Database Administrator

This role sits within a DevOps & Operations function and provides technical expertise across Azure and Microsoft SQL platforms for a growing SaaS client of ours. The position supports the wider DevOps objectives by ensuring the security, availability, integrity, and end-to-end support of database services. Working as part of a DevOps team, the role is responsible for both on-premise and cloud-based Azure/Microsoft SQL environments. The successful candidate will divide their time between business-as-usual (BAU) support and project-based work, contributing to the ongoing development, optimisation, and reliability of database platforms. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract providing maternity cover, working remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a balanced mix of BAU and project work across on-premise and cloud-based database systems, including both vendor-supplied and internally developed solutions
• Design and implement tactical and strategic database solutions with a focus on scalability, availability, performance, and resilience
• Proactively monitor the SQL Server estate to ensure high availability and optimal performance
• Provide operational support to internal stakeholders, resolving incidents within agreed service levels
• Review database changes produced by development teams, ensuring suitability, security, and performance best practice
• Administer, maintain, and monitor database platforms with a strong focus on security and compliance
• Implement and maintain monitoring, alerting, backup, and recovery processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across DevOps and database operations

Personal Profile

Proven experience working with the Azure platform
Experience of Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices
Strong awareness of security, vulnerability identification, and remediation
Experience with uptime and performance monitoring using native Azure tooling and third-party solutions
Experience using Azure DevOps
Exposure to API integration and microservice-based architectures
Solid understanding of Git and version control best practices
Good knowledge of the Microsoft technology stack, including Windows and Active Directory
Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams
A security-first mindset when designing and implementing solutions

Qualifications & Experience

Essential
Strong version control principles relating to databases
Experience with ETL processes (SSIS or Azure Data Factory preferred)
High availability and disaster recovery for SQL Server environments
Administering, managing, and maintaining large-scale databases
Advanced performance tuning and troubleshooting skills
Expert knowledge of SQL administration and security across cloud-based IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments on Windows platforms
Desirable
Experience with Power BI
Exposure to AI and machine learning workloads
Data warehousing and analysis services experience (Azure-based preferred)
Experience with Azure DevOps pipelines
Relevant Microsoft certifications, such as Azure Database or DevOps-focused qualifications

Skills & Abilities

Experience working in CI/CD environments, including automated release pipelines and modern DevOps tooling
Ability to design and implement highly available database solutions, including disaster recovery and backup strategies across on-premise and cloud environments
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a DevOps team