Senior Microsoft SQL Expert (Contract Role)Location:Ireland (Hybrid / Onsite as required)Start Date:December 2025 / January 2026Long term ContractRole OverviewWe are seeking an experiencedSenior SQL Database Administrator/Microsoft SQL Expertwith the equivalent of10 years' experiencein the role. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in managing SQL environments, performance optimization, Azure SQL technologies, and database security.Mandatory Experience (10+ Years Equivalent)Candidates must demonstrate strong experience in the following areas:Management of database availability, performance, resilience, sizing, capacity, and volumetrics for all SQL environments.Managing high availability, resilience, and database replication .Deep familiarity with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs .Experience with Azure PaaS/IaaS/SaaS components including:Azure FunctionsApp ServicesLogic AppsAzure Key Vault (e.g., EKM cryptographic provider integration)Understanding of elastic pools, geo-replication, and scaling strategies .Administration of database objects (indexes, tables, views, constraints, sequences, snapshots, stored procedures, page locks).Performing database housekeeping- tuning, indexing, and optimization.Comprehensive expertise in SQL Server encryption methods (TDE, SSL, Always Encrypted, etc.).Managing Windows Server operating systems and clustering (physical and virtual).Managing database-related storage volumes and working with SAN environments .Monitoring of usage, transaction volumes, response times, and concurrency levels .Generating database performance and integrity reports .Identification, reporting, and management of database security issues including audit trails and forensics .Designing and implementing database backup, archiving, and storage strategies .Designing and implementing alerts and event management .Providing database consultancy, design, creation, and testing for new projects.Provision of third-level support for all database-related incidents.Creation and maintenance of database standards and policies .Key DeliverablesEngage with team to define and produce recommended best practice guidance.Review individual Local environments and recommend improvements .Support Local with SQL-related issues (e.g., replication, performance troubleshooting).Active participation in meetings and collaborative sessions.QualificationsIt is amandatory requirementthat the candidate holds the following (or equivalent):Industry-standard SQL certifications, e.g.Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator AssociateMicrosoft Certified: Data Analyst AssociateKey ExperienceDemonstrated experience with Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) and Well-Architected Framework (WAF) .Proven ability to develop and implement best practice guidance in real-world environments.Strong portfolio of projects where the candidate has:Reviewed existing environmentsRecommended technical changesSuccessfully implemented those improvements.If you are ahighly skilled SQL Database Administratorwith extensive Azure experience and a track record of supporting enterprise-scale environments, we would love to hear from you.Apply nowor reach out directly for more details.