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