At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of SAS platforms and ensure smooth operations across the bank.
- Company: Join Vanquis Bank, a caring and innovative financial institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days holiday, flexible work options, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: SAS certification and experience in Windows and Azure administration required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Contract Type: 12 Month FTC
Location: Bradford, Chatham, Petersfield, London
Working Pattern: Hybrid (usually a couple of days a week in the office). We welcome part-time and flexible arrangements and will aim to match your current flexibility where possible.
What We Offer
- Holidays: 25 days (rising to 30) + buy/sell up to 5 days + swap up to 4 bank holidays.
- Pension: Up to 10% employer contribution.
- Family Leave: Enhanced maternity and 4 weeks’ paternity from day-one, shared parental leave, paid neonatal care leave and support for adoption and surrogacy.
- Fertility Support: Paid time off for fertility treatment and appointments, available to birth parents and partners, with confidential support and flexible adjustments where needed.
- Workations: Work abroad for up to 20 days a year in approved countries.
- Birthday Leave: Your birthday off—paid.
- Volunteering: 2 paid volunteering days.
- Learning: Access to LinkedIn Learning for all colleagues.
- Financial Wellbeing: Free Snoop Premium subscription.
- Healthcare: Self-pay Denplan & optional Private Medical Insurance.
The Role
You and your Team: Sitting within our Data Delivery function, as a Principal SAS Administrator you will be the technical adviser of the Windows based Base SAS 9.4 On-Prem Platform, and also the Microsoft Azure based SAS 9.4 Grid (aka VCAP) and SAS Viya 3.5+ Analytical Platforms (aka SAS Viya on Azure). You will work within a small team of SAS Administrators and are responsible for the day-to-day running of the SAS platforms in terms of workload delivery, stakeholder management, user management and access to data in the SAS Platforms, Infrastructure and Software Patching and SAS License and Certificate renewals.
As a Principal SAS Administrator, you will:
- Be an SME for the SAS On-Prem and SAS in Azure platforms for entities across the whole group.
- Support the technical aspects and delivery of the SAS On-Prem and SAS in Azure platforms across the bank.
- Ensure the SAS On-Prem and SAS in Azure platforms remain stable, resilient, and performant (within working hours).
- Provide in-hours support for the SAS On-Prem and SAS in Azure platforms and their entire user-base across the bank.
- Ensure the SAS On-Prem and SAS in Azure platforms conform to security requirements via the SAS On-Prem Deployment Manager, SAS 9.4 Management Console, SAS Viya Environment Manager, on Windows and Linux.
- Troubleshoot and resolve the SAS On-Prem and SAS in Azure platforms infrastructure issues (configuration, performance, stability).
- Perform Root Cause Analysis for Production issues and remediate issues as required.
What We’re Looking For
- Enthusiastic and passionate interacting with customers and colleagues alike.
- Focused and driven even when working to stretched goals and deadlines.
- Articulate and professional.
- SAS 9.x (and/or SAS Viya 3.5) Certified Platform Administrator.
- SAS 9.x Certified Base Programmer, with SQL Passthrough and SAS Macro experience.
- Microsoft Windows Administration including PowerShell familiarity.
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Familiarity (ideally Certified).
- Windows experience in infrastructure administration.
- Linux experience in infrastructure administration.
- Experience as a SAS Administrator.
How We Hire
We use AI to help organise applications and surface early matches, but all decisions are made by humans. Please apply authentically — especially during interviews. If you need assistive technology or reasonable adjustments (including the use of AI tools), please let the Talent Acquisition team know in advance and we’ll be happy to support you. Where we have reason to believe AI has been used inappropriately, we reserve the right to withdraw a candidate from the recruitment process.
Pre-Employment Checks: Any offer made will be subject to standard background checks, including credit, fraud and employment references. Due to the regulated nature of our business, additional checks may apply.
Who we are
At Vanquis, our purpose is simple: to deliver caring banking that helps people make the most of life’s opportunities. Founded in 1880, we’re now a FTSE All Share specialist bank supporting over 1.7 million UK customers with responsible, tailored lending. We’re proud to be certified by Great Place to Work, recognised as one of the Financial Times UK’s Best Employers in 2025 and 2026, and awarded Bronze status under the Armed Forces Covenant. Taken together, these achievements reflect our genuine commitment to putting our people first and supporting those who serve.
Guided by our values — caring for people, pulling together, finding better ways and getting the right things done — we’re building a workplace where colleagues feel connected, valued and empowered. Alongside competitive pay, we offer meaningful benefits, salary reviews, a discretionary bonus scheme and continued recognition. We’re invested in your development too. With the right support and hands-on learning, you’ll grow your skills, shape your career and realise your ambitions.
Equal Opportunities: Vanquis Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value everyone’s unique background, identity and experience, and we’re committed to a workplace where all colleagues can thrive. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact careers@vanquis.com and we’ll be happy to help.
Principal SAS Administrator in London employer: Vanquis
At Vanquis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including enhanced family leave, and opportunities for professional development through platforms like LinkedIn Learning, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Our commitment to caring for our employees is reflected in our recognition as one of the Financial Times UK’s Best Employers, making us a fantastic choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of Bradford, Chatham, Petersfield, or London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal SAS Administrator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Show how your skills as a Principal SAS Administrator align with their mission of caring for people and finding better ways.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, but also be ready for technical ones related to SAS platforms. We want to see your expertise shine, so brush up on your SAS 9.x and Azure knowledge!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal SAS Administrator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal SAS Administrator role. Highlight your experience with SAS platforms, Windows and Linux administration, and any relevant certifications. 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 express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description. Let us know why you're the perfect fit!
Be Authentic:When filling out your application, be yourself! We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you. Don’t hesitate to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you stand out from the crowd.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanquis
✨Know Your SAS Inside Out
As a Principal SAS Administrator, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in SAS 9.x and SAS Viya. Brush up on your knowledge of the platforms, especially around troubleshooting and performance issues. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've resolved complex problems.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with a small team, so it’s crucial to highlight your collaborative skills. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others in past roles, particularly in high-pressure situations or when managing stakeholder expectations.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to Windows and Linux administration, as well as Microsoft Azure. Brush up on PowerShell and any relevant infrastructure administration experience. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will show your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Align with Company Values
Vanquis values caring for people and finding better ways. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to share examples that reflect these principles. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a good cultural fit.
