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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a hybrid SQL Server and Azure data platform, optimising performance and reliability.
- Company: Join Clarksons, a leader in maritime services with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Lead cloud adoption initiatives and shape data platform standards in a modern environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in SQL Server, Azure, and automation practices required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that encourages innovation and personal growth.
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. 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.
To understand more, including day-to-day life at Clarksons, visit us at www.clarksons.com.
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.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Expertise in SQL Server installation and configuration, both standalone and Always On AG clusters, including unattended installations via SPADE/PowerShell automation.
- Experience in SQL Server version upgrades, including planning, testing, and executing 2019 → 2025 upgrades.
- Strong experience in performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies.
- Expertise in Always On Availability Groups, clustering, replication, and HA/DR solutions.
- Experience in capacity planning, backup, and restore strategy for enterprise workloads.
- Hands-on experience with scripted deployments and CI/CD pipelines for database changes.
- Experience with Azure SQL, Cosmos Database, and cloud security principles.
- Experience developing automated monitoring and inventory platforms using DACPAC, SSIS, SSRS, Azure Automation, and PowerShell.
- Hands-on experience with monitoring, diagnostics, and KQL/Azure Monitor.
- Experience supporting Data Factory pipelines is desirable.
Desirable:
- Microsoft certifications such as DP-300, AZ-104, AZ-305, or equivalent.
- Familiarity with ARM templates, Bicep, or other IaC alternatives.
- Experience working in regulated or security-sensitive environments.
Why Join Us
- Work on a modern hybrid data platform with opportunities to develop cloud expertise.
- Influence and shape data platform standards across the organisation.
- Hands-on leadership role combining DBA skills, automation, monitoring, and cloud adoption.
Benefits
- 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 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.
Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server) in Sheffield employer: Clarksons
Contact Detail:
Clarksons Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SQL Server and Azure. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through personal projects or contributions to open-source. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews. Plus, it’s a great way to learn and grow!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply directly 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 Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server) in Sheffield
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 relevant projects or achievements that showcase your skills in performance tuning and automation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs at Clarksons. Be sure to mention your hands-on leadership experience and your approach to cloud adoption.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Include specific examples of your experience with Always On Availability Groups, CI/CD pipelines, and any relevant Microsoft certifications. This will help us understand your expertise and how you can contribute to our team.
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. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position and our company culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarksons
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server and Azure knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with Always On AG clusters, performance tuning, and CI/CD pipelines. Prepare specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Data Platform DBA, you'll be expected to lead and mentor. Think of instances where you've guided junior team members or led projects. Highlight your hands-on leadership style and how it has positively impacted your previous teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for scenarios involving critical production incidents or database upgrades. Think through your approach to troubleshooting and how you ensure minimal downtime during upgrades.
✨Demonstrate Your Cloud Adoption Knowledge
Clarksons is keen on cloud adoption, so be ready to discuss your experience with Azure services and automation tools like Terraform. Share insights on how you've driven cloud initiatives in past roles and the benefits they brought to your organisation.