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- Tasks: Administer and optimise SQL Server and Azure Cosmos DB for performance and reliability.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking engineering team in Edinburgh with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing critical databases and tackling performance challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server skills and experience with Azure Cosmos DB required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about data management and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a skilled Database Administrator (DBA) with deep SQL Server expertise and hands‑on experience with Cosmos DB to join the client’s engineering team. The successful candidate will play a key role in optimising the performance, reliability, and scalability of our mission‑critical databases that support a large legacy application currently experiencing latency challenges. This role involves both strategic improvements and tactical performance tuning, ensuring that our data platform evolves while continuing to support existing business processes effectively.
Main Duties:
- Administer, configure, and support SQL Server environments across development, test, and production.
- Manage, optimise, and monitor Azure Cosmos DB workloads, ensuring cost‑effective, scalable performance.
- Perform proactive capacity planning, patching, and upgrades to meet operational needs.
- Identify and resolve database performance issues impacting legacy systems.
- Improve query and indexing strategies, schema design, and execution plans to reduce latency.
- Introduce monitoring and alerting improvements aligned to operational SLAs and KPIs.
- Ensure compliance with data legislation and security standards, including GDPR and government policy.
- Manage access controls, auditing, and data protection measures.
- Maintain documentation that supports transparency, continuity, and operational resilience.
- Support the evolution of data platforms with modern architectures where appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with engineering and delivery teams to support service transformation initiatives.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Strong SQL Server administration experience in live service environments.
- Demonstrable expertise in performance tuning and troubleshooting database bottlenecks.
- Practical experience with Azure Cosmos DB, including throughput, indexing, and partitioning strategies.
- Understanding of HA/DR design principles and tooling.
- Commitment to secure, well‑governed data management practices.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, service‑focused environment.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience in public sector (Scotland) IT services and associated compliance standards.
- Familiarity with cloud‑hosted operational databases and Azure infrastructure.
- Knowledge of automation (PowerShell, ARM/Bicep, Terraform, DevOps pipelines).
- Experience supporting legacy application transformation or migration projects.
This role has been deemed Outside IR35 by the client. Applicants must hold, or be happy to apply for, a valid Basic Disclosure Scotland.
SQL DBA employer: Harvey Nash Group
Contact Detail:
Harvey Nash Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SQL DBA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with SQL Server or Azure Cosmos DB. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your SQL projects and performance tuning successes. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common DBA scenarios. Think about how you'd tackle performance issues or optimise database operations. We want you to be ready to impress with real-world examples!
✨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 DBA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your SQL Server and Cosmos DB experience. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in performance tuning and database management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the challenges we face with our legacy systems.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, mention specific examples where you've tackled database performance issues or improved data governance. We’re looking for someone who can think on their feet and come up with effective solutions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash Group
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server administration skills. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with performance tuning and troubleshooting database bottlenecks. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this shows your depth of understanding.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Cosmos DB
Since the role requires practical experience with Azure Cosmos DB, take some time to review its features, especially throughput, indexing, and partitioning strategies. You might be asked specific questions about how you've optimised workloads in the past, so have some examples ready.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've identified and resolved database performance issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your strategic improvements and tactical performance tuning efforts.
✨Understand Data Governance and Security
Since compliance with data legislation like GDPR is crucial, be ready to talk about your experience with data quality, governance, and security standards. Demonstrating your commitment to secure data management practices will show that you’re a responsible candidate for the role.
