At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead database strategy and mentor a team of Database Administrators.
- Company: Dynamic tech company in London focused on cloud innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in a growing organisation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of database management with cutting-edge cloud technologies.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in database administration and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior SQL Server Engineer to join our team in London. This role requires a seasoned professional who can combine deep technical database expertise with formidable team management capabilities. The ideal candidate can work independently, help drive database strategy, optimization, and administration.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Core Requirements: Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server, including distributed Always On, and at least one open-source RDBMS platform (MySQL or PostgreSQL). Deep knowledge of database architecture, performance tuning, optimization, database design, backup/recovery, high availability, and disaster recovery.
- Cloud Database Expertise: Multiple years of production experience with AWS services such as RDS, Redshift or Snowflake, DynamoDB/Document DB; experience in migration, scaling, optimization, security best practices, compliance, and cost optimization.
- Skill Requirements: Automation & Scripting (Python, PowerShell, Ansible) and building automated deployment pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, monitoring solutions, and operational dashboards.
- Leadership & Management Responsibilities: Mentor a team of Offshore Database Administrators, provide technical guidance and best-practice recommendations, foster a collaborative, learning-focused environment. Define and execute database strategy aligned with business objectives, establish standards, procedures, and operational documentation, drive continuous improvement initiatives. Partner with development teams, architects, and infrastructure teams globally, communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, participate in capacity planning and architectural reviews. Participate in a rotation of one weekend every 8 weeks; major events may require all-hands support.
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 8+ years of database administration with at least 2 of 3 relational databases (SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL), 3+ years in a client-facing leadership or team-lead capacity, 3+ years working with AWS cloud database services, proven history managing large mission-critical production databases.
- Technical Skills: Advanced SQL programming and query optimization, partitioning, compression, database security, access control, auditing, compliance, active/passive clusters, Always On clusters, Azure Database (plus), performance monitoring, troubleshooting, data modeling, schema design, version control (Bitbucket).
- Soft Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, strong problem-solving and analytical thinking, ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities, collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams, strategic thinking with attention to operational detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field.
- AWS Certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Database – Specialty, Solutions Architect).
- Database vendor certifications (Microsoft, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL).
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
- Experience with monitoring tools such as CloudWatch, Datadog, Grafana.
- Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and exposure to data warehousing concepts and ETL processes.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead and shape database strategy for a growing organization.
- Work with innovative cloud technologies and modern database platforms.
- Collaborative, innovative team environment.
SME - AzureMSSQL DBA, Microsoft Azure in London employer: HCL Technologies Limited
As a Track Lead in MDM Intune, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee growth and development, offering access to higher education programmes and skills resources. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and ensures that your contributions directly enhance the stability and security of our endpoint ecosystem, impacting nearly all users across the enterprise. With generous personal time off and family benefits, we are committed to supporting a balanced and fulfilling work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SME - AzureMSSQL DBA, Microsoft Azure in London
✨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 SME - AzureMSSQL DBA, Microsoft Azure in London
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 HCL Technologies Limited. 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 HCL Technologies Limited
✨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 HCL Technologies Limited 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 — HCL Technologies Limited 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 HCL Technologies Limited's culture.
