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- Tasks: Manage SQL databases and ensure optimal performance in a secure Azure environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company dedicated to making a positive societal impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that leverage data for meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience; Microsoft certifications are a plus.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
This role will be mainly remote but require flexibility to travel to client sites.
Working Hours: 09:00 - 17:30
Salary: £40k to £60k
Role Summary
Working on a secure Microsoft Azure-based environment providing analysts with SQL databases, data lakes, file storage, and advanced analytics tools. The SQL Database & Server Manager is responsible for overseeing the health, performance, security, and availability of approximately 10 SQL databases and a central Azure Data Lake, ensuring the platform remains reliable for mission-critical analytical workloads. This role also supports the Data Engineering function, assisting with ETL/ELT processing, maintaining data pipelines built with Microsoft Azure and Databricks tooling, and ensuring all underlying database services operate effectively during core business hours.
Key Responsibilities
- Database Administration & Operations
- Manage provisioning, configuration, and ongoing administration of Azure SQL databases and related services, aligned with client capacity and performance needs.
- Monitor and tune database performance using Azure Monitor, Query Performance Insight, and other diagnostic tools to ensure optimal query execution and resource utilisation.
- Perform regular patching, maintenance, and security updates on database servers and associated infrastructure.
- Platform Reliability & Support
- Ensure the client data platform (SQL databases, data lake, file shares) remains operational during supported hours (09:00-17:30).
- Troubleshoot platform issues, including connection failures, performance degradation, and data-access problems, resolving issues in line with SLAs.
- Maintain clear operational documentation for configurations, processes, and incident resolutions.
- Security, Compliance & Governance
- Implement Azure SQL security controls including encryption, RBAC, firewall rules, and auditing to ensure compliance with government-grade security and GDPR standards.
- Enforce data governance policies covering access management, backup policies, recovery objectives, and data handling standards.
- Backup, Recovery & Business Continuity
- Manage automated backups, geo-replication (where appropriate), and disaster-recovery configurations for SQL databases.
- Ensure rapid recovery procedures are in place and periodically tested.
- Data Engineering & ETL Support
- Support client Engineers in maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines across SQL, Azure Data Lake, and Databricks environments.
- Assist with ingestion, transformation, and optimisation of analytic datasets used by client analysts.
- Contribute to scalable architecture patterns informed by Azure best practice for analytics and data lakehouse architectures.
- Automation & Continuous Improvement
- Automate routine tasks (backups, alerts, performance scans, updates) using PowerShell, Azure CLI, or automation services to streamline operations.
- Drive platform improvements that enhance reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency.
Technical Skills
- Strong experience administering Azure SQL Database, SQL Server, and related Azure data services.
- Experience working with data lakes (incl. Delta Lakes) and familiarity with modern analytics architectures.
- Proficiency with ETL/ELT tooling, particularly Databricks, Azure Data Factory, and SQL-based transformations.
- Expertise in performance tuning, query optimisation, indexing strategies, and capacity planning.
- Deep understanding of database security, IAM, encryption, and compliance frameworks.
Operational & Soft Skills
- Proven ability to manage enterprise-grade databases with high availability and security requirements.
- Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills under pressure.
- Ability to maintain consistent support coverage, collaborating within a managed service team.
- Clear communication skills for supporting analysts, data engineers, and senior stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience.
- Relevant Microsoft certifications (e.g., Azure Database Administrator Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate) strongly desirable.
Security Clearance
UKSV (United Kingdom Security Vetting) clearance is required for this role, with Security Check (SC) as the minimum standard, either already held or with a willingness to undergo the process. Some roles/projects may require Developed Vetting (DV) clearance; while not mandatory, a willingness to obtain DV clearance would be beneficial.
As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS); details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website GOV.UK - Government baseline personnel security standard. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Working at MA
Methods Analytics (MA) exists to improve society by helping people make better decisions with data. Combining passionate people, sector-specific insight, and technical excellence to provide our customers an end-to-end data service. We use a collaborative, creative and user centric approach to data to do good and solve difficult problems. Ensuring that our outputs are transparent, robust, and transformative. We value discussion and debate as part of our approach. We will question assumptions, ambition, and process - but do so with respect and humility. We relish difficult problems, and overcome them with innovation, creativity, and technical freedom to help us design optimum solutions. Ethics, privacy, and quality are at the heart of our work, and we will not sacrifice these for outcomes. We treat data with respect and use it only for the right purpose. Our people are positive, dedicated, and relentless. Data is a vast topic, but we strive for interactions that are engaging, informative and fun in equal measure. But maintain a steely focus on outcomes and delivering quality products for our customers. We are passionate about our people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.
By joining us you can expect:
- Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
- Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
- Strong, inspiring, and thought-provoking leadership
- A supportive and collaborative environment
Benefits
- Annual two-day technical hackathon bringing together all technical teams for innovation and collaboration
- Monthly Engineering & Architecture Community of Practice event
- Bi-annual whole company teambuilding events bringing everyone together for a day of fun and connection
- Development access to Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning
- Volunteering - 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation
- Private Medical Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
- Worldwide Travel Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
- Life Assurance of 4 times base salary
- Time off - 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year
- Pension Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
- Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance programme
- Social - office parties, pizza Friday and commitment to charitable causes
SQL Database & Server Manager employer: EdgeMethods
Contact Detail:
EdgeMethods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SQL Database & Server Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. 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 interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SQL databases and Azure. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository with projects that highlight your experience with Azure SQL, ETL processes, and data engineering. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace SQL Database & Server Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the SQL Database & Server Manager role. Highlight your experience with Azure SQL databases, data lakes, and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills match 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 passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that relate to the job.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially around performance tuning, ETL/ELT processes, and database security. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've tackled challenges in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at EdgeMethods
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Azure SQL Database and how you've managed performance tuning and query optimisation in past roles. They’ll likely want to hear about specific challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Azure Tools
Since this role involves working with Azure Data Lake and Databricks, it’s crucial to understand these tools. Dive into their functionalities and think of examples where you’ve used them effectively. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools but can also leverage them for data engineering tasks.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to troubleshoot database issues or ensure platform reliability. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Technical skills are essential, but don’t forget to highlight your communication and collaboration abilities. Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with analysts and engineers in the past, and how you maintain clear documentation and support coverage. This will demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded candidate who fits into their team culture.