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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a hybrid SQL Server and Azure data platform, driving performance and cloud adoption.
- Company: Join Clarksons, a leader in maritime services with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Lead innovative projects and shape data platform standards in a modern environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in SQL Server, Azure, and cloud security principles required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values innovation, learning, and 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 Southampton 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 Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Clarksons on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini portfolio or case studies showcasing your experience with SQL Server and Azure. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on common DBA interview questions and scenarios, especially around performance tuning and cloud adoption. We want you to feel confident!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Clarksons.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Data Platform DBA role. Highlight your expertise in SQL Server, Azure, and any relevant automation tools to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Share specific examples of your achievements in database management and cloud adoption.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t shy away from listing your technical proficiencies! We want to see your hands-on experience with SQL Server installations, performance tuning, and CI/CD pipelines. Be specific about your accomplishments!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
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. Be prepared to share how you foster collaboration and drive cloud adoption initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Practice articulating your thought process for troubleshooting critical production incidents or executing SQL Server upgrades. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Continuous Learning
Clarksons values professional development, so highlight any relevant certifications or training you've pursued. Discuss how you stay updated with industry trends, especially around Azure and cloud security principles, to show you're committed to growth.