At a Glance
- 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 skill development.
- Other info: 12-month contract with potential for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing critical databases and supporting legacy systems.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server skills and experience with Azure Cosmos DB required.
We are seeking a skilled Database Administrator (DBA) with deep SQL Server expertise and hands-on experience with Cosmos DB to join the clients 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.
- Database Operations
- 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.
- Performance & Optimisation
- Identify and resolve database performance issues impacting legacy systems.
- Introduce monitoring and alerting improvements aligned to operational SLAs and KPIs.
- Data Quality, Governance & Security
- Ensure compliance with data legislation and security standards, including GDPR and government policy.
- Manage access controls, auditing, and data protection measures.
- Support the evolution of data platforms with modern architectures where appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with engineering and delivery teams to support service transformation initiatives.
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. Commitment to secure, well-governed data management practices. 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.
SQL DBA (Temporary) in Edinburgh employer: Harvey Nash
Join a forward-thinking engineering team in Edinburgh as a SQL Database Administrator, where your expertise will directly contribute to optimising critical databases for a large legacy application. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements and competitive day rates. With a commitment to data governance and security, this role not only provides the opportunity to enhance your technical skills but also to make a meaningful impact within the public sector IT landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SQL DBA (Temporary) in Edinburgh
✨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! If you’ve got a portfolio or examples of your work, don’t hesitate to share them during interviews. Demonstrating your hands-on experience with performance tuning and database optimisation can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the technical grill! Brush up on common SQL Server and Cosmos DB challenges, and be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar issues in the past. This shows you're not just book-smart but also practical.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy to find roles that match your skills. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the hiring process. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace SQL DBA (Temporary) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the SQL DBA role. Highlight your SQL Server expertise and any hands-on experience with Cosmos DB. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've optimised database performance or tackled latency challenges in the past.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, focus on your experience with Azure Cosmos DB and SQL Server administration. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage and optimise these environments effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with performance tuning and troubleshooting database bottlenecks. They’ll likely ask you about specific challenges you've faced, so have some examples ready!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Cosmos DB
Since this role involves Azure Cosmos DB, it’s crucial to understand its features like throughput, indexing, and partitioning strategies. Prepare to explain how you’ve managed and optimised workloads in the past, as this will show your practical experience.
✨Understand Data Governance and Security
Given the importance of compliance with data legislation like GDPR, be prepared to discuss your approach to data quality, governance, and security. Think about how you’ve implemented access controls and auditing measures in previous roles.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires close collaboration with engineering and delivery teams. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve worked with others to support service transformation initiatives. Highlight your communication skills and teamwork experience to demonstrate you’re a great fit for their culture.
