At a Glance
- Tasks: Design, implement, and maintain SQL Server, Azure, and Postgres databases for critical port operations.
- Company: Join DP World, a leader in global trade and logistics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement in a global organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of trade with innovative database solutions.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in SQL Server administration and strong technical expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 54450 - 66550 £ per year.
DP World in the UK is at the heart of Britain’s trading future, providing the right trading infrastructure, smart logistical solutions, and the benefits of freeport status to our customers. We are seeking a Senior Database Administrator to join our UK Ports and Terminals IT team. Based out of our Stanford-le-Hope office and reporting to the UK Software Developer Team Manager, you will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and maintaining SQL Server, Azure, and Postgres database environments across DP World UK Terminals. This position ensures high availability, performance, and security for mission‑critical systems supporting port operations, reporting, and analytics.
Our ideal candidate will have extensive experience in enterprise‑scale database administration, strong technical expertise in Microsoft SQL Server (2016 onwards), Azure SQL, and Postgres, and a proven ability to optimize performance and maintain compliance. You will also collaborate closely with BI and analytics teams to enable reliable, data‑driven insights.
Location: Stanford‑le‑Hope, Essex
Full‑time: 37.5 hours per week (Mon‑Fri)
About the Role
- Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server (2016–2022) across on‑prem and Azure environments.
- Manage Always On Availability Groups, clustering, replication, and disaster recovery strategies.
- Conduct weekly and monthly database health and performance reports, including capacity and backup validation.
- Administer monitoring tools (SolarWinds, SQL Sentry, Azure Monitor) with proactive alerting and trend analysis.
- Optimize performance using indexing, query tuning, and automation via PowerShell and DB Tools.
- Manage SQL Server licensing, maintain compliance, and produce cost‑optimization reports.
- Collaborate with BI teams to support integrations with Power BI, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, and Azure Data Factory.
- Provide advanced DBA support for DP World Southampton and Southern UK operations.
- Enforce database governance, documentation, and ITIL‑aligned change control standards.
- Lead database backup and recovery planning, testing, and execution.
What you will bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline.
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in SQL Server database administration within enterprise‑scale environments.
- Expertise in Microsoft SQL Server (2016 onwards), Postgres SQL, T‑SQL, Always On, and Azure SQL.
- Strong knowledge of database monitoring tools (SolarWinds, SQL Sentry, Azure Monitor).
- Experience with SQL licensing, capacity management, and cost optimization.
- Proficient in PowerShell scripting and automation with DB Tools.
- Familiarity with Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and Azure Data Factory integration.
- Understanding of GDPR, data security, and IT compliance frameworks.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multiple UK sites and liaise effectively with third parties.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to respond quickly to incidents and urgent requests.
Compensation
DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organisation. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self‑development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market‑competitive compensation package.
Senior Database Administrator in Essex employer: DP World
DP World is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of global trade. The role of UK IT Programme Manager provides a unique chance to lead critical IT initiatives across key terminals in Southampton and Essex, ensuring impactful delivery within a supportive and innovative culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Database Administrator in Essex
✨Tap into Local Tech Meetups
Get yourself to local tech meetups or database management conferences. It's a really great way to meet industry professionals and potentially uncover unadvertised full-time roles. When chatting with people, mention your skills and interests in database management; you never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Diving into open-source projects can not only sharpen your database skills but also get you noticed by employers. Many companies look for candidates who actively contribute to projects – it shows initiative and a real passion for the field. Plus, it's a perfect excuse to connect with other developers and expand your professional network.
✨Utilise Professional Bodies
Sign up for professional bodies related to database management, like the British Computer Society. They often host events and networking opportunities that can lead directly to job openings in the full-time market. Plus, it adds a nice touch to your professional profile!
✨Showcase Your Skills in a Public Portfolio
As you’re on the hunt for that full-time role, make sure to have a public portfolio that displays your best database projects. This can easily set you apart from the competition. And when you apply for roles, definitely mention it – it shows employers you mean business and are proud of your work!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Database Administrator in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your database skills:When applying for a full-time role in database management, it’s super important to highlight your skills with specific database technologies like SQL, NoSQL, or any relevant data visualisation tools. We want to see how you've used these tools in real projects, so don't shy away from detailing your hands-on experience!
Tailor your CV for data:Make sure your CV is structured clearly, focusing on your previous experience in database management. Use specific metrics to demonstrate your impact, like how you improved data retrieval times or reduced errors. This isn't just about what you've done; it’s about what you’ve achieved with your skills!
Craft a compelling cover letter:In your cover letter, share what excites you about database management and how you can contribute to DP World. Mention any relevant projects where you tackled challenges or implemented new solutions. Let us know why you want to join our team and how your passion aligns with our goals.
Document your projects:If you've worked on interesting database projects—maybe during your studies or in previous roles—be sure to include those in your application. If you can, link to a portfolio or GitHub repo where we can see examples of your work. Having a tangible showcase of your skills will really make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at DP World
✨Brush Up on Database Tools
Make sure you're well-versed with popular database management systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. Incorporating real-world examples of how you've used these tools in past projects will show that you can put theory into practice, which is something DP World will definitely appreciate.
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Get ready for some technical questions focused on SQL queries and database design. We should anticipate coding challenges where you might need to optimise queries or design a database schema on the spot. Practising these problems will build our confidence to impress in the interview.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Besides just technical know-how, be prepared to answer scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would approach data integrity issues or handle performance bottlenecks — DP World will want to see your analytical side!
✨Show Your Collaboration Spirit
Since this is a full-time role, it's crucial to highlight how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams or contributed to team projects in the past. Emphasising our interpersonal skills will demonstrate that you’re not just a tech wizard, but also a team player who fits well with DP World's culture.
