Senior Systems and Database Administrator

About the Role

The Senior Systems and Database Administrator’s role is to manage the comprehensive information systems infrastructure of corporate organization and take part in service delivery for customers. This critical role encompasses the administration of Microsoft-based enterprise networks, Azure cloud services, Linux operating systems, and enterprise database management.  The role involves managing database engines ensuring their reliability, security and performance. 

This position offers an excellent opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in a hybrid cloud environment, combining on-premises infrastructure with Microsoft Azure cloud services. The role requires a versatile professional who can seamlessly navigate between different operating systems, platforms, and technologies while maintaining the highest standards of system availability and security. 

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive management of Microsoft-based enterprise network infrastructure including Windows Server environments 

• Active Directory management including user accounts, group policies, and directory services optimization 

• Microsoft Azure administration including cloud infrastructure, virtual machines, and security configurations 

• Hybrid cloud management integrating on-premises infrastructure with Azure cloud services 

• Linux operating system administration across various distributions (RHEL, Ubuntu, CentOS, SUSE) 

• Implement and maintain comprehensive security controls across all managed systems 

• Enterprise application management including ERP systems, CRM platforms, and collaboration tools 

• Database administration for Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and MySQL/MariaDB 

• Backup and disaster recovery management with comprehensive backup strategies 

• Monitoring and performance management with comprehensive monitoring solutions 

• Capacity planning and infrastructure optimization 

• Documentation and change management following ITIL best practices 

Candidate Attributes

• Exceptional technical expertise across multiple domains of network and security engineering with strong analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing complex network issues, identifying security vulnerabilities, and developing effective solutions under pressure while maintaining attention to detail 

• Excellent communication skills essential for explaining technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, writing clear and comprehensive documentation, and presenting confidently to client executives and internal stakeholders with ability to build trust and credibility 

• Customer service orientation crucial for the client-facing aspects of the role, with commitment to delivering exceptional service, responsiveness to client needs, and ability to manage expectations effectively while working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality 

• Leadership capabilities important for mentoring junior staff and leading technical projects, with ability to influence others, drive consensus on technical decisions, and take ownership of complex initiatives from conception through completion 

• Continuous learning mindset essential given the rapidly evolving nature of network and security technologies, with commitment to staying current with industry trends, emerging threats, and new technologies through ongoing education, professional development, and hands-on experimentation 

• Strong business acumen valuable for understanding the commercial implications of technical decisions and contributing to business development efforts, with ability to balance technical excellence with cost considerations and business requirements 

• Risk management perspective crucial for making sound security decisions and implementing appropriate controls without unnecessarily impeding business operations, with ability to assess and communicate risk effectively to stakeholders at all organizational levels 

• Security consciousness with thorough understanding of security best practices, threat vectors, and risk mitigation strategies, staying current with emerging security threats and implementing appropriate countermeasures 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related technical discipline is mandatory. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications in systems administration, cloud computing, or database management are highly preferred and will be considered a significant advantage 

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in systems administration roles with demonstrated expertise in Microsoft Windows Server environments, Linux operating systems, and enterprise database management, including both on-premises and cloud infrastructure management 

• Extensive Microsoft Windows Server experience is required, including proficiency with Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022, Active Directory Domain Services, Group Policy management, and Windows PowerShell scripting. Experience with Microsoft System Center products, Windows Server Update Services, and Microsoft deployment technologies is highly desirable 

• Microsoft Azure expertise is mandatory, with hands-on experience in Azure virtual machines, Azure Active Directory, Azure networking, Azure storage, and Azure security services. Relevant Azure certifications such as Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Azure Security Engineer Associate are strongly preferred 

• Linux administration experience is required across multiple distributions, with proficiency in system installation, configuration, package management, user administration, and shell scripting. Experience with Linux automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef is highly desirable 

• Database administration expertise is mandatory, with hands-on experience in Microsoft SQL Server administration including installation, configuration, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and security implementation. SQL Server certifications such as MCSA: SQL Server or MCSE: Data Management and Analytics are highly preferred 

• PostgreSQL and MySQL/MariaDB experience is required, including database installation, configuration, replication setup, and performance optimization. Experience with database monitoring tools and automated backup solutions is important for success in this role 

• Security experience must include implementation of system hardening procedures, security patch management, access control implementation, and incident response procedures. Security certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or Microsoft Security certifications are highly desirable 

• Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent verbal and written communication skills required for user support, documentation, and stakeholder communication. Additional language skills, particularly Arabic, will be considered an asset 

• Experience in enterprise environments is highly preferred, demonstrating the ability to work with complex, multi-platform infrastructure and support diverse business requirements with understanding of ITIL service management practices