At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the data platform strategy and design modern Azure solutions for client reporting.
- Company: Growing UK software company in the insurance sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, private healthcare, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and lead a team as the role grows.
- Why this job: Shape a greenfield role and make a real impact on data delivery using cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in SQL DBA and Azure data platforms, strong T-SQL skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are working with a growing UK software company in the insurance space to hire an Azure SQL DBA / Data Platform Engineer into a brand new role. They build and run the platforms their clients rely on to sell and manage policies across multiple channels, serving everyone from small brokers to large blue chip organisations, and they are sitting on a wealth of valuable real-time policy and quote data across a large client base.
This is first and foremost an ownership role. The business has a multi-year strategy to consolidate how it delivers reporting to clients, moving away from one-off bespoke reports towards modern, repeatable Azure tooling, and they need someone to come in, understand the landscape and define the roadmap for how it gets done. You will not be inheriting a finished playbook. You will be writing it. The day-to-day SQL DBA work sits alongside this as the smaller part of the role.
What you will be doing:
- Taking ownership of the reporting and data platform strategy, a multi-year programme to consolidate bespoke client reporting into modern, repeatable Azure solutions
- Assessing the current data landscape across a large and varied client base and defining the approach and delivery roadmap yourself
- Designing and building ETL and data delivery pipelines using Azure Data Factory or Microsoft Fabric, delivering data to clients in a range of formats and mechanisms
- Working with the head of data on report requirements and alongside a dedicated Azure platform engineer who provisions the underlying resources
- Exploring modern and AI-assisted ways to transform and deliver data, with Azure AI Foundry already in use across the business
- Looking after the day-to-day health of the Azure SQL estate, around 20% of the role, covering performance, capacity, housekeeping, backups and security
- Identifying poorly performing queries using Azure SQL's performance tooling and working with the development team to resolve them
What we are looking for:
- Experience in a SQL DBA and/or Azure data platform role, ideally with exposure to both
- Strong SQL Server and Azure SQL administration with solid T-SQL, this is critical
- Hands-on ETL experience with Azure Data Factory or Microsoft Fabric, this is essential
- A genuine self-starter who can take an open-ended problem, understand the landscape and come back with a clear plan
- Confident engaging stakeholders across the business and comfortable owning the function on your own initially
- The appetite to build and lead a team around this as it grows
Useful but not essential:
- Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Lake or Power BI, whichever side you have not already covered
- Experience consolidating data from multiple sources into a single platform or data lake
- AI tooling such as Azure AI Foundry
- CI/CD for databases, Azure cost optimisation, PowerShell or Azure CLI
- Data governance and master data management
The details:
- Location: Belfast, hybrid, three days in the office Tuesday to Thursday and two from home
- No out-of-hours or on-call requirement
- A genuinely greenfield role with full scope to shape it and grow a team over time
- One-stage interview process
- Continuous professional development, salary sacrifice company pension, enhanced holiday entitlement and a holiday trading scheme
- Private healthcare and wellbeing membership, eyecare and flu vaccination scheme
- Paid lunch hour and regular social and team events
If this sounds like your next move, apply now or get in touch with us directly for a chat.
Azure DBA and Platform Engineer in Newtownabbey employer: MCS Group
Join a dynamic and innovative software company in the heart of Belfast, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of a transformative data platform strategy. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers continuous professional development, a supportive hybrid work culture, and unique benefits such as private healthcare and regular team events, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in the tech industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Azure DBA and Platform Engineer in Newtownabbey
✨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 Azure DBA and Platform Engineer in Newtownabbey
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 MCS Group. 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 MCS Group
✨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 MCS Group 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 — MCS Group 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 MCS Group's culture.
