Senior Database Administrator - SQL Server | Azure | Database Modernisation | DevOps

We are looking for an experienced Senior Database Administrator with extensive Microsoft SQL Server experience and strong knowledge of Azure, database performance, security, automation and DevOps. You will lead the ongoing management, optimisation and modernisation of the database estate, supporting migration, upgrades, resilience and technical debt reduction while working closely with Technology teams, projects, suppliers and business stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support the Microsoft SQL Server estate and related Azure data services.


• Lead database upgrades, migrations, optimisation and decommissioning activity.


• Monitor, tune and improve database performance, availability, capacity and resilience.


• Troubleshoot integrity, performance, blocking, deadlocking, replication, connectivity and security issues.


• Manage backup, restore, patching, maintenance and disaster recovery processes.


• Automate database administration, monitoring, deployment and maintenance activities.


• Contribute to DevOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD and cloud-based delivery.


• Implement database security, access control, retention, encryption, auditing and compliance controls.


• Maintain database documentation, inventories, dependencies, licensing and lifecycle information.


• Develop and maintain SSIS packages and data transformation processes where required.


• Support reporting and insight requirements using SSRS, Power BI and related platforms.


• Lead database workstreams within technology projects and manage delivery, risks, dependencies and transition into support.


• Work with internal stakeholders and third-party suppliers to deliver reliable database services and continuous improvement.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience with Microsoft SQL Server and related technologies.


• Strong experience in database administration, performance tuning and troubleshooting.


• Experience working with Azure/cloud environments.


• Experience with DevOps practices and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).


• Strong understanding of data security, retention, compliance and governance.


• Experience across the full engineering lifecycle from design and implementation through to testing and deployment.


• Proven experience leading projects and managing internal and external stakeholders.


• Experience managing external suppliers/contractors.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.


• Experience with SSIS, SSRS and Power BI.


• Experience modernising database estates and adopting SaaS/PaaS platforms.


• Commercial awareness and experience supporting budget, licensing and supplier management.