At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer and optimise SQL Server databases in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Leading financial services firm with a focus on innovation and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a regulated industry.
- Why this job: Join a mission-critical team and enhance your database management skills while making an impact.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL Server experience and knowledge of performance tuning and cloud technologies.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Duration: contract to run until 30/11/2026
Location: Manchester. Hybrid 3 days per week onsite
Rate: up to £414 p/d Umbrella inside IR35
Role purpose / summary
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
- Automate DBA activities using scripting (e.g. PowerShell, T-SQL)
- 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
- 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
Desirable
- 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
All profiles will be reviewed against the required skills and experience. Due to the high number of applications we will only be able to respond to successful applicants in the first instance. We thank you for your interest and the time taken to apply!
SQL Database Administrator employer: Undisclosed
Join a leading financial services firm in Manchester as a SQL Database Administrator, where you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that promotes collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer extensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values your contributions, ensuring you can grow your career while working on mission-critical database platforms. Enjoy competitive rates and the chance to be part of a team that prioritises high availability, performance, and compliance in a regulated setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SQL Database Administrator
✨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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your SQL projects, scripts, and any automation you've done. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common DBA scenarios. Brush up on performance tuning, HA/DR solutions, and compliance questions. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are eager to join us. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace SQL Database Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the SQL Database Administrator role. Highlight your experience with SQL Server, performance tuning, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on experience with HA/DR technologies and your understanding of compliance in financial services. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills in T-SQL scripting and automation. If you've got experience with Azure SQL or cloud platforms, make sure to mention that too. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Undisclosed
✨Know Your SQL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL Server knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with performance tuning, troubleshooting, and production support. They’ll likely ask you about specific scenarios where you've optimised database performance or resolved issues.
✨Showcase Your HA/DR Expertise
Since high availability and disaster recovery are crucial for this role, prepare to talk about your experience with technologies like Always On and failover clustering. Have examples ready that demonstrate how you've implemented these solutions in past roles, especially in regulated environments.
✨Get Familiar with Azure SQL
With cloud transformations being a key part of the job, it’s essential to understand Azure SQL and other cloud database platforms. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud migrations and be prepared to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on.
✨Demonstrate Your Compliance Knowledge
Understanding data security and compliance is vital in financial services. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance with regulations like GDPR in your previous roles. This will show that you not only have the technical skills but also the awareness of the regulatory landscape.
