DataCenter Services - Database Services Architect & Operations Manager

<h3>Company Description</h3><p>Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.</p><p>With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. </p><h3>Job Description</h3><p>We are looking for a highly skilled <strong>Database Service Architect</strong> &amp; <strong>Senior Level 3 Administrator</strong> to design, optimize, and manage MS SQL and Oracle database environments. This role combines database service ownership, <strong>provider management</strong>, and hands-on expertise, ensuring high availability, security, and performance of critical database services. The operational support will be handled by external service providers, requiring strong vendor management and service governance skills.</p><p>As a key player in our IT infrastructure, you will define best practices, service strategies, and architectural improvements while acting as the technical escalation point for complex database challenges. If you have a passion for database architecture, automation, and optimizing managed services, this role is for you!</p><p>Key Responsibilities:</p><p>1. Database Architecture &amp; Optimization</p><ul><li>Design and optimize MS SQL and Oracle database architectures for performance, scalability, and security.</li><li>Define best practices, standards, and guidelines for database infrastructure.</li><li>Ensure robust high availability (HA), disaster recovery (DR), and backup strategies aligned with business needs.</li><li>Evaluate and recommend new database technologies, automation, and cloud integration strategies.</li></ul><p>2. Service Management &amp; Provider Oversight</p><ul><li>Define service strategies, SLAs, and KPIs for database operations managed by service providers.</li><li>Manage relationships with external database service providers, ensuring contract compliance and high-quality service delivery.</li><li>Evaluate provider performance and drive continuous service improvements.</li></ul><p>3. Security, Compliance &amp; Governance</p><ul><li>Collaborate with security and compliance teams to ensure database environments meet regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001).</li><li>Implement security hardening practices and conduct regular audits &amp; risk assessments.</li><li>Define and enforce governance frameworks for database operations.</li></ul><p>4. Level 3 Database Administration &amp; Technical Expertise</p><ul><li>Act as the escalation point for complex MS SQL and Oracle database issues.</li><li>Provide technical guidance to internal teams and service providers.</li><li>Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement long-term solutions.</li><li>Ensure proper configuration management, incident handling, and change management.</li><li>Oversee monitoring, dashboard reporting, lifecycle management, patching, upgrades, and installations (on-premises &amp; cloud).</li><li>Manage user access, storage, troubleshooting, and day-to-day database operations.</li></ul><p>5. Innovation &amp; Continuous Improvement</p><ul><li>Identify opportunities for automation and optimization in database operations.</li><li>Support migration projects, database upgrades, and cloud transformations.</li><li>Align database services with business continuity and disaster recovery strategies.</li><li>Work closely with application, infrastructure, and security teams to support IT goals.</li></ul><h3>Qualifications</h3><ul><li>Database administration proficiency in managing, securing and optimizing various Database systems</li><li>Advanced knowledge in MSSQL Database Solution on-prem and in the cloud such as Single Instance, Always-On Cluster, Fail-over Cluster and MSSQL in Azure</li><li>Advanced knowledge of Database security, backup and recovery and perfor-mance monitoring standards</li><li>Strong understanding of MS SQL and Oracle Server-Client architecture, DB management tools</li><li>Knowledge of ITIL processes, SLAs, KPIs, and contract/vendor management for externally managed database services.</li><li>Strong understanding of database security best practices, access control, data encryption, auditing, and industry regula