Engineering Manager - Database Reliability

Role Overview and Impact

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to spearhead our Database Reliability Engineering units and lead a pivotal modernization initiative at scale. This leadership position manages two dedicated teams located across Australia and New Zealand, responsible for maintaining the infrastructure supporting millions of customer transactions daily. The primary objective is to deploy an AI-driven DBA platform aimed at ending reactive firefighting practices, while mentoring engineers to transition towards strategic consultancy roles and empowering product groups to efficiently manage their own databases.

Team and Collaboration

The Database Engineering group maintains ownership of all databases within the company, including core infrastructure servicing millions of users and hundreds of engineers from multiple product teams. This team delivers tools, observability, and expert guidance to enable product teams to handle their data autonomously with reduced reliance on direct support. The group is divided into two specialties: one focusing on frontline support, incident management, and strategic consulting; the other spearheading migrations to cloud-based managed services.

Current Focus Areas

• Implementing an AI database administrator platform to embed expert knowledge into a proactive tool managing incident response and automating routine support.
• Completing the global migration of databases to RDS, progressing from a finished XeroDB migration to transitioning other critical databases collaboratively with product teams.
• Advancing database technology modernization by shifting from Microsoft SQL Server to Aurora Postgres through continued experimentation and partnership with cloud providers.
• Establishing operational and cultural foundations that promote a transition from reactive incident response towards proactive, strategic consultation on database architecture and performance.

Working Location and Style

This position is based in Australia (Melbourne, Sydney) or New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington), coinciding with the locations of the database engineering teams. Flexible working arrangements are supported, emphasizing regular collaboration with team members and partner groups.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of database architectures and relational database management systems, demonstrating familiarity with various database types including relational, non-relational, and cloud-managed services, along with a keen interest in new methodologies.
• Proven experience leading large-scale infrastructure initiatives or directing engineering personnel through significant technical shifts, with an ability to decompose complex challenges into actionable tasks.
• Skilled mentor and coach, nurturing the growth of seasoned engineers by recognizing their strengths and facilitating their acquisition of new technologies and work approaches.
• Capable of building strong relationships across both technical and non-technical stakeholders, adept at managing stakeholder complexities and engendering support during change processes.
• Demonstrates boldness by adopting cutting-edge technologies and exhibits strategic foresight in evolving team capabilities to meet organizational demands.
• Postgres expertise is advantageous; however, a willingness to learn alongside the team and guide adoption of emerging technologies is prioritized.

Additional Information

We encourage candidates to apply even if their background isn't a perfect match. Hiring decisions emphasize skills, enthusiasm, and the unique perspectives candidates contribute to enrich our culture and team environment.