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