Lead Database AdministratorJob Description
Everything recruiters need to write, post, and fill a lead database administrator role—fast.
Job Description Sample
Need a clear, ready-to-use job description? Copy, paste, and hire faster.
Job Title: Lead Database Administrator
Location: Hybrid/Remote
Type: Full-time
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Lead Database Administrator to drive our database infrastructure and operations strategy. This senior position will lead a team of database professionals while architecting and implementing robust database solutions across our enterprise. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership abilities to ensure optimal database performance, security, and reliability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor a team of database administrators, providing technical guidance and career development
- Develop and implement database strategies aligned with business objectives and industry best practices
- Design and maintain high-availability database infrastructure across multiple environments
- Oversee database security, backup procedures, and disaster recovery planning
- Implement performance monitoring and optimization strategies
- Manage database upgrades, patches, and maintenance schedules
- Collaborate with development teams to optimize database design and query performance
- Create and maintain documentation for database procedures and standards
Perks:
- Competitive salary with annual bonus potential
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching program
- Professional development and certification reimbursement
- Flexible work arrangements
Lead Database Administrator Responsibilities
Hiring a lead database administrator? Here's what you can expect them to handle:
- Provide strategic leadership for database architecture and operations
- Manage and mentor database administration team members
- Establish and enforce database security protocols and best practices
- Design and implement high-availability database solutions
- Oversee capacity planning and performance optimization
- Develop and maintain disaster recovery procedures
- Lead database migration and upgrade projects
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams on data integration initiatives
Qualifications to Be a Lead Database Administrator
Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field8+ years of database administration experience3+ years of team leadership experienceExpert knowledge of major database platforms (Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL)Proven experience with high-availability database architecturesLead Database Administrator Prerequisites
Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:
Strong background in database security and complianceExperience with cloud database platforms (AWS RDS, Azure SQL)Demonstrated project management abilitiesProfessional database certifications (Oracle, Microsoft)Track record of successful team leadershipLead Database Administrator Hard Skills
The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:
Database Platforms: Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQLCloud Services: AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud SQLSecurity Tools: Data encryption, access control, audit toolsPerformance Tuning: Query optimization, indexing strategiesHigh Availability: Clustering, replication, failoverBackup & Recovery: Enterprise backup solutions, point-in-time recoveryMonitoring: Database health monitoring, alerting systemsAutomation: Scripting, deployment automation toolsLead Database Administrator Soft Skills
Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.
Leadership and team managementStrategic planning and executionCommunication and presentationProblem-solving and analytical thinkingProject managementStakeholder managementMentoring and coachingCrisis managementLead Database Administrator Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 Years)
$58k – $85k
Common Titles
Junior Lead Database Administrator, Associate Lead Database Administrator
Mid Level (2-5 Years)
$85k – $115k
Common Titles
Lead Database Administrator, Lead Database Administrator II
Senior Level (5+ Years)
$115k – $185k
Common Titles
Senior Lead Database Administrator, Lead Lead Database Administrator
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Lead Database Administrator Hiring
A Lead DBA focuses on operational management and team leadership, while a Database Architect primarily designs database solutions. Lead DBAs handle day-to-day operations and team supervision, whereas Architects focus on strategic planning and solution design.
Use scenario-based interviews focusing on team management challenges and ask for specific examples of leading database initiatives. Include peer interviews with potential team members and technical assessments of their mentoring capabilities.
While both are important, prioritize leadership experience if you have a team of technically strong DBAs. The Lead role requires someone who can effectively manage and develop team members while maintaining sufficient technical knowledge to guide strategic decisions.
Watch for candidates who can't provide specific examples of team leadership, lack knowledge of current database trends, or show weak communication skills. Also be wary of those who can't explain how they've handled database crises or team conflicts.
An effective span of control is usually 4-7 DBAs per Lead, depending on environment complexity and team experience levels. Consider team size and structure based on your organization's database footprint and operational requirements.
Tools and Programs Lead Database Administrator Use
Here's what their digital toolbox might look like:
Database Engines
Oracle•SQL Server
Monitoring
Prometheus•Grafana
Backup Solutions
Veeam•Commvault
Security Tools
Imperva•Oracle ASO
Cloud Platforms
AWS•Azure
Version Control
Git•SVN
Automation
Ansible•Jenkins
Documentation
Confluence•SharePoint
Job Description Examples
.NET Architect.NET DeveloperAccountantAccounting ManagerAccounts AssistantAccounts Payable ClerkAccounts Payable InternAccounts Payable LeadAccounts Payable ManagerAccounts Payable SpecialistAccounts Payable SupervisorAccounts Receivable ClerkAccounts Receivable LeadAccounts Receivable ManagerAccounts Receivable SpecialistAccounts Receivable SupervisorAdministration ClerkAI/ML EngineerAI/ML InternAndroid ArchitectAndroid DeveloperAndroid Developer InternAngular DeveloperAngular Developer InternApp ArchitectApp DeveloperApp Developer InternApp Development ManagerAssistant AccountantAssistant Brand ManagerAssistant Communications ManagerAssistant Community ManagerAssistant Ecommerce ManagerAssistant Events ManagerAssistant PR ManagerAssociate Brand ManagerAssociate Communications ManagerAssociate Ecommerce ManagerAssociate Events ManagerAssociate Product ManagerAttendance OfficerAudit AssociateAudit InternAudit Manager
.NET Architect.NET DeveloperAccountantAccounting ManagerAccounts AssistantAccounts Payable ClerkAccounts Payable InternAccounts Payable LeadAccounts Payable ManagerAccounts Payable SpecialistAccounts Payable Supervisor
Accounts Receivable ClerkAccounts Receivable LeadAccounts Receivable ManagerAccounts Receivable SpecialistAccounts Receivable SupervisorAdministration ClerkAI/ML EngineerAI/ML InternAndroid ArchitectAndroid DeveloperAndroid Developer Intern
1of12
...
Page 1 of 12 • Showing 1-44 of 502 job titlesShowing 1-44 of 502 titles
Related Articles
