At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise Azure SQL databases while supporting data analysis and reporting.
- Company: Join Firemelon, the UK's leading software provider in Travel and Pet Insurance.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, private healthcare, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, fast-paced team making a real impact in the tech industry.
- Qualifications: Strong experience with Azure SQL, T-SQL, and database management required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Company Background
Firemelon is the UK leading provider of software solutions to the Travel and Pet Insurance sectors. Through our flagship Magenta system, we provide a platform to sell policies via call centres, direct websites and price comparison sites. Firemelon have a wide range of clients in the UK and worldwide from small brokers to large blue-chip organisations. We continue our ambitious plans and are looking for talented people to join our fun and fast-paced company to help take us to the next level. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected and you’d be joining a team of talented, passionate individuals who have our clients’ needs at the heart of everything they do. We are a growing company, where every single person is encouraged to contribute to ideas, projects and ways of working. Every single member of the team is important to the success of our business!
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Azure SQL Database Administrator/Data Platform Engineer to manage, optimise and support multiple Azure SQL database environments. The role requires strong technical expertise in Azure SQL, performance tuning, data integrity and operational excellence, along with the ability to work across multiple database schemas and applications. The successful person will work closely with development, support and infrastructure teams to ensure high availability, performance, security and scalability of client databases while also supporting our reporting roadmap.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Analysis + Reporting Support
- Assist with data analysis and investigation requests from internal teams and clients
- Write and optimize complex SQL queries for reporting and analytics
- Support BI and reporting tools by ensuring data quality and query performance
- Provide insights into data trends, anomalies, and integrity issues
- Client + Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a technical point of contact for database-related client queries
- Provide guidance and recommendations to clients on data platform best practices
- Produce clear technical documentation and runbooks
- Support incident response and root-cause analysis related to database issues
- Database Management + Operations
- Administer Azure SQL Databases (Single, Elastic Pool, and Managed Instance) across multiple clients and environments
- Manage multiple database schemas per client while ensuring strict data isolation and security
- Perform regular database housekeeping activities including:
- Index maintenance and fragmentation management
- Statistics updates
- Data archiving and aligned with mandatory regulatory obligations, including GDPR
- Regular review and cleanup of obsolete database objects
- Monitor database health, capacity, and resource utilization
- Implement and manage backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies (Azure backups, geo-replication, point-in-time restore)
- Performance Optimisation + Tuning
- Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across queries, indexes, and database design
- Work closely with the development team to improve inefficient SQL queries
- Optimize schema design and indexing strategies
- Tune Azure SQL performance using:
- Query Store
- Intelligent Insights
- Azure Monitor and Log Analytics
- Provide proactive recommendations to improve scalability and cost efficiency
- Application + ORM Support (Entity Framework)
- Work with development teams to support applications using Entity Framework
- Diagnose and resolve ORM-related performance issues
- Advise on best practices for LINQ query optimisation
- Data Integration + Pipelines
- Design, maintain, and support data ingestion and transformation pipelines using Azure Data Factory
- Monitor and troubleshoot pipelines, linked services, and data flows
- Support integrations between Azure SQL and other Azure services (Blob Storage, Data Lake, Synapse, APIs)
- Ensure reliability, performance, and auditability of data movement processes
- Security, Governance + Compliance
- Implement and manage role-based security, permissions, and access controls
- Support data protection requirements including encryption, masking, and auditing
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and client-specific data standards
- Manage schema changes and access in a controlled, auditable manner
Skills + Experience
Essential Criteria
- Technical Skills
- Strong experience administering Azure SQL Database
- Advanced T-SQL development and query optimization skills
- Proven experience managing and optimizing databases with:
- Multiple schemas
- Multiple clients or tenants
- Hands-on experience with Entity Framework / EF Core
- Practical experience with Azure Data Factory
- Strong understanding of indexing, query plans, locking, and concurrency
- Experience with Azure monitoring, alerting, and diagnostics
- Analytical + Operational Skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to diagnose complex performance and data issues
- Experience working in production environments with high availability requirements
- Ability to manage priorities across multiple clients and systems
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with:
- Microsoft Fabric
- Azure Synapse Analytics
- Azure Data Lake
- Power BI or similar BI tools
- Knowledge of CI/CD for databases (Azure DevOps, GitHub, DACPACs)
- Familiarity with multi-tenant application architectures
- Cost optimization experience in Azure
- Scripting experience (PowerShell, Azure CLI)
- Exposure to data governance and master data management concepts
- Experience querying and building dashboards in Azure Log Analytics (KQL)
Benefits
To attract the very best talent, we offer a great package and numerous benefits, including:
- Hybrid Working
- Flexible Working
- Continuous Professional Development
- Salary Sacrifice Company Pension
- Enhanced Holiday Entitlement
- Holiday Trading Scheme
- Private Healthcare and Wellbeing Membership
- Social and Team Events
- Eyecare and Flu Vaccination Scheme
- Paid Lunch Hour
Firemelon Limited is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Azure SQL Database Administrator / Data Platform Engineer in Belfast employer: Firemelon
Firemelon is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member's contributions are valued. With a commitment to employee growth through continuous professional development and a range of benefits including hybrid working, enhanced holiday entitlement, and private healthcare, Firemelon provides a supportive environment for its employees to thrive in their roles as Azure SQL Database Administrators/Data Platform Engineers. Located in the UK, the company fosters a fun and fast-paced atmosphere, making it an ideal place for talented individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the software solutions sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Azure SQL Database Administrator / Data Platform Engineer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 showcasing your Azure SQL skills. Get comfortable talking about your past experiences and how they relate to the role at Firemelon. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications through our website. A quick email or message can show your enthusiasm and keep you on the radar of hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex database issues in the past. Firemelon values analytical minds that can think on their feet!
We think you need these skills to ace Azure SQL Database Administrator / Data Platform Engineer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Azure SQL Database Administrator role. Highlight your experience with Azure SQL, T-SQL development, and any relevant projects you've worked on. 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 you can contribute to our team at Firemelon. Don't forget to mention any specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise. Mention your experience with performance tuning, data integrity, and any tools like Azure Data Factory or Entity Framework. We love seeing candidates who are confident in their abilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our fun and fast-paced company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Firemelon
✨Know Your Azure SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Azure SQL Database knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with performance tuning, data integrity, and operational excellence. Familiarise yourself with the specific features of Azure SQL that are relevant to the role, such as query optimisation and backup strategies.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved complex database issues in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your analytical skills and ability to manage priorities across multiple clients.
✨Engage with Technical Scenarios
Expect technical questions or scenarios related to database management and operations. Practice explaining your thought process when optimising queries or managing multiple schemas. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to think critically under pressure.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Questions
Since the role involves acting as a technical point of contact for clients, prepare to discuss how you've previously engaged with stakeholders. Think about how you can communicate complex technical concepts clearly and provide recommendations on best practices for data platforms.
