At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and enhance enterprise-scale SQL Server solutions while optimising database performance.
- Company: A growing financial technology business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, private healthcare, pension, competitive holidays, and professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with modern data technologies like Databricks and Snowflake.
- Why this job: Gain architectural influence and ownership in a dynamic international tech environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years SQL Server experience and strong T-SQL skills required.
The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ per year.
An established and growing financial technology business is looking for a Senior Database Developer to join its London technology team and take significant ownership of the design, performance and evolution of its core data platform. This is a hands‑on senior position for someone who has developed deep SQL Server expertise and progressed into making architectural decisions around data modelling, schema design and platform structure.
The Role
- Designing, developing and enhancing enterprise‑scale SQL Server solutions
- Taking ownership of schema design, data modelling and data architecture
- Optimising complex queries, execution plans, indexes and overall database performance
- Diagnosing production database issues and conducting root‑cause analysis
- Developing and maintaining data pipelines using dbt
- Supporting existing SSIS/SSRS solutions
- Managing database releases, including schema migrations, deployment scripts, versioning and rollback strategies
- Applying data warehousing principles across operational and analytical workloads
- Helping shape the future data platform as modern technologies such as Databricks and Snowflake are introduced
- Working closely with backend and frontend engineers to deliver end‑to‑end solutions
- Documenting architecture, data flows and key design decisions
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- 8+ years' SQL Server experience
- Expert-level T‑SQL
- Strong database performance tuning and index optimisation experience
- Excellent understanding of schema design and relational data modelling
- Proven ability to make and defend data architecture decisions
- Experience with SQL Server In‑Memory OLTP
- Hands‑on experience with database monitoring and performance tooling such as Redgate SQL Monitor, SQL Sentry or equivalent
- Strong understanding of database release and deployment processes
- Experience with SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
- Hands‑on dbt experience
- Experience with Power BI, including operational/paginated reporting
- Strong knowledge of data warehousing methodologies, including Kimball and Inmon
- Experience with Git, Jira and Agile development environments
Desirable Experience
Exposure to any of the following would be beneficial:
- Databricks or Snowflake
- AWS or other cloud environments
- Airflow or AWS Glue
- SSIS / SSRS
- Financial markets or financial data
- FinTech, SaaS, credit or data analytics environments
- Wider development technologies such as Python or C#
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to move beyond pure database development into a position with genuine architectural influence and ownership. You'll join an international technology environment, work closely with senior stakeholders and have the opportunity to influence how a business‑critical data platform develops as the organisation expands its use of modern data technologies. The business offers a hybrid working model, private healthcare, pension, competitive holiday allowance and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Senior Database Developer employer: Gravitas Group
As a global leader in risk and reinsurance, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development. The role of International Contracts Leader not only provides the opportunity to shape contract strategy across UK and Europe but also fosters personal growth through exposure to complex contractual issues and stakeholder management. With a commitment to innovation and high-quality standards, employees are empowered to thrive in a hybrid working model while contributing to meaningful solutions for clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Database Developer
✨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 Developer
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 Gravitas Group. 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 Gravitas Group
✨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 Gravitas Group 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 — Gravitas Group 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 Gravitas Group's culture.
