At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise Azure SQL databases, ensuring security and performance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company embracing cloud-first solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on innovation and automation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cloud technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in database administration with strong Azure experience required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
This is not a traditional on-premise SQL Server DBA position. We are looking for a genuinely cloud-first DBA who combines strong SQL Server fundamentals with substantial, recent experience managing production database services in Microsoft Azure. You must already be comfortable operating within Azure at scale.
The role involves working within a modern Cloud Platform team, taking responsibility for the deployment, operation, security and continual improvement of development and production database environments. You will help move the database estate towards cloud-native, automated and repeatable ways of working, improving resilience, performance, security and operational efficiency across the platform.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing and optimising production database services within Azure
- Supporting the modernisation and migration of SQL Server workloads into Azure
- Monitoring performance and resolving issues involving queries, indexing, capacity, CPU and I/O
- Designing and maintaining backup, restore, high-availability and disaster-recovery processes
- Implementing database security, encryption, access controls, patching and vulnerability management
- Automating database provisioning, configuration and routine operational tasks
- Improving CI/CD processes for database changes and deployments
- Establishing cloud database standards, documentation and operational runbooks
- Working closely with Platform Engineering, Architecture, Information Security, Compliance and application teams
Essential experience:
- At least five years' experience in database administration, with strong Microsoft SQL Server expertise
- Substantial, recent hands-on experience operating large-scale Azure infrastructure and database services
- Production experience with Azure SQL Database and/or Azure SQL Managed Instance
- Experience modernising or migrating SQL Server workloads into Azure - not simply supporting SQL Server on-premise
- Strong knowledge of performance monitoring, query optimisation, indexing and capacity management
- Expertise across backup, restore, replication, resilience and disaster recovery
- Experience applying database security and least-privilege access controls within Azure
- Strong scripting and automation capability using PowerShell, Python or similar
- Experience with modern CloudOps, DevOps or Site Reliability Engineering practices
- Familiarity with CI/CD, source-controlled database changes and automated deployments
- Working knowledge of Windows and Linux operating environments
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills within a complex enterprise environment
What "cloud-first" means for this position:
Your Azure experience must be practical and production-based. Certifications are valuable, but they will not replace evidence that you have personally operated, secured, automated and optimised database platforms within Azure. This opportunity is unlikely to be suitable if your experience is predominantly:
- Long-term administration of traditional on-premise SQL Server estates
- Limited to SQL Server hosted on Azure virtual machines
- Based on training, certifications or personal projects rather than production ownership
- Focused on manual DBA processes without automation, DevOps or cloud-native practices
We are looking for someone who is already an Azure-focused database engineer - not a traditional DBA hoping to transition into one.
Cloud-First SQL Database Administrator - Azure in Bradford employer: IO Associates
Join a leading engineering organisation that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact high-performance solutions in safety-critical environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor fellow engineers and shape technical direction while working in an Agile/SAFe environment. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique chance to be part of cutting-edge projects in defence, aerospace, and industrial technology, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cloud-First SQL Database Administrator - Azure in Bradford
✨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 Cloud-First SQL Database Administrator - Azure in Bradford
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 IO Associates. 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 IO Associates
✨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 IO Associates 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 — IO Associates 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 IO Associates's culture.
