At a Glance
- Tasks: Solve complex SQL Server issues and enhance platform performance.
- Company: Exalto Consulting, a forward-thinking organisation modernising SQL operations.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible contract, and hands-on technical work.
- Other info: 3-6 month contract with opportunities for local talent in Halifax.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on SQL environments and drive change quickly.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server experience and problem-solving skills required.
3-6 month contract | Outside IR35 | 3 days per week in Halifax
Exalto Consulting is supporting an organisation that is modernising and improving the way it manages and operates its SQL Server estate. We are looking for a hands‐on Senior SQL Engineer who enjoys getting deeply technical, solving problems quickly and improving the reliability and performance of core data platforms.
This role is not about overseeing an environment from a distance. It is about getting under the bonnet, removing blockers, strengthening low‐level design and ensuring the platform is robust, well‐monitored and resilient.
The Opportunity
You will work directly with the internal engineering and operations teams to understand where issues are coming from, how the estate is behaving and where improvements can be made. Your work will help stabilise the platform, reduce risk and increase productivity across the business. This is a role for someone who enjoys making a tangible impact in a short space of time.
What You'll Be Working On
- Investigating and resolving SQL Server performance issues at engine level
- Improving low‐level platform design, including schema, indexing and storage decisions
- Reviewing and strengthening backup and recovery strategies
- Enhancing monitoring and alerting to increase visibility and reduce noisy or missing signals
- Identifying and removing blockers affecting performance, stability or throughput
- Providing clear technical recommendations and working collaboratively with in‐house teams
What We're Looking For
- Strong, hands‐on SQL Server engineering experience
- Deep understanding of performance tuning, query optimisation and execution plans
- Experience working at low level on SQL platform design and configuration
- Solid knowledge of backup, recovery and high availability strategies
- Ability to assess, improve and implement monitoring approaches
- Someone who can work independently, get up to speed quickly and drive real change
Contract Details
- 3-6 month initial contract
- Outside IR35
- 3 days per week onsite in Halifax
- Competitive day rate
If you are a highly capable SQL Engineer, who lives in West Yorkshire (local to Halifax), who thrives on solving complex technical problems and improving the way SQL environments operate, please apply immediately!
Senior SQL Engineer - Outside IR35 - Halifax (West Yorkshire) employer: Exalto Consulting ltd
Exalto Consulting is an excellent employer for Senior Database Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment in Bradford with a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, an out-of-hours allowance, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative team that values technical expertise and continuous improvement. This role not only allows you to influence critical data platforms but also provides exposure to modernisation initiatives, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about data engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SQL Engineer - Outside IR35 - Halifax (West Yorkshire)
✨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 SQL Engineer - Outside IR35 - Halifax (West Yorkshire)
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 Exalto Consulting ltd. 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 Exalto Consulting ltd
✨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 Exalto Consulting ltd 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 — Exalto Consulting ltd 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 Exalto Consulting ltd's culture.
