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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 life assurance, a pension scheme, generous leave, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Lead hands-on projects that shape data platform standards and develop your cloud expertise.
- Qualifications: Expertise in SQL Server, Azure, and automation practices required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation, learning, and career 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. 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.
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.
- 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 Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their data platform needs and think about how your skills in SQL Server and Azure can make a difference. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work, especially around performance tuning and cloud adoption. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate how you've solved problems and improved systems in previous roles.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Clarksons.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Platform DBA (Azure & SQL Server) in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in SQL Server and Azure, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects or achievements that align with what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Data Platform DBA role. Share your passion for cloud technologies and how your leadership experience can benefit our team at Clarksons.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When detailing your experience, be specific about the tools and technologies you’ve used. Mention your hands-on experience with PowerShell, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines, as these are key to the role we’re hiring for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role 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 cloud adoption initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Cloud Technologies
Clarksons is looking for someone who is enthusiastic about cloud adoption. Share your thoughts on the future of data platforms and how you stay updated with the latest trends in Azure and database management. This will show your commitment to continuous learning.