At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and optimise enterprise databases while leading modernisation projects in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Group IT organisation focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming database technologies and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server skills and experience with Azure and Cosmos DB required.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with mentorship opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Database Administrator (DBA) to join our Group IT organisation. This role will be responsible for maintaining, optimising, and modernising our enterprise database estate, which underpins key operational and claims platforms globally. The successful candidate will perform a dual role: Operational Excellence and Modernisation & Transformation, with hands-on accountability and strong visibility across Group IT, Engineering, Architecture, and our claims platform delivery teams.
Responsibilities
- Operational Excellence — ensure stability, performance, integrity, and security of SQL database environments.
- Manage, monitor, and optimise SQL Server instances across on-premise VMs and Azure environments.
- Oversee performance tuning, index optimisation, query analysis, and capacity planning.
- Support production releases, troubleshoot incidents, and drive root-cause analysis.
- Maintain database availability, disaster recovery, and backup/restore strategies.
- Ensure compliance with security, governance, and audit requirements.
- Azure Data Platform Modernisation — lead and support the migration of legacy SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL Managed Instance / Azure SQL Database; contribute to database architecture design for cloud-ready and cloud-native applications; implement best practices for Azure monitoring, automation, scalability, and resilience; collaborate with DevOps teams to streamline database deployment automation and CI/CD.
- Modern Data Technologies (Claims Platform Enablement) — design, configure, and optimise Cosmos DB for high-scale, distributed data workloads (mandatory); support emerging use cases leveraging Microsoft Fabric for analytics and reporting (desirable); provide guidance on data modelling, partitioning, throughput management, and performance optimisation in modern cloud-native environments.
- Collaboration & Ways of Working — work closely with Developers, Solution Architects, Infrastructure, Security, and the Claims Platform team; contribute to documentation, handovers, and operational readiness for new services; participate in continuous improvement and automation; act as a technical SME for database practices and mentor junior team members where applicable; carry out ad hoc duties within your capability and scope.
- Demonstrate and champion company values, and collaborate to support the growth and success of the organisation.
Qualifications
- Strong SQL Server administration across enterprise environments.
- Performance tuning, query optimisation, and index strategy expertise.
- Azure SQL (MI/DB) administration and migration experience.
- Hands-on Cosmos DB data modelling and optimisation.
- Understanding of Microsoft Fabric data/analytics concepts.
- Backup, recovery, high availability, and disaster recovery planning.
- Experience with SQL Replication (and migration to AVG).
- Proficient in monitoring and diagnostics using Azure Monitor & Log Analytics.
- Automation skills (PowerShell, T-SQL, CI/CD for database deployments).
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capability.
- Knowledge of database security, encryption, and compliance standards.
Senior Database Administrator (668415) in City of Westminster employer: Charles Taylor
Contact Detail:
Charles Taylor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Database Administrator (668415) in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your database projects, performance tuning examples, or any Azure migrations you've handled. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common DBA scenarios. Be ready to discuss your experience with SQL Server, Azure, and Cosmos DB. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it shows you really know your stuff!
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Database Administrator (668415) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Database Administrator role. Highlight your SQL Server administration experience and any relevant Azure skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve optimised database performance or led successful migrations. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're excited about this role at StudySmarter and how your skills can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles Taylor
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server administration skills. Be ready to discuss performance tuning, query optimisation, and index strategies in detail. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed SQL environments, as this will show your hands-on expertise.
✨Showcase Your Azure Knowledge
Since the role involves Azure SQL administration and migration, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of Azure services. Familiarise yourself with Azure SQL Managed Instance and Azure SQL Database, and be prepared to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on that involved cloud migration or architecture design.
✨Prepare for Technical Scenarios
Expect technical questions or scenarios during the interview. Practice explaining how you would handle performance issues, disaster recovery planning, or database security compliance. This will not only showcase your problem-solving skills but also your ability to think critically under pressure.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams, so highlight your collaboration experience. Share examples of how you've worked with developers, architects, or DevOps teams in the past. Showing that you can communicate effectively and mentor others will set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their team culture.