Lead Database Administrator

Lead Database Administrator (Lead DBA) – Columbus, OH (Hybrid)

Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Lead Database Administrator (Lead DBA) to manage and support enterprise database platforms in a 24x7 high-availability production environment. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with team leadership, primarily focusing on Microsoft SQL Server, with exposure to Oracle and other database technologies. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in database administration, performance tuning, automation, and security, while mentoring DBAs and driving best practices across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise daily operations of the Database Administration team, including task prioritization, mentoring, and performance feedback

• Deploy, configure, patch, upgrade, and support SQL Server and other database platforms

• Troubleshoot complex database issues and perform root cause analysis for escalated incidents

• Design and automate routine maintenance tasks using T-SQL and PowerShell

• Develop, test, and execute backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies

• Monitor and tune SQL Server performance to support high-volume OLTP systems

• Implement and maintain database security standards and compliance controls

• Maintain accurate documentation, runbooks, and database diagrams

• Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours and weekend support

• Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and DevOps teams in an Agile environment

• Support environments with formal change management and approval processes

• Travel occasionally as required

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent experience

• 10+ years of SQL Server DBA experience

• Expertise in T-SQL and PowerShell scripting

• Proven experience with high-performance, high-transaction OLTP databases

• Hands-on experience with SQL Server Always On Availability Groups

• Deep understanding of relational database internals, performance tuning, and high availability best practices

• Strong experience with backup/recovery models and disaster recovery planning

• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, production-critical environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, Cosmos DB, or Azure databases

• Familiarity with CIS benchmarks and DoD STIG security standards

• Experience with Azure DevOps for work management and deployments

• Background in regulated or compliance-driven environments