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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide operational support for SQL services and troubleshoot complex database issues.
- Company: Join the Office for National Statistics, a key player in data management.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical data systems that support national services.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server DBA experience and problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Database Administrator (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract based Hybrid in Newport, Titchfield or Darlington. We are supporting the Office for National Statistics in hiring an experienced SQL-focused Database Administrator to provide 2nd and 3rd line operational support across enterprise SQL services and applications. This role supports ongoing team restructuring and replaces a permanent team member, so you will play a key part in maintaining service stability and improving SQL environments used across the organisation.
You will work on the data systems that underpin critical ONS services. The focus is SQL Server, with occasional interaction with Oracle or DB2 environments which are already well supported by the wider team.
The role
- Provide operational and technical support for SQL Server platforms and SQL-based applications.
- Resolve incidents, manage service requests and changes, troubleshoot complex queries, carry out maintenance, deliver improvements and support service availability across multiple environments.
- Work with internal teams and third-party suppliers to ensure issues are escalated appropriately and resolved within agreed SLAs.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Providing 2nd and 3rd line operational support for SQL-based services and applications.
- Administering Microsoft SQL Server across enterprise environments.
- Troubleshooting database issues and analysing complex SQL queries.
- Owning and resolving incidents, problems and service requests.
- Managing changes using ITIL-aligned processes.
- Monitoring performance, capacity and service health using enterprise tooling.
- Supporting routine database maintenance, patching and upgrades.
- Writing SQL scripts to automate tasks and deliver efficiency improvements.
- Working with suppliers to escalate issues and ensure SLA-driven resolution.
- Contributing to service improvement through trend analysis and operational insights.
- Producing clear, high-quality documentation for operational and team use.
- Supporting SQL services hosted on Windows Server.
Essential:
- Strong hands-on SQL Server DBA experience.
- Experience providing 2nd and 3rd line support for enterprise SQL services.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Experience administering Microsoft SQL Server in production environments.
- Ability to write SQL scripts and automate improvements.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server.
- Understanding of application architecture and system interfaces.
- Experience managing third-party supplier escalations.
- Experience working with ITIL processes across Incidents, Requests, Problems and Changes.
- Ability to produce high-quality documentation.
SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.
Desirable:
- Experience with cloud infrastructure, ideally Microsoft Azure.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Azure SQL.
- Experience migrating databases from on premise to cloud.
- Experience with DB2 in IBM Cloud Platform.
- Experience using enterprise management tools such as Splunk, Sentinel, SCCM Reporting, SSMS or Oracle Enterprise Manager.
- Experience using automation tools such as SQL Agent, Powershell or Ansible.
- Experience using ServiceNow.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, ONS guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
ONS guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Database Administrator in Newport employer: Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Database Administrator in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at ONS or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your SQL skills and understanding the specific needs of the role. Practise common DBA scenarios and be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Be ready to walk through your thought process when troubleshooting complex queries or incidents. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and analytical abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Database Administrator in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Database Administrator role. Highlight your SQL Server experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex database issues in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and resolve problems efficiently.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, be clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with SQL, including troubleshooting complex queries and automating tasks with SQL scripts. They’ll want to see that you can not only talk the talk but also walk the walk!
✨Familiarise Yourself with ITIL Processes
Since this role involves managing incidents, requests, problems, and changes using ITIL-aligned processes, it’s crucial to understand these concepts. Be ready to share examples of how you've applied ITIL principles in your previous roles, especially in a 2nd or 3rd line support context.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-world situations, like resolving database issues or managing service requests. Think through some scenarios where you’ve successfully handled similar challenges and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Documentation Skills
High-quality documentation is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve produced clear documentation in the past, whether it’s for operational use or team collaboration. Highlight any tools you’ve used to create or manage documentation effectively.
