and problem management.
• Ensure robust backup, restore, disaster recovery, and high-availability processes.
• Review and approve database changes, deployments, upgrades, and maintenance activities.
• Establish and maintain database standards, operational procedures, and technical documentation.
• Work closely with Cloud, Infrastructure, Application, Security, and NOC teams to resolve cross-functional issues.
• Drive automation of routine database administration and operational activities.
• Identify opportunities for database optimization, cost reduction, performance improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in capacity planning and ensure database environments are appropriately sized.
• Ensure adherence to security, compliance, audit, and organizational IT policies.
• Track operational KPIs, SLAs, incidents, changes, and service availability.
• Act as the escalation point for complex database issues and provide technical guidance to the wider IT organization.

Required Technical Skills

Microsoft SQL Server

• Strong hands-on experience with SQL Server administration.
• SQL Server installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, and migrations.
• Backup and recovery, including disaster recovery planning.
• Performance monitoring and tuning.
• Query optimization and troubleshooting.
• High Availability/Disaster Recovery concepts such as Always On Availability Groups.
• Database maintenance, indexing, statistics, and capacity management.
• Strong understanding of SQL Server security, permissions, and access management.
• Experience working with monitoring and database management tools.

Oracle

• Working knowledge of Oracle Database administration.
• Understanding of Oracle architecture, backup/recovery, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work with Oracle DBAs/teams to resolve complex issues.

General

• Good understanding of database security and access controls.
• Knowledge of ITIL-based incident, problem, and change management.
• Experience supporting enterprise production environments.
• Exposure to cloud database environments, preferably AWS and/or Azure, is an advantage.
• Experience with automation and scripting using PowerShell, Python, or similar technologies is desirable.

Leadership & Behavioral Skills

• Proven experience leading a technical team of 5-10 members.
• Strong ownership and accountability for database services.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple operational priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to interact with technical teams, management, and business stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively during high-severity incidents and under pressure.
• Strong focus on proactive monitoring, prevention, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to mentor team members and build technical capability within the team.
• Strong customer and service-oriented mindset.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 6-8 years of relevant database administration/engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading a team of 5-10 database professionals.
• Strong SQL Server experience is mandatory.
• Oracle knowledge is mandatory.
• Experience supporting enterprise production environments is preferred.

Key Success Measures

• Database availability and stability.
• SLA adherence for incidents and service requests.
• Reduction in recurring database incidents.
• Database performance and capacity optimization.
• Successful execution of database .