Database manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

We're seeking a hands-on Manager of Database Administration to lead a team responsible for the availability, performance, security, and operational support of enterprise database platforms.This role is ideally suited for a true people leader who has managed direct reports, conducted performance reviews, participated in hiring and employee development, and successfully led database teams in production environments. Approximately 60% of the role is people leadership and operational management, while 40% remains hands-on technical involvement.You'll oversee a team of database professionals, partner closely with technology and business stakeholders, and help shape the future direction of enterprise data platforms, including upcoming cloud migration initiatives.

What You'll Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the database administration function.
• Manage a team of database administrators, including staffing, coaching, performance management, career development, and employee retention.
• Ensure the availability, reliability, recoverability, and usability of enterprise databases supporting both production systems and project initiatives.
• Assign resources to projects and operational work while balancing business priorities and employee growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, application development, technical support, project management, and operations teams.
• Review and approve database design changes and ensure alignment with enterprise standards.
• Provide guidance on database architecture, data integrity, recoverability, and best practices.
• Monitor departmental objectives, project deliverables, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Lead employee development planning, training initiatives, and succession planning efforts.
• Participate in management-level decision making and contribute to broader technology strategy.
• Support ongoing modernization efforts and help prepare the organization for future cloud database migration programs.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 3+ years of direct people management experience leading database administration teams.
• Demonstrated experience with:Performance reviews and employee evaluationsHiring and termination decisionsCoaching, mentoring, and career developmentManaging teams of database professionals
• 7+ years of database administration experience.
• Strong SQL expertise.
• Strong experience administering PostgreSQL environments.
• Broad knowledge of enterprise database platforms such as:PostgreSQLDB2SQL ServerSybaseInformixEnterprise database technologies across multiple operating systems
• Deep understanding of the software development lifecycle and database management practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Experience with database design, documentation, and administration tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Project.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or administering DB2 and mainframe database environments.
• Experience planning or executing database migrations to cloud platforms.
• Cloud-related certifications.
• Experience working across multiple database technologies in large enterprise environments.

What Success Looks Like

• Your database platforms operate with high availability and reliability.
• Your team is engaged, productive, and continuously developing new skills.
• Project teams receive timely database support and expert guidance.
• Database standards, governance, and operational processes are consistently maintained.
• The organization is well-positioned for future cloud database modernization efforts.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base Salary: $150,000 - $170,000
• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Up to 15%
• Full-time position

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and have equal opportunities to succeed. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and applicable laws.

Ready to Lead a High-Impact Database Team?

If you have a proven track record managing database professionals, strong PostgreSQL and SQL expertise, and the leadership experience to build and develop high-performing teams, we encourage you to apply. This is an opportunity to own a critical database function, influence technology strategy, and help guide the next phase of enterprise data platform evolution.