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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer and optimise SQL Server databases in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Join a leading global financial services organisation with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible work arrangements, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring database security and performance in a high-stakes environment.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server experience and T-SQL development skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Chester - 3 days per week onsite
Contract: 12 months
Rate: .00 per day via umbrella company
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a leading global financial services organisation to find an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator. This role sits within a high-performing technology environment responsible for supporting large-scale, business-critical database platforms. You will work as part of a collaborative team ensuring database systems remain secure, highly available, and optimised for performance across a complex enterprise environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Administer and maintain SQL Server database environments, ensuring data integrity, security, and availability.
- Implement and maintain data models, database designs, and access structures.
- Monitor database health and performance, proactively diagnosing and resolving issues.
- Support high availability and disaster recovery solutions, including clustering, database mirroring, log shipping, and AlwaysOn replication.
- Perform database performance tuning and optimisation using tools such as SQL Profiler, Extended Events, Database Engine Tuning Advisor, execution plans, and Performance Monitor.
- Develop and optimise T‑SQL code, including stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views.
- Manage backup and recovery processes, index design, and database capacity planning.
- Support SQL Server upgrades, migrations, and instance management.
- Troubleshoot and resolve database issues in real time within high‑availability environments.
- Work closely with development teams on query tuning and schema refinement.
- Help automate routine database processes and maintain documentation of system changes.
Skills & Experience
- Strong experience administering Microsoft SQL Server environments.
- Experience working with SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS.
- Hands‑on experience implementing or supporting high availability solutions (AlwaysOn, clustering, mirroring, log shipping).
- Strong T‑SQL development and optimisation skills.
- Experience troubleshooting database performance and capacity issues.
- Familiarity with ITIL service management processes (incident, change, release, and problem management).
- Working knowledge of Windows Server administration.
- Exposure to PowerShell scripting is beneficial.
- Experience with tools such as BMC Remedy and enterprise storage systems is advantageous.
Candidates will ideally show evidence of the above in their CV to be considered.
SQL Server DBA employer: Pontoon
Contact Detail:
Pontoon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SQL Server DBA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common DBA questions and scenarios. We recommend setting up mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through projects or contributions to open-source databases. This not only enhances your portfolio but also demonstrates your hands-on experience with SQL Server and related technologies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace SQL Server DBA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your SQL Server experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your T-SQL development and optimisation skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the SQL Server DBA role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled database performance issues or implemented high availability solutions in the past.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, mention instances where you've diagnosed and resolved database issues in real-time. We love candidates who can think on their feet and keep systems running smoothly, so make sure to highlight those experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with T-SQL development, performance tuning, and high availability solutions like AlwaysOn and clustering. Practising common SQL queries and troubleshooting scenarios can really help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved database issues in real-time. Highlight your experience with tools like SQL Profiler and Performance Monitor, and explain how you’ve optimised database performance in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research the financial services organisation you're interviewing with. Understand their business model and how they utilise SQL Server databases. This will not only help you tailor your answers but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the technology stack they use, and their approach to database management. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about finding a good fit for both you and the company.