Senior Database Migration Architect (SQL Server to Azure)

ROLE PURPOSE

• Lead a critical, large-scale on-premises SQL Server to Azure migration.

• Drive end-to-end migration strategy, planning, execution, and cutover

• Ensure production migrations with minimal to zero downtime

• Serve as the hands-on technical authority and trusted advisor to client C-level stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct end-to-end database assessment and compatibility analysis

• Define migration strategy (rehost, refactor, or rearchitect) for Azure targets

• Execute migrations using Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)

• Migrate workloads to Azure Virtual Machines, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure SQL Database

• Perform deep-dive performance tuning assessments

• Design and implement High Availability (HA) , Disaster Recovery (DR) , and backup/recovery strategies in Azure

• Plan, rehearse, and execute production cutovers with strict minimal downtime focus

• Lead go/no-go decisions during cutover weekends

• Manage governance around security, compliance, and Azure cost optimization

• Conduct knowledge transfer and enable client internal teams post-migration

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (Must-Have)

• 12+ years deep hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server (Architecture, HA/DR, Performance Tuning)

• Proven delivery of large-scale enterprise cloud transformation programmes involving hundreds of servers and databases

• Extensive experience migrating on-premises VMs to Microsoft Azure

• Deep expertise in Azure Virtual Machines, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure SQL Database

• Expert-level proficiency with Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)

• Proven track record of executing production migrations with minimal to zero downtime

• Strong database architecture, governance, and stakeholder management capabilities

• Hands-on technical leadership throughout migration and cutover phases

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Good-to-Have)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or Azure Solutions Architect Expert

• Experience with Azure Migrate, Data Migration Assistant (DMA) , or third-party migration tools

• Prior experience in a global systems integrator or consultancy environment

• Familiarity with DevOps pipelines for database CI/CD in Azure

• Experience with Azure Hybrid Benefit and cost optimization strategies