At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise high-performance SQL Server databases for critical applications.
- Company: Join Sephora, a leader in the beauty retail industry with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work options, empowering culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant community while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server development experience and expertise in T-SQL performance optimisation.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values authenticity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 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. With a curation of nearly 500 brands, and our own label, Sephora Collection, we offer the most unique and diverse range of products: fragrances, makeup, hair care, skincare... and much more.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Developer to design, optimise, and support the transactional SQL Server databases that power business‑critical applications. This is a hands‑on, application‑focused role centred on advanced T‑SQL development, query optimisation, and performance tuning, with secondary responsibility for production DBA activities. The role involves writing T‑SQL to support application performance and reliability, collaborating closely with software engineering teams, and supporting production SQL Server environments as needed.
What You’ll Be Doing…
- You’ll design, develop, and optimise high‑performance SQL Server solutions, including:
- Designing and optimising database schemas for high‑transaction application workloads.
- Developing and tuning complex T‑SQL (stored procedures, views, functions, triggers).
- Analysing execution plans and resolving performance bottlenecks, blocking, and deadlocks.
- Optimising indexes, statistics, and query patterns, including ORM‑generated SQL.
- Working with XML and JSON data structures within SQL Server.
- Partnering closely with software engineers to support application design, releases, and performance.
This role is open to candidates based in London or remote, based in the UK.
What You’ll Bring…
You’ll bring strong experience as a SQL Server developer working in production OLTP environments, with the confidence to support core DBA responsibilities when needed.
You Will Be Able To Demonstrate
- Strong experience as a SQL Server Developer in production OLTP environments, with confidence to support core DBA responsibilities when required.
- Expert T‑SQL skills with a focus on query optimisation and performance.
- Experience with high‑volume, performance‑critical application databases.
- Strong understanding of indexing, statistics, Query Store, and DMVs.
- Experience diagnosing SQL Server performance issues across database and OS layers.
- Working knowledge of HA/DR, backup, and recovery strategies.
- Familiarity with Agile delivery, GitHub, Redgate tools, and ORM‑generated SQL.
- Experience with SSIS is beneficial but not a core focus.
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 in London employer: Sephora
Contact Detail:
Sephora Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Database Developer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with fellow techies on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your SQL Server projects, including any performance tuning or complex T-SQL work you've done. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common SQL Server questions and scenarios. Practice explaining your thought process when optimising queries or resolving performance issues, as this will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our community at Sephora.
We think you need these skills to ace Database Developer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Database Developer role. Highlight your T-SQL expertise and any relevant projects you've worked on, so we can see how you fit into our beauty community.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for database development and how it connects to Sephora's mission of inclusivity and empowerment. Let us know why you want to be part of something beautiful!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled performance issues or optimised databases in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and creatively about challenges in SQL Server environments.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sephora
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your T-SQL skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss complex queries, stored procedures, and performance tuning techniques. Practising with real-world scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Understand the Business Context
Sephora values connection and empowerment, so it’s crucial to understand how your role as a Database Developer fits into their mission. Research their products and services, and think about how optimising databases can enhance customer experience and support business goals.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss past experiences where you diagnosed and resolved SQL Server performance issues. Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical skills and how you’ve tackled challenges in high-volume environments.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since the role involves working closely with software engineers, highlight your teamwork and communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you’ve partnered with other teams in the past to deliver successful projects, and be open to discussing Agile methodologies.