Azure SQL Database Administrator

JOB TITLE: AZURE SQL DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR (DBA)

LOCATION:
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM LANGUAGES: ENGLISH, (DUTCH OR FRENCH IS PREFERABLE) WORK MODE: HYBRID (2 TO 3 DAYS ONSITE PER WEEK) DURATION: ASAP
- LONG TERM ROLE OVERVIEW
- We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Azure SQL Database Administrator (DBA) to support our SQL platform hosted on Microsoft Azure during an international operational transition.
- As part of our strategy to transfer operational activities to our team in Portugal, we are seeking an external consultant who can ensure business continuity while actively supporting a structured knowledge transfer.
- The assignment will involve taking over responsibilities from the current DBA, independently managing day-to-day operations, and gradually transferring knowledge and responsibilities to the new team in Portugal. The key objective is to ensure a stable, well-documented SQL environment and a successful handover by the end of June 2027.

key responsibilities
Database Operations & Support
- Manage and maintain the daily operations of our SQL platform hosted on Microsoft Azure.
- Monitor database health, availability, performance and stability.
- Proactively identify and resolve performance issues.
- Perform SQL query analysis, troubleshooting and query tuning.
- Ensure timely resolution of incidents and operational issues.
- Support continuous improvement of database operations and performance. APPLICATION & RELEASE SUPPORT
- Work closely with application development teams to provide database expertise throughout the development lifecycle.
- Assist developers with query optimization, database design and performance-related challenges.
- Support application deployments and database changes.
- Actively participate in scheduled release weekends (approximately 8 per year), ensuring smooth deployments and providing technical support when required. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER & TRANSITION
- Take over existing DBA responsibilities and operational knowledge from the current team.
- Maintain and improve technical documentation, operational procedures and troubleshooting guides.
- Collaborate closely with the new DBA colleagues in Portugal, who will join in January 2027.
- Organize and deliver structured knowledge transfer sessions, including practical training and hands-on support.
- Gradually transition operational responsibilities to the Portuguese team.
- Ensure that the Portuguese team can independently manage and support the SQL platform by the end of the assignment. REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Strong experience as a Microsoft SQL Server DBA in an Azure environment.
- Solid expertise in SQL performance tuning, query optimization and execution plan analysis.
- Experience with database monitoring, troubleshooting and operational support.
- Good understanding of database availability, maintenance, security and backup/recovery procedures.
- Experience supporting application development teams and production deployments.
- Familiarity with IT operational processes, including incident, change and release management. PERSONAL SKILLS
- A genuine team player with strong collaboration and communication skills.
- Proactive, hands-on and solution-oriented.
- Able to work independently and take ownership of operational responsibilities.
- Strong documentation skills and a structured approach to knowledge sharing.
- Patient and supportive when coaching colleagues and transferring knowledge.
- Comfortable working with geographically distributed teams.
- Good command of English. EXPECTED OUTCOME By the end of the assignment, the consultant will have:
- Ensured uninterrupted and reliable SQL database operations throughout the transition.
- Maintained platform performance, stability and operational support.
- Delivered complete and up-to-date technical and operational documentation.
- Successfully transferred operational knowledge, procedures and responsibilities to the Portuguese team.
- Enabled the Portuguese team to independently manage daily operations, troubleshoot issues and support application deployments.