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- Tasks: Lead the optimisation and resilience of SQL databases while ensuring high availability.
- Company: Join a respected organisation in Sunderland with a strong IT team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a health cash plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values your input and skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in SQL Server administration and T-SQL is essential.
- Other info: This role includes a basic DBS check funded by the employer.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - Sunderland (with flexible working)
Salary: Up to 55,000 + excellent benefits
We are working with a respected organisation in Sunderland to recruit a Senior SQL Database Administrator. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an experienced IT team and take a lead role in the ongoing development, optimisation, and resilience of the organisation's database environment. You will be responsible for maintaining high availability, supporting integrations across platforms, and ensuring the reliability and performance of systems critical to business operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Configure and manage high availability and disaster recovery solutions including Always On Availability Groups, mirroring, and clustering.
- Implement and test backup and recovery procedures to safeguard data.
- Monitor performance metrics and carry out tuning and optimisation as required.
- Support development and integration efforts across cloud and on-prem environments.
- Use version control tools (e.g. GitHub, Bitbucket) to manage database scripts and schema changes.
- Maintain comprehensive technical documentation and system records.
- Collaborate with software developers, analysts, and other teams to deliver scalable and secure database services.
- Provide 2nd/3rd line support and investigate root causes of system issues.
What We Are Looking For:
- Solid experience in SQL Server database administration.
- Strong understanding of high availability, backup, and recovery strategies.
- Proficient in writing and troubleshooting T-SQL.
- Experience with ETL tools (e.g. SSIS, Azure Data Factory, Informatica, Talend).
- Familiarity with version control and collaborative working in a support or project setting.
- Strong communication skills and a methodical, team-focused approach.
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience with open-source RDBMS (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
- Familiarity with Redgate tools (SQL Toolbelt, Backup Pro, SQL Monitor).
Benefits:
- Up to 55,000 salary depending on experience.
- 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy more.
- Flexible and hybrid working, including early Friday finishes.
- Health Cash Plan - cashback on optical, dental, therapies, and more (includes free child cover).
- Access to private healthcare through the plan.
- Generous pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicles.
- Enhanced parental and family leave.
- Business mileage allowance.
- Life assurance (3x salary).
Please note: This role is subject to a basic DBS check, funded by the employer.
Contact Detail:
Randstad Technologies Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SQL DBA
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Always On Availability Groups and T-SQL. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during an interview will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the organisation on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've implemented high availability and disaster recovery solutions. Having concrete examples ready will help you illustrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by preparing to talk about past experiences working with software developers and analysts. Highlighting your ability to work in a team-focused environment will align well with the company's values.
We think you need these skills to ace SQL DBA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in SQL Server database administration, particularly focusing on high availability, backup, and recovery strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your proficiency in T-SQL and any relevant ETL tools you've worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention how your skills align with the key responsibilities listed in the job description, such as managing high availability solutions and collaborating with development teams.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have experience with version control tools or open-source RDBMS, be sure to include this in your application. Highlight any projects where you implemented backup and recovery procedures or optimised database performance.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Senior SQL Database Administrator role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Technologies Recruitment
✨Showcase Your SQL Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with SQL Server database administration in detail. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented high availability solutions or optimised performance metrics, as this will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Key Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. Be ready to explain how you would approach configuring high availability and disaster recovery solutions, as well as your experience with backup and recovery procedures.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, especially when discussing collaboration with software developers and other teams. This will show that you can work well in a team-focused environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to T-SQL troubleshooting and ETL tools. Brush up on your knowledge of version control tools like GitHub or Bitbucket, and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects to manage database scripts and schema changes.
