DataCenter Services - Database Services Architect & Operations Manager (MS SQL)

We are looking for a highly skilled MS SQL Database Service Architect & Senior Level 3 Administrator to design, optimize, and manage MS SQL database environments. This role combines database service ownership, provider management, and hands-on expertise, ensuring high availability, security, and performance of critical database services.

The operational support is handled by external service providers, requiring strong vendor management and service governance skills. You will define best practices, service strategies, and architectural improvements while acting as the technical escalation point for complex MS SQL challenges.

If you are passionate about MS SQL database architecture, automation, and optimizing managed services, we encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities:

1. MS SQL Database Architecture & Optimization

• Design and optimize MS SQL database architectures for performance, scalability, and security.
• Define and maintain best practices, standards, and guidelines for MS SQL database infrastructure.
• Ensure high availability (HA), disaster recovery (DR), and backup strategies, including Always-On Availability Groups and Fail-over Clusters.
• Evaluate and recommend new MS SQL technologies, automation, and cloud integration strategies (e.g., Azure SQL).

2. Service Management & Provider Oversight

• Define service strategies, SLAs, and KPIs for MS SQL operations managed by external service providers.
• Manage and evaluate MS SQL service providers, ensuring contractual compliance and driving service quality improvements.
• Oversee and monitor provider performance, conducting regular reviews and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

3. Security, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure MS SQL environments comply with security standards (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001, TISAX) through regular audits and assessments.
• Implement database security best practices such as data encryption, access control, and backup protection.
• Enforce governance frameworks and ensure compliance across all MS SQL operations.

4. Level 3 MS SQL Database Administration & Technical Expertise

• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex MS SQL database issues.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and implement long-term solutions.
• Oversee the management of patching, lifecycle management, user access, storage, and day-to-day MS SQL operations.
• Collaborate with service providers for on-premises and Azure SQL environments.

5. Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, and optimization of MS SQL operations.
• Lead and support migration projects, database upgrades, and cloud transformations.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery strategies align with MS SQL database services.

• Advanced expertise in MS SQL database administration and troubleshooting, including Always-On, Fail-over Clusters, and Azure SQL.
• Deep understanding of MS SQL best practices, including security, backup and performance monitoring.
• Knowledge of ITIL processes, SLAs, KPIs, and vendor management for external service providers.
• Experience with backup tools (e.g., Veeam, Commvault) and high-availability methodologies.
• Cloud integration knowledge (Azure SQL, AWS RDS) is an advantage.
• Ability to align database architecture and service strategies with business objectives.
• Strong understanding of database security best practices, access control, data encryption, auditing and industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001, Tisax).
• Analytical mindset.
• Strong collaboration skills to work with infrastructure, security, and external providers.
• Ability to lead discussions, mentor junior staff, and work cross-functionally with infrastructure, security, and application teams.

• 13th salary;
• Performance bonus;
• Christmas & Easter bonus;
• Seniority bonus;
• Flexible working time;
• Competitive salaries & benefits;
• Health & wellness (Life Assurance, Private Health and Dental Insurance, Sport activities, Canteen, 24/7 Helpline with Psychologists etc.);
• Different discounts (tires, glasses, medical, shopping, etc.);
• Relocation bonus for non-Timisoara Residents;
• Professional development opportunities (in Technical and Leadership Areas);
• International Work Environment & Traveling Opportunities.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.