Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server)
Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server)

Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server)

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Clarksons

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage and optimise a hybrid SQL Server and Azure data platform with hands-on leadership.
  • Company: Join Clarksons, a leader in maritime services with a commitment to excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for cloud adoption initiatives.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving cloud adoption and performance.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SQL Server, Azure, and strong troubleshooting skills required.
  • Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a chance to lead innovative database practices.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Company Overview

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. Dedicated to excellence, it’s our people that drive success for our clients.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Senior Data Platform DBA to join a high-performing team managing a hybrid SQL Server and Azure data platform. You’ll work across on-prem SQL Server (2017–2025), Azure SQL, Cosmos Database, Data Factory, and Power BI, using modern DevOps practices and Terraform-managed automation. This is a hands-on leadership role bridging traditional DBA expertise with cloud platform operations, helping drive performance, reliability, and cloud adoption across the enterprise.

What You’ll Do

  • Install, configure, and maintain SQL Server instances, both standalone and Always On AG clusters, including unattended deployments using SPADE/PowerShell automation.
  • Lead SQL Server version upgrades, including the current 2019 → 2025 upgrade, ensuring minimal downtime and high availability.
  • Administer and optimise on-prem SQL Server (2017–2025) and Azure SQL environments, including Always On Availability Groups, clustering, and replication.
  • Perform performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies across hybrid workloads.
  • Support capacity planning and resource optimisation for on-prem and cloud SQL workloads.
  • Troubleshoot critical production incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term remediation.
  • Deploy database changes safely via source-controlled scripts and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Design, implement, and maintain backup and restore strategies, supporting disaster recovery readiness.
  • Create automated Azure management and monitoring solutions to support hybrid SQL Server and cloud environments.
  • Lead automation, monitoring, and CI/CD using PowerShell, Azure Runbooks, Terraform, and Azure DevOps pipelines.
  • Drive cloud adoption initiatives in line with Azure Landing Zone architecture.
  • Support annual disaster recovery (DR) testing across platforms to ensure readiness and reliability.
  • Mentor junior team members and act as a subject matter expert for database best practices.

Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server) employer: Clarksons

Clarksons is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the maritime services sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies in a supportive team culture. Located at the heart of global shipping, our employees benefit from a unique blend of industry expertise and a positive impact on communities, making every day at Clarksons both meaningful and rewarding.
Clarksons

Contact Detail:

Clarksons Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SQL Server and Azure. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository with projects that highlight your expertise in database management and cloud solutions. This gives potential employers a tangible way to see what you can do.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server)

SQL Server (2017–2025)
Azure SQL
Cosmos Database
Data Factory
Power BI
DevOps Practices
Terraform
PowerShell
Always On Availability Groups
Clustering
Replication
Performance Tuning
Query Optimization
CI/CD Pipelines
Disaster Recovery Strategies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Data Platform DBA role. Highlight your experience with SQL Server and Azure, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of technical expertise, make sure to clearly list your relevant skills, especially around SQL Server, Azure, and DevOps practices. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've used these technologies in past roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Clarksons

✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in SQL Server and Azure technologies. Brush up on your knowledge of Always On Availability Groups, performance tuning, and the latest features in SQL Server 2025. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools, but that you can leverage them effectively.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've troubleshot critical production incidents or optimised database performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your analytical skills and how you approach complex issues.

✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship

Since this role involves mentoring junior team members, be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or supported others in their development. Talk about your experience with automation and CI/CD practices, and how you’ve guided others in adopting these methodologies.

✨Align with Company Values

Research Clarksons and understand their commitment to excellence and positive impact. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission in the maritime industry. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server)
Clarksons

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