Infrastructure, Database, Backup & Azure Cloud Migration Lead

Summary of Role
We are seeking an experienced Infrastructure, Database, Backup & Azure Cloud Migration Lead to provide operational management, technical leadership and hands-on expertise across infrastructure, database, backup, disaster recovery and cloud environments.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the stability, security, performance and scalability of enterprise technology platforms while leading the assessment, planning and migration of workloads, applications and databases to Microsoft Azure. This role requires a strong blend of infrastructure operations, database administration, cloud architecture, security, disaster recovery and migration delivery experience.

Responsibilities

Infrastructure Operations

• Manage and support Windows and Linux server environments.
• Oversee virtualization, storage, compute and core infrastructure services.
• Monitor infrastructure performance, availability, capacity and lifecycle management.
• Establish and maintain infrastructure operational standards, procedures and best practices.
• Ensure infrastructure platforms remain secure, resilient and scalable.

Network & Security Management

• Manage network infrastructure, firewalls, switches, internet connectivity and remote access services.
• Drive patch management, vulnerability remediation and security hardening initiatives.
• Support infrastructure audits, governance, compliance and risk management activities.
• Collaborate with security and operational teams to strengthen the overall security posture.

Database Administration

• Administer Microsoft SQL Server and other supported database platforms.
• Monitor database availability, performance, security and capacity.
• Perform database maintenance, tuning, upgrades, patching and optimization activities.
• Manage database backup, recovery, replication and high-availability solutions.
• Support database migrations, upgrades and cloud transition projects.
• Investigate database incidents, perform root cause analysis and implement remediation actions.
• Maintain database standards, procedures and disaster recovery documentation.

Backup, Recovery & Disaster Recovery

• Manage enterprise backup and recovery solutions.
• Monitor backup success rates and proactively resolve failures.
• Conduct periodic recovery testing and validation exercises.
• Maintain disaster recovery plans, procedures and documentation.
• Ensure infrastructure and databases meet agreed Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO).

Azure Cloud Migration

• Assess infrastructure, applications and databases for Azure migration readiness.
• Develop migration strategies, dependency mappings, roadmaps and implementation plans.
• Lead the migration of servers, applications, storage platforms and databases to Microsoft Azure.
• Configure Azure networking, security, identity, governance, monitoring, backup and recovery services.
• Execute migration testing, validation, cutover activities and post-migration support.
• Optimize Azure workloads for performance, resilience, security and cost efficiency.

Incident, Problem & Change Management

• Manage infrastructure and database incidents, service requests and changes through established ITSM processes.
• Perform root cause analysis for major incidents and service disruptions.
• Implement preventative measures and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service stability.
• Contribute to operational excellence through proactive monitoring and service optimization.

Documentation & Vendor Management

• Maintain infrastructure, cloud, database and disaster recovery architecture documentation.
• Manage asset inventories, configuration records and CMDB data.
• Coordinate with infrastructure, cloud, software and managed service vendors.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure service delivery aligns with agreed standards and service levels.

Key Deliverables

• Monthly Infrastructure Health Reports
• Monthly Database Health & Performance Reports
• Monthly Backup & Recovery Compliance Reports
• Azure Migration Assessment and Roadmap
• Azure Migration Project Plan and Cutover Plan
• Updated Infrastructure, Database, Cloud and Disaster Recovery Documentation
• Disaster Recovery Test Reports
• Risk Register and Continuous Improvement Recommendations

Qualifications

• Matric and Degree or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• Relevant Microsoft Azure certifications highly advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in infrastructure operations, systems engineering, or infrastructure management.
• Proven experience administering Microsoft SQL Server environments and enterprise database platforms.
• Experience managing enterprise backup, recovery and disaster recovery solutions.
• Proven track record in Azure cloud migration and modernization projects.
• Experience supporting hybrid infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of ITIL, change management, governance and operational best practices.

Technical Competencies

• Windows Server Administration
• Linux Administration
• Microsoft SQL Server Administration
• Azure Infrastructure Services
• Azure Migrate
• Azure Site Recovery
• Azure Backup
• Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
• VMware and/or Hyper-V
• Enterprise Storage & Virtualization Platforms
• Network Security & Firewall Technologies
• Backup & Recovery Technologies (Veeam, Commvault, Rubrik, or equivalent)
• PowerShell Scripting and Infrastructure Automation
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Planning

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• ITIL Foundation Certification
• Microsoft SQL Server Certifications