SQL Server / Azure Consultant --- Build Customer Controlled Backup & Reporting Environment

We are looking for an experienced SQL Server consultant to design and implement a customer-controlled database backup and reporting environment. Our primary software vendor can provide recurring Microsoft SQL Server database backups. We need someone to architect, implement, and document a secure solution that receives those backups, restores them automatically, and maintains a read-only reporting database. The primary goal is business continuity and disaster recovery. A secondary goal is to create a reporting environment that can support Power BI, internal dashboards, AI, and future analytics without impacting production systems. Responsibilities Review our existing environment and vendor capabilities. Recommend the overall architecture and implementation approach. Design a secure SQL Server environment (Azure preferred, but open to recommendations). Configure SQL Server and restore database backups. Automate recurring database restores. Configure backup retention and disaster recovery procedures. Implement appropriate security and access controls. Document the entire solution for future maintenance. Coordinate technical discussions with our software vendor as needed. Explain technical concepts in clear, non-technical language. Preferred Experience Microsoft SQL Server Administration SQL Server Backup & Restore SQL Server Agent Windows Server Microsoft Azure Azure Virtual Machines Azure Storage Backup Automation Disaster Recovery Planning Power BI Database Performance Tuning ETL / Data Warehousing Current State Our software vendor has confirmed: Recurring SQL Server database backups are technically possible. Database backups can be delivered to a customer-controlled environment. Additional implementation will be required to automate the process. Files and attachments are stored separately from the SQL database and may require a separate solution. We are looking for someone to evaluate the available options and recommend the most practical long-term architecture. Deliverables The completed project should include: Recommended architecture and implementation plan. Secure SQL Server environment. Automated process for receiving and restoring recurring database backups. Read-only reporting database. Backup retention strategy. Disaster recovery documentation. Complete technical documentation. Knowledge transfer session at project completion. Future Opportunities If the initial project is successful, additional work may include: Building Power BI dashboards. Database optimization. Data warehouse design. API integrations. Automation and reporting projects. Proposal Requirements Please include: Similar SQL Server backup or disaster recovery projects you have completed. Your recommended architecture and why. Whether you recommend Azure, AWS, or another platform. Estimated timeline. Any assumptions or concerns you have based on this project description. We are looking for someone who can take ownership of the project, communicate clearly, and deliver a maintainable, well-documented solution rather than simply completing isolated technical tasks.