At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer and optimise SQL Server databases in a hybrid environment.
- Company: Join Smartedge, a leader in financial services technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical database platforms in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server experience and knowledge of Azure required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Smartedge’s Client is looking for an individual to help with their SQL Server DBA in Manchester, UK (Hybrid Working).
Key area: Experienced SQL Server DBA responsible for the design, administration, optimisation, and support of mission‑critical database platforms within a regulated financial services environment. Ensures high availability, performance, security, and compliance across production systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer and support Microsoft SQL Server environments (on‑prem and cloud/Azure)
- Manage installation, configuration, patching, and upgrades of SQL Server instances
- Monitor database performance and carry out tuning, optimisation, and capacity planning
- Implement and maintain high availability and disaster recovery solutions (e.g. Always On, clustering, backups)
- Troubleshoot and resolve production issues, ensuring minimal downtime and service impact
- Design and maintain backup, recovery, and maintenance strategies
- Support database migrations, upgrades, and cloud transformations (e.g. Azure)
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, security, and data governance requirements (e.g. GDPR)
- Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and DevOps teams to support application delivery
Required Skills & Experience:
- Strong hands‑on experience with SQL Server (2016–2022)
- Proven experience in performance tuning, troubleshooting, and production support
- Experience with HA/DR technologies (Always On, failover clustering, log shipping)
- Knowledge of Azure SQL / cloud database platforms
- Proficiency in T‑SQL scripting, monitoring tools, and automation
- Experience working within financial services or other regulated environments
- Understanding of data security, audit, and compliance controls
- Experience with DevOps tooling / CI‑CD integration
- Exposure to SSIS, SSRS, SSAS or data migration frameworks
- Knowledge of data warehousing or large‑scale transaction systems
Senior SQL Server DBA — Hybrid (Azure) & High Availability in Manchester employer: Smartedge Solutions
Smartedge offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for Senior SQL Server DBAs in Manchester, UK, with a focus on hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within the regulated financial services sector, alongside a culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a commitment to high availability and performance, Smartedge ensures that its team members are equipped with the latest technologies and practices, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SQL Server DBA — Hybrid (Azure) & High Availability in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and join relevant online forums. 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 or GitHub repository showcasing your SQL Server projects, performance tuning examples, or any high availability solutions you've implemented. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common DBA scenarios and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you've handled production issues or optimised database performance in past roles. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be just right for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior SQL Server DBA — Hybrid (Azure) & High Availability in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior SQL Server DBA role. Highlight your experience with SQL Server, especially in high availability and disaster recovery solutions. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When writing your application, focus on your hands-on experience with SQL Server and any work you've done in regulated environments. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise in performance tuning and troubleshooting.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
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 helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smartedge Solutions
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server knowledge, especially versions 2016 to 2022. Be ready to discuss performance tuning, troubleshooting, and high availability solutions like Always On and failover clustering. Practising some T-SQL scripting beforehand can really help you feel confident.
✨Understand the Financial Services Landscape
Since this role is within a regulated financial services environment, it’s crucial to understand compliance and data governance requirements. Familiarise yourself with GDPR and other relevant regulations, as well as how they impact database management. This will show that you’re not just technically skilled but also aware of the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Cloud Knowledge
With Azure being a key part of this role, make sure you can talk about your experience with cloud database platforms. Be prepared to discuss any migrations or transformations you've been involved in, and how you’ve ensured high availability and disaster recovery in those environments.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This position requires working closely with development, infrastructure, and DevOps teams. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully collaborated across teams. Highlight your experience with CI-CD integration and any tools you’ve used to streamline processes, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team setting.
