At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and enhance critical business applications and databases while driving system improvements.
- Company: Join a dynamic IT team in a leading legal firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on key business systems and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server DBA experience and excellent troubleshooting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced SQL Server DBA & Business Systems Specialist to join a dynamic IT team responsible for supporting and enhancing critical business applications, databases, reporting platforms, and system integrations. This role works closely with IT Applications, Development, and Finance teams to ensure the stability, security, and performance of key business systems. The successful candidate will play a vital role in driving system improvements, implementing best practices, supporting business‑critical processes, and delivering technical projects from inception through to completion. The ideal candidate will have strong SQL Server administration expertise, excellent technical troubleshooting skills, and a solid understanding of finance‑related business processes such as billing, accounts payable, or cashiering.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsibility for maintaining the integrity and performance of SQL Servers and related databases together with recommendations for enhancements.
- Management and implementation of security of all SQL Server databases, including regular review as per ISO27001.
- Ownership and control of user access permissions and privileges.
- Commissioning and decommissioning of SQL Servers in all environments.
- Maintain and automate refreshes of environments, patching and upgrades – this may be regular or ad‑hoc.
- Software installations of key business systems such as Aderant Expert, I4G, Spotlight, PTX, Intapp in all environments.
- Ownership of ISO27001 within the Business Systems Team.
- Testing after monthly Windows patching (Server and PCs), power‑down and other IT system upgrades.
- Aderant Expert – reviewing and executing fixes via SQL (post CAB approval).
- Mobile devices – deployment, upgrading and testing of apps (after OS upgrades).
- Deployment of SSRS reports and maintenance of environments.
Attributes / Skills Required
- Substantial experience as a SQL Server DBA or in a similar role.
- Substantial experience with performance tuning and optimisation (PTO).
- Substantial experience with backups, restores, and recovery models.
- Substantial experience with High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) options for SQL Server.
- Familiarity with the main data manipulation languages and principles of database design.
- A willingness to keep up to date with developments in new technology.
- Experience with Windows Server, including Active Directory preferred.
- Previous law firm experience preferred.
- Flexibility – some out‑of‑hours working will be required, particularly around enhancements and upgrades, month‑end processes, unexpected downtime, and monthly server patching.
DBA Legal Applications Technician employer: DVF Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking IT team that values innovation and collaboration, where your expertise as a DBA Legal Applications Technician will directly contribute to the stability and performance of essential business systems. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and encourages you to implement best practices in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a commitment to employee well-being, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DBA Legal Applications Technician
✨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 DBA Legal Applications Technician
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 DVF Recruitment. 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 DVF Recruitment
✨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 DVF Recruitment 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 — DVF Recruitment 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 DVF Recruitment's culture.
