At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead database management and optimisation, focusing on Microsoft SQL Server and Azure services.
- Company: London Business School, a prestigious institution fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension contributions, free gym access, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and dedicated time for personal development.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make a real impact in a dynamic tech environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience with SQL Server, Azure, and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
London Business School is seeking an experienced Senior Database Administrator to lead the ongoing management, optimisation and modernisation of its database estate. This role has a strong focus on Microsoft SQL Server and Azure-based data services and will play a critical part in our migration to Microsoft Azure. You will provide deep technical expertise across database operations, migration planning, performance tuning, security and service improvement. Working closely with Technology colleagues, project teams, suppliers and business stakeholders, you will ensure our database platforms are secure, resilient, well‑governed and able to support the School's teaching, research, operational and reporting needs.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and delivery of database upgrades, migrations and decommissioning activities, including resource and dependency planning.
- Manage day‑to‑day operational support for Microsoft SQL Server and related Azure data services.
- Monitor, tune and continuously improve database performance, availability, capacity and resilience.
- Troubleshoot and resolve database integrity, performance, replication, connectivity and security issues.
- Respond to alerts, failed jobs and incidents, ensuring timely resolution and robust root‑cause analysis.
- Design and implement automation for database administration, monitoring, deployment and maintenance activities.
- Manage production releases, patching, upgrades, backup, restore and maintenance processes.
- Maintain accurate database, application and licensing inventories and documentation.
- Contribute to DevOps practices, including infrastructure as code and automated deployment pipelines.
- Define and implement best practice for database security, access control, data retention, backup, recovery and compliance.
- Develop and maintain SSIS packages and support reporting requirements using SSRS, Power BI and other approved platforms.
- Build strong relationships with technical and business stakeholders and support agile delivery and continuous improvement across Technology.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience administering Microsoft SQL Server and related technologies.
- Experience working in cloud environments, ideally Microsoft Azure.
- Strong understanding of DevOps practices and infrastructure as code.
- Proven experience across the full engineering lifecycle, from design through to testing and deployment.
- Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Sound knowledge of data security, policies, regulations and legislation, particularly around data retention and security.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave of 27 days plus extra between Christmas and New Year.
- Generous pension package, 14.5% employer contribution (in return for employee enrolment and contribution).
- Free onsite gym and swimming pool.
- Ample professional development opportunities to support your career path.
- Enhanced cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Wellbeing offering to support your physical, mental and financial health.
Work Arrangements
- All roles require a minimum of two days on campus each week to foster a vibrant, collaborative community. For this role specifically, you will be expected to be on campus two days per week.
- We operate with 'core hours' – 10:00 to 15:00 – to maximise opportunities for connection and collaboration across teams during the working day. Outside of these hours, you may still be required for meetings or collaboration based on your role and customer needs.
- Additionally, we offer Protected Time – a flexible, one‑hour slot within the working week dedicated to your learning and development, wellbeing, or focused, quiet work.
Database Administrator in City of Westminster employer: London Business School
London Business School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and ample opportunities for career development, employees are supported in both their personal and professional lives. The role of Senior Database Administrator not only allows for impactful contributions to the school's technological advancements but also fosters a strong sense of community through on-campus engagement and a commitment to wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Database Administrator in City of Westminster
✨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 Database Administrator in City of Westminster
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 London Business School. 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 London Business School
✨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 London Business School 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 — London Business School 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 London Business School's culture.
