Sr Manager Data Systems

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager, Data Systems leads a team to meet the growing database requirements of Tenaska, which include several Very Large Databases (VLDBs) and Very Large Tables (VLTs). They are responsible for the day-to-day operational support and maintenance of database environment, focusing on staff development, mentoring, and technical guidance to ensure reliable, high-quality data availability for internal and external stakeholders. This role works closely with Software Engineering senior architects to maintain system performance and operational readiness, participating in planning and addressing critical operational issues with the lead architect. As a key member of the IT management team, the Senior Manager ensures the team’s activities align with established data architecture, governance standards, and business objectives. They support ongoing system improvements, coordinate upgrades and performance tuning, ensure compliance with security and data integrity policies, and collaborate with senior management to effectively address both short-term and long-term challenges.

Essential Job Functions

• The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience across multiple areas of Information Technology and a deep understanding of enterprise data usage and flow. Regular interaction with all areas of IT is required, with an emphasis on cross-functional collaboration. The incumbent continually assesses new technologies and design techniques to enhance database performance and architecture. Key functions include:
• Align data architecture and strategy with business initiatives, working closely with Software Engineering senior architects to implement established future-state visions.
• Support strategic roadmaps and oversee implementation related to Data Management (acquisition, ingestion, standardization, enrichment), ensuring adherence to organizational data governance standards.
• Collaborate with project teams to execute defined database solutions that meet or exceed organizational standards for performance, scalability, and data governance.
• Follow data strategies and implementation standards set by senior architects and other leaders, providing operational insights and feedback.
• Facilitate strong cross-functional communication, ensuring database services meet reliability, cost, and speed requirements.
• Provide input on longer-term technology direction (3-5 years), contributing operational insights informed by ongoing organizational initiatives.
• Work with Project/Program teams to ensure deliverables meet Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) standards.
• Streamline IT and architecture processes through partnership and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Engage with business leaders to be recognized as a valuable member of their stakeholder network, aligning team efforts with their objectives.
• Meet or exceed customer requirements related to time, cost, and business value, ensuring data governance practices support these goals.
• Oversee the design, maintenance, and implementation of internal database management systems, including backup management and resolving third-party software bugs (e.g., Dell EMC).
• Manage budget forecasting for database hardware, software, and product licensing.
• Lead hardware refresh initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions to new SQL Enterprise Cluster hardware and decommissioning obsolete systems.
• Enhance data accessibility and reliability by identifying opportunities for improved data integration and usability.
• Manage SQL Server upgrades, address support cases, collaborate with Microsoft on bug resolutions, and implement workarounds as needed.
• Implement strategies to improve database performance and scalability, researching and evaluating new database technologies (e.g., those with ACID properties, scalability, redundancy).
• Collaborate closely with Software Engineering senior architects to maintain system performance and operational readiness, supporting planning and critical issue resolution.

Education/Experience/Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a directly related field; advanced degrees or certifications are a plus.
• Proficiency in scripting or programming, with PowerShell preferred.
• Expert-level knowledge of SQL Server, including experience with SQL Server 2022 and a range of earlier versions, as well as expertise in SQL Server Database Engine, Reporting Services, and Integration Services.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience managing and maintaining enterprise-class SQL Server environments.
• Demonstrates strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data scenarios.
• Advanced familiarity with Windows Desktop O/S (Windows 10) and