At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and enhance SQL Server platforms for Sephora's business-critical applications.
- Company: Join Sephora, a leader in the beauty retail industry with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, opportunities for learning, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your database skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, T-SQL, and database administration.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that embraces authenticity and empowers personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
At Sephora, beauty is about feeling seen, valued, and empowered, individually and collectively. It is connecting deeply with others, celebrating diversity and inclusivity, unlocking your potential and making a difference every day. Together, we belong to something beautiful.
Since its inception in 1969 in Limoges, France, and as part of the LVMH Group since 1997, Sephora has been disrupting the prestige beauty retail industry. Today, Sephora continues to break with convention to drive its mission: champion a world of inspiration and inclusion where everyone can celebrate their beauty. With 56,000 employees in 35 countries, we connect customers and beauty brands within the world’s most passionate beauty community.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a mid‑weight Database Developer to support and enhance the SQL Server platforms that power SEPHORA UK’s business‑critical applications. This is a hybrid role (approx. 70% development / 30% DBA), ideal for someone who is confident writing optimised SQL and T‑SQL, and who also has hands‑on experience with day‑to‑day database administration in production environments. If you enjoy solving technical problems, improving performance, and working collaboratively with a variety of teams, this is a great opportunity to deepen both your development and DBA skills in a fast‑moving, supportive environment.
What you’ll be doing…
- Supporting database administration activities such as installation, configuration, monitoring, patching and performance tuning.
- Assisting with high‑availability and disaster‑recovery setups (e.g., Always On, log shipping or mirroring) as part of the DBA workload.
- Designing and developing efficient SQL and T‑SQL solutions including queries, stored procedures, views and functions.
- Maintaining and improving database structures through sound data modelling and optimisation practices.
- Supporting backup and recovery processes and helping ensure alignment with RPO/RTO requirements.
- Monitoring database health and troubleshooting performance issues using execution plans, DMVs and diagnostic tools.
- Working with XML/JSON data structures for parsing, querying and structured output.
- Building and maintaining SSIS packages and ETL processes.
- Collaborating with engineers, system administrators and Agile teams to support delivery, review code, and optimise queries.
This role is open to candidates based in London or remote within the UK.
What you’ll bring…
- Solid experience with Microsoft SQL Server in production environments, with demonstrable capability across both database development and core DBA responsibilities.
- Strong T‑SQL skills, including writing, optimising and tuning queries.
- Experience supporting SQL Server environments, including performance troubleshooting using DMVs, indexes and execution plans.
- Practical exposure to backup, recovery and high‑availability methods.
- Good understanding of relational database design, indexing strategies and performance considerations.
- Familiarity with SSIS or similar ETL tooling.
- Experience with XML/JSON handling and data transformations.
- Some experience with PowerShell scripting or automation (nice to have, not essential).
- Ability to collaborate with engineering, infrastructure and DevOps teams to resolve issues and support stable operations.
- Comfort working in Agile/Scrum delivery environments.
Here, you will find:
- Community, in which authenticity is embraced, and the strength of our differences fuels our collective spirit.
- Culture of empowerment, learning & growth, that offers you the tools, space and opportunity to learn, innovate and lead.
- Work that brings fulfillment. From delighting clients every day, to inspiring our industry at large, every action makes a difference.
Join us and belong to something beautiful. At Sephora, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone.
Database Developer employer: Sephora USA, Inc
Contact Detail:
Sephora USA, Inc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Database Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with Sephora employees on LinkedIn. A personal touch can make all the difference when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your SQL and T-SQL projects. Whether it's a GitHub repo or a personal website, having tangible examples of your work can really impress hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the technical interview! Brush up on your database administration knowledge and be ready to solve real-world problems on the spot. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values diversity and inclusion, just like Sephora does!
We think you need these skills to ace Database Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Database Developer role. Highlight your SQL and T-SQL expertise, as well as any DBA responsibilities you've handled. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about database development and how your background aligns with Sephora's values of diversity and inclusion. Show us your personality and what makes you unique!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, share examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the past. Whether it's optimising queries or improving database performance, we love to see how you approach problem-solving and collaboration with teams.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you'll be part of our beautiful community from the get-go. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join us at Sephora!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sephora USA, Inc
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL and T-SQL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with writing, optimising, and tuning queries. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will show your ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
✨Showcase Your DBA Experience
Highlight your hands-on experience with database administration tasks like installation, configuration, and performance tuning. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled high-availability setups or disaster recovery processes in past roles. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Familiarity with Tools is Key
If you've worked with SSIS or similar ETL tools, make sure to mention it! Discuss any experience you have with XML/JSON data structures and how you've used them in your projects. This shows that you're not just a developer but also someone who understands the broader data landscape.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Agile Experience
Since this role involves working closely with engineers and Agile teams, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've contributed to team projects and adapted to Agile methodologies. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment.