Senior Database Administrator

Offering a complete ecosystem of maritime services, including broking, finance, port services and research, Clarksons is at the heart of global shipping. Our unrivalled reach, expertise, and depth of experience, combined with leading research, enables us to partner with clients across every sector to meet the demands of the world’s rapidly evolving maritime, offshore, trade and energy markets. Building on our unique heritage and harnessing our insights to see further, faster, we work with our clients and communities to create strategies that have a positive impact on industry and the world around us. Dedicated to excellence, it’s our people that drive success for our clients.

Role Summary

As a Senior DBA, you’ll join a high-performing team managing a complex hybrid SQL Server and Azure data estate. This includes over 80 on-premises SQL Server instances, as well as Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, Databricks, and Power BI services—all managed using modern DevOps and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices with Terraform. You’ll act as a technical leader across key areas such as performance tuning, automation, monitoring, migrations, CI/CD, and Azure Landing Zone (ALZ) adoption. You’ll also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to support ongoing cloud transformation while maintaining a secure, high-performing, and scalable data platform.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Administer and support 80+ SQL Server instances (2017–2022) across standalone, multi-instance, and clustered environments.
• Manage and optimise Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, and related services such as Azure Databricks and Power BI Reporting Services.
• Support and maintain SSRS, SSAS, and SSIS across hybrid environments.
• Participate in the migration of databases and data services to an Azure Landing Zone (ALZ)-aligned architecture.
• Implement private endpoints, network security groups, and role-based access controls (RBAC) in line with Microsoft security best practices.
• Develop and manage automation using PowerShell, Azure Runbooks, and integrate with Azure DevOps YAML pipelines.
• Maintain source-controlled scripts and infrastructure in Azure Repos.
• Use Terraform to provision and manage database-related infrastructure and cloud services (IaC).
• Build and maintain custom monitoring and alerting for both on-prem and Azure environments.
• Integrate with observability tools such as Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and custom dashboards.
• Write and optimise Kusto Query Language (KQL) queries for diagnostics and analytics.
• Provide expert-level performance tuning, query optimisation, and incident troubleshooting.
• Lead SQL Server upgrades, migrations, and implementation of disaster recovery (DR) and high availability (HA) solutions.
• Conduct annual disaster recovery testing across platforms.
• Perform incident investigation, root cause analysis, and long-term remediation.
• Mentor junior DBAs and act as a subject matter expert on modern database practices.
• Participate in the on-call rota and support critical incidents and maintenance activities.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills

• Strong experience with SQL Server 2017–2022 in enterprise environments.
• Expertise in HA/DR: Always On Availability Groups, replication, clustering.
• Experience managing Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, and Azure-based data services.
• Practical knowledge of Azure Landing Zone (ALZ) implementations, private networking, and cloud security.
• Advanced proficiency in T-SQL for complex database development and troubleshooting.
• Strong scripting and automation experience using PowerShell.
• Proficiency in Terraform for infrastructure provisioning and database-related IaC.
• Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps, Git, YAML pipelines, and CI/CD for database deployments.
• Experience writing Kusto queries (KQL) for Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, or diagnostics.
• Strong experience supporting SSRS, SSAS, and SSIS in hybrid environments.
• Ability to design and manage scalable monitoring solutions for both cloud and on-prem workloads.
• Demonstrated strength in problem-solving, root cause analysis, and cross-system diagnostics.
• Microsoft certifications such as DP-300, AZ-104, AZ-305, or equivalent.
• Experience with Azure Databricks, Data Factory, or other analytics services.
• Familiarity with ARM templates, Bicep, or other IaC alternatives.
• Experience working in regulated or security-sensitive environments.

Personal Attributes

• Technically curious and passionate about modernising database practices.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting mindset.
• Clear and confident communicator across technical and non-technical teams.
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with a drive to lead and deliver change.
• Collaborative team player with experience mentoring and developing junior staff.
• Comfortable operating in complex, fast-paced, and hybrid environments.

As part of the Clarksons team, you’ll receive a competitive benefits package, including:

• Life Assurance – Providing peace of mind and financial support for your loved ones.
• Pension Scheme – A contributory pension plan to help you plan for the future.
• Annual Leave – Generous holiday allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional days.
• Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements: 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.
• Training & Development – Access to ongoing professional development, certifications, and learning resources.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Free, confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
• Modern Office Environment – Located in central London, close to public transport links.
• Inclusive Culture – A collaborative workplace where innovation, learning, and growth are encouraged.