At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Data Platform Engineer, managing and optimising our database landscape.
- Company: First Central is an innovative insurance company that thrives on data and values its people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, paid volunteer days, and an electric car scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that loves data and pushes boundaries for innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Intermediate experience with MS SQL Server and T-SQL is essential; certifications are a plus.
- Other info: Remote work options available; we value your choice in work environment.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Haywards Heath, Home Office (Remote) or Manchester
Salary: ÂŁ34,500 - ÂŁ54,000 - depending on experience
Department: Technology and Data
We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life. Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price.
Our Technology and Data team needs a result driven, agile and logical thinking DBA, who knows a thing or two about MS SQL Server Technology Stack and T-SQL. Ideally, you’ll have been involved in database schema design and some exposure to performance tuning. If you’ve Azure Fundamentals and/or Azure Data Fundamentals certification, all the better!
Joining a busy team within the Data Operations business pillar and inside the Data as a Service (Daas) team, you’ll support our core platform database estate and be responsible for managing and providing assistance to all aspects of our database landscape, working closely with colleagues to design, build and manage our database solutions. The estate consists of both stand alone and Windows Server Failover Cluster builds, with SQL Server Always On technology providing a further layer of High Availability.
You’ll not just offer a basic solution, you’ll find improvements to current processes and seek to implement Best Practice, document systems and workarounds and latest versions of SQL.
Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:
- SQL and Database Ownership: You’ll enjoy taking ownership of SQL and database-related tasks.
- MS-SQL and T-SQL Experience: You’ll possess solid experience of working with MS-SQL and T-SQL from SQL 2008 through to 2019.
- Innovative Solutions and Enthusiasm: You’ll be confident and enthusiastic, willing to offer innovative solutions that contribute to our continued success.
- High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR): You’ll have experience of working with available SQL Server HA and DR technologies.
- Positive Attitude and Boundary-Pushing: You’ll possess an outstanding and enthusiastic attitude, will enjoy pushing boundaries to develop best-of-breed solutions.
- Proactivity and Passion for Data: You’ll be proactive and passionate about all things data and SQL Server.
What’s involved:
- You’ll be proficient with MS-SQL and T-SQL tools, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 or above.
- You’ll be proficient with Microsoft SQL Server Integration options.
- You’ll need intermediate experience troubleshooting and resolving database problems.
- You’ll need intermediate experience implementing and managing backup and recovery processes.
- You’ll have some experience managing coding standards, security and auditing procedures.
- You’ll have experience managing monitoring/proactive alerting processes.
- You’ll need intermediate experience with root cause analysis, database performance monitoring and capacity planning.
- You’ll ensure all database systems meet business and performance requirements.
- You’ll have the ability to work towards strict deadlines within a busy, high transactional environment.
- You’ll assist with SQL code reviews and implementation of performance improvements.
- You’ll possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- You’ll possess excellent time management and coordinating skills.
- You’ll possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times.
- You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/regulations at all times.
Experience & knowledge:
- Intermediate T-SQL.
- Understanding of DEVOPS principles and how such can be implemented.
- Intermediate experience of source control technologies and application of such, such as Azure DEVOPS.
- Intermediate understanding of SSIS, SSRS and SSAS components, installation, maintenance and security.
- An intermediate understanding of the different levels of DB security and interaction with Active Directory.
- An understanding of GDPR and how it relates to the database world.
- An understanding of Data Warehousing concepts and support would be useful.
- A level of exposure and intermediate experience of SQL upgrade paths.
- Intermediate experience with performance tuning/index maintenance/index creation/statistics maintenance.
- Some experience of the configuration and use of SQL Server backups (types/implementation/use).
- Some experience of the configuration and use of SQL Server replication (transactional and snapshot).
- Some experience of the configuration and use of SQL Server Always on and Windows/SQL Server clustering.
- An understanding of Blocking/Locking/Deadlocks – how to monitor and overcome.
- Environment baselining and load testing.
- Exposure to The RedGate SQL Toolset/SSMS 18.xxx/Quest Spotlight | Replication Monitor and other industry standard monitoring tools.
- An understanding of and some exposure to SQL Server auditing/encryption/vulnerability assessments/data classification/Query Store etc.
- Creation and use of DACPAC and BACPACs.
- An appreciation of and willingness to learn SQL Azure PAAS and IAAS database solutions.
- Support out of hours and on-call workloads.
- Understand, maintain and recommend suitable SQL environment RTOs and RPOs.
- Exposure to table partitioning techniques within SQL Server and storage management knowledge and experience.
- Experience working with XML data types and large objects.
- Experience working within an agile development environment.
- Experience with Atlassian Confluence Team foundation Server (TFS). (desirable)
Skills & Qualifications:
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Good time management and organisation skills.
- MCSE: Data Platform or equivalent.
- A degree in computer science or a similar subject area (desirable).
- Have relevant and current experience as a production DBA supporting multiple instances (3-4 years’ experience working with the MS SQL Server Technology Stack).
- Willing to learn and build on their professional development, and keep pace with industry trends within the SQL Server, to enable effective support of the business.
- Be an active member of the wider SQL community (desirable).
- Industry recognised Change and Project Management certifications (ITIL, Prince2 etc desirable).
- Azure Fundamentals and/or Azure Data Fundamentals certification or willingness to obtain such.
Behaviours:
- Commercially focussed and results driven.
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
- An organised and proactive approach.
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
- A flexible approach and positive attitude.
- Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.
This is just the start. Imagine where you could end up! The journey’s yours…
Want to know more? Sounds like you? Then click on Apply.
What can we do for you? People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive.
To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here.
Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.
Data Platform Engineer (DBA) employer: SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties
Contact Detail:
SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Platform Engineer (DBA)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as MS SQL Server and T-SQL. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the SQL community online. Join forums, attend webinars, or participate in discussions related to SQL Server and database management. This not only enhances your knowledge but also shows your passion for data, which is a key trait they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR) technologies during the interview. Be ready to provide examples of how you've implemented these solutions in past roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your proactive approach by thinking of innovative solutions to common database challenges. During interviews, share instances where you improved processes or implemented best practices, as this aligns with their desire for boundary-pushing candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Platform Engineer (DBA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with MS SQL Server and T-SQL. Include specific examples of database schema design, performance tuning, and any relevant certifications like Azure Fundamentals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for data and how it drives your work. Mention your proactive approach to problem-solving and your enthusiasm for innovative solutions that align with the company's goals.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in managing databases, implementing backup and recovery processes, and working with high availability technologies. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact where possible.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Data Platform Engineer.
How to prepare for a job interview at SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties
✨Showcase Your SQL Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with MS SQL Server and T-SQL during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you’ve implemented database solutions, performance tuning, or schema design.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled database issues in the past. Discuss your approach to troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and how you’ve improved processes to enhance database performance.
✨Familiarise Yourself with High Availability Concepts
Since the role involves working with SQL Server Always On technology, brush up on your knowledge of high availability and disaster recovery (HA/DR) strategies. Be ready to explain how you’ve applied these concepts in previous roles.
✨Express Your Passion for Data
Convey your enthusiasm for data and its impact on business success. Share any personal projects or community involvement that showcases your commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices in database management.