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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer and optimise SQL Server databases while ensuring performance and stability.
- Company: Join a leading professional services organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Earn up to £65,000 with hybrid working and strong investment in modernisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role with cutting-edge SQL and Azure technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL DBA experience and Azure SQL expertise required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester / Birmingham / Sheffield / Chelmsford (Hybrid: 3 office / 2 WFH)
Salary: Up to £65,000 + benefits
Sector: Professional Services / Legal IT
Type: Permanent
What’s on offer:
- Salary up to £65,000
- Hybrid working: 3 days in office / 2 days WFH
- Modernising SQL and Azure environment with strong investment
The opportunity
We are working with a major professional services organisation seeking an experienced SQL Database Administrator to join a specialist team supporting large, business-critical SQL Server and Azure SQL platforms. This is a hands-on position where you’ll play a key role in maintaining performance, stability, and resilience across the firm’s core applications.
The role:
- Administer and optimise SQL Server databases (2014–2022) across on-prem and Azure.
- Deliver performance tuning, query optimisation and advanced troubleshooting.
- Manage HA/DR including AlwaysOn AGs, clustering, backups, and failover.
- Monitor capacity, patching, security, and database integrity.
- Support application upgrades, releases, and T-SQL-driven integrations.
- Provide 3rd-line support for major incidents.
- Produce documentation, runbooks, and operational best practice.
- Work closely with developers, infrastructure, and external vendors.
What we’re looking for
Essential:
- Strong commercial SQL Server DBA background in live production environments
- Azure SQL expertise (Managed Instance, SQL Database or SQL on Azure VMs)
- Proven HA/DR delivery: AlwaysOn, clustering, failover processes
- Deep performance tuning (execution plans, indexing, Query Store, Extended Events, wait stats)
- Confident T-SQL skills for diagnostics and automation
- Experience working within structured change control
- Clear communication skills and calm approach under pressure
Nice to have:
- Legal, insurance or professional services experience
- Exposure to DMS/PMS or other line-of-business systems
- SSIS, ADF or wider integration tooling experience
- Interest in cloud transformation and platform uplift initiatives.
How to apply
If you’re an experienced SQL Database Administrator seeking a high-impact role in a modern, forward-thinking professional services environment, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.
SQL DBA in Chelmsford employer: Picture More Ltd
Contact Detail:
Picture More Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SQL DBA in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in SQL or Azure environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a GitHub repository showcasing your SQL projects, performance tuning examples, or any cool integrations you've worked on. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common DBA scenarios and challenges. Think about how you would handle performance issues or HA/DR situations. We want you to be ready to impress with your problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace SQL DBA in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your SQL Server DBA experience and Azure expertise. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in performance tuning and HA/DR delivery!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the role, and let us know what excites you about working with us at StudySmarter.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since clear communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects that. Keep your language professional yet approachable, and ensure everything is well-structured and easy to read. We love a good, clear message!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Picture More Ltd
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server knowledge, especially versions 2014 to 2022. Be ready to discuss performance tuning, query optimisation, and HA/DR strategies like AlwaysOn AGs. The more confident you are with these topics, the better you'll impress your interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Azure Skills
Since this role involves Azure SQL, be prepared to talk about your experience with Managed Instances and SQL Databases. If you've worked with SQL on Azure VMs, share specific examples of how you've optimised performance or managed backups. This will show that you're not just familiar but also hands-on with the technology.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like troubleshooting a major incident or managing a failover process. Think through your past experiences and be ready to explain how you handled challenges, focusing on your calm approach under pressure and clear communication skills.
✨Documentation is Key
Highlight your ability to produce documentation and runbooks. Discuss any operational best practices you've implemented in previous roles. This shows that you understand the importance of maintaining clarity and consistency in a DBA role, which is crucial for supporting developers and external vendors.
