SQL Server Specialist

We are seeking an experienced SQL Server professional to lead a critical infrastructure upgrade project. The role requires proven expertise in SQL Server upgrades, high availability (HA) architecture design, and managing complex migrations with minimal downtime.

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience leading similar projects from initial assessment through to production cutover. You must be capable of designing HA solutions, creating migration strategies that minimize business disruption, and navigating environments with multiple dependencies and stakeholders.

This role involves upgrading an existing SQL Server environment, designing and implementing HA architectures for both SQL Servers and data gateway infrastructure in a complex, production-grade ecosystem with numerous interconnected applications, integrations, and data feeds.

This is not an entry-level or learning opportunity — we are seeking someone who has successfully delivered projects of this scale and complexity before.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end SQL Server upgrade project from assessment through to production cutover

• Assess the current SQL Server 2016 environment and document all dependencies (applications, integrations, data feeds)

• Design HA architecture for SQL Server based on business requirements (RPO/RTO, budget, complexity)

• Design HA solutions for data gateway infrastructure

• Develop detailed migration plans with risk mitigation and rollback strategies

• Provision and configure new SQL Server 2022 environment with Always On Availability Groups (AGs)

• Configure SSISDB within AGs, including encryption key management across replicas

• Migrate databases with minimal downtime using appropriate synchronization methods

• Migrate and test SSIS packages, including those involving PowerShell scripts and SFTP integrations

• Configure and synchronize SQL Agent jobs across AG replicas with role-based execution logic

• Upgrade and configure data gateway servers for high availability

• Coordinate connection string updates across dependent applications and integrations

• Conduct comprehensive failover testing and validation

• Provide technical leadership and communicate progress to key stakeholders

• Produce operational documentation, including architecture diagrams, runbooks, and troubleshooting guides

• Provide post-migration support and knowledge transfer

Qualifications

• Relevant third-level qualification in IT or a related field

• Proven track record of delivering SQL Server upgrade projects in production environments

Essential Knowledge & Experience

• SQL Server Major Version Upgrades – Led production upgrades across major SQL Server versions (2012/2014/2016 to 2019/2022 or similar)

• High Availability (HA) – Designed and implemented HA solutions from the ground up, with clear business justification for architecture decisions

• Always On Availability Groups (AGs) – Built and managed multi-node AG clusters in production environments, including configuration, synchronization, and failover procedures

• SSISDB in AGs – Configured SSISDB for use in Availability Groups, including key management

• Complex Migration Planning – Created and executed migration strategies that minimized downtime and business disruption

• SQL Agent Job Management – Managed and synchronized SQL Agent jobs across AG replicas