At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and optimise databases, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate on innovative solutions.
- Company: Join Virgin Money, a forward-thinking bank committed to making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a competitive pension.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and customer service.
- Qualifications: Experience in database administration and troubleshooting, especially with Oracle and SQL Server.
The predicted salary is between 40800 - 51000 € per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Business Unit: Technology Operations and Cyber Security - Data Platform Unit
Salary Range: £40,800.00 - £51,000.00 per annum DOE
Location: UK Hybrid - Work from anywhere in the UK, with flexibility to occasionally visit a Virgin Money Hub
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
Our Team
The successful candidate will join the Data Platform Unit within Technology Operations and Cyber Security (TOCS) becoming a key member of the team who are responsible for supporting the bank's database environments residing upon a mixture of on-prem, hybrid and cloud infrastructure. The expectation is that you will work closely with other staff from TOCS and beyond, including 3rd parties, to ensure the database estate functions as required alongside collaborating with projects and other teams to ensure that change within the database environments is managed and controlled effectively and safely.
What you'll be doing
- Support and problem solve on all Production databases as a priority alongside supporting the databases within the Pre-Production environment through proactive identification of risk, swift resolution of live issues and proposal of appropriate fixes/improvements for future.
- Upgrade, decommission and deliver new databases alongside supporting changes required to existing databases on the estate including but not limited to deployments, patching, tuning/optimisation and disaster recovery testing.
- Think "outside the box" to improve our processes through process automation, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Work with Lead Database Engineers, Infrastructure Designers and Project Managers to ensure solutions meet the organisation's strategic needs and service being kept safe is in mind at all times.
- Collaborate with internal and external parties, escalating where necessary to Lead Database Engineers / Team Leads, to ensure operational issues are resolved within agreed SLAs to ensure we provide excellent customer service.
- Improve our processes through process automation, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Self-manage in a professional and proactive manner in conjunction with your Team Lead who will assign you tasks.
- Join a 24/7 on-call rota following a period of training.
- Flexibility to work out with core hours due to the operational nature of the role.
We need you to have
- A strong understanding and experience of database administration (across Oracle and SQL Server) in a Production setting.
- An ability to troubleshoot Production issues quickly in an analytical manner alongside making recommendations to resolve issues and/or deliver enhancements.
- Experience of undertaking database builds, patching, migrations and upgrades.
- Experience of High Availability and Disaster Recovery Methods including setup, troubleshooting and support - Oracle RAC, Oracle Restart, ASM, Oracle Data Guard, flashback technologies and SQL Server Always On High Availability.
- Database performance tuning and optimisation skills.
- Experience of using Oracle Enterprise Manager.
- Oracle / Red Hat Linux, Windows, AIX, and Solaris Operating System experience.
- An ability to take ownership for your own development, including taking proactive steps to improve and maintain your skills, knowledge, and behaviours.
- Collaborative behaviours and excellent verbal/written communication skills.
- ITIL Service Management awareness (Incident, Change and Problem Management processes).
- The self-motivation and desire to keep knowledge current in regards to database technologies including but not limited to Oracle, SQL, Exadata and OCI.
It's a bonus if you have but not essential
- Experience of managing databases (including patching, maintenance, and support of the appliances themselves) within cloud or cloud @ customer environments (Oracle OCI, Oracle Exadata Cloud @ Customer and/or Microsoft Azure) with an awareness of emerging industry trends such as PAAS, DBAS, IAAS.
- Experience of working with other database technologies aside from Oracle and SQL Server i.e. Cosmos, PostgreSQL or similar.
- Competence in scripting languages such as Bash/PowerShell/Python.
- Experience of Dynatrace tooling.
- ServiceNow usage.
- Knowledge of the full software development lifecycle: from business/systems analysis, through requirements gathering and functional specification authoring, to development, testing and delivery.
The extras you'll get
- 25 days holiday per year, increasing over time to 30. Plus, an option to buy more, giving you even more choice.
- Private medical insurance.
- A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement.
- Access to an annual performance-related bonus.
- Training and development to help you progress your career.
- A great selection of additional benefits through our flexible benefits scheme.
- Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year.
If we're lucky to receive a lot of interest, we may close the advert early. Please ensure to submit your applications as soon as possible.
Say hello to Virgin Money
Virgin Money is so much more than just a bank. As part of the Nationwide group, together we’re the UK’s first full-service mutual bank serving millions of retail and business customers and all driven by our purpose; Banking but fairer, more rewarding and for the good of society. With us, you’ll be part of an organisation uniquely positioned to make a difference to the lives of customers, communities and broader society and embark on a collaborative, customer obsessed, and fun-filled career journey.
Be yourself at Virgin Money
At Virgin Money, we celebrate everyone. We have fun, think big, and relentlessly include each other, all in pursuit of our purpose: Banking - but fairer, more rewarding, and for the good of society. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where colleagues feel safe and inspired to contribute, speak up and be heard.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we’re committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any reasonable adjustments or support making your application, contact our Talent Acquisition team careers@virginmoney.com
Please note: If we receive a high volume of eligible applications, we may need to prioritise candidates whose skills and experience most closely align with the role, while still ensuring fair and equitable consideration for all applicants.
Advertised: 19 Nov 2025 GMT Standard Time Applications close: 03 Dec 2025 GMT Standard Time
Senior Operational Database Engineer employer: Virgin Money UK
At Virgin Money, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With flexible hybrid working arrangements across the UK, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme, and a strong commitment to employee development, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact as part of a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to fairer banking for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operational Database Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Operational Database Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and database knowledge. Practice common interview questions related to Oracle and SQL Server, and be ready to showcase your problem-solving abilities. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values. Check out our website for roles that excite you, like the one at Virgin Money. Tailor your approach to show how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operational Database Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Operational Database Engineer role. Highlight your experience with database administration, troubleshooting, and any relevant technologies like Oracle and SQL Server. 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 passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your collaborative spirit and problem-solving skills, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you improve a process or resolve a critical issue? Share those stories! We love to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
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, it shows us that you’re keen and ready to join our team at Virgin Money!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Money UK
✨Know Your Databases Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Oracle and SQL Server. Be prepared to discuss your experience with database administration, troubleshooting production issues, and any specific projects you've worked on that involved database builds or migrations.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've quickly resolved production issues in the past. Highlight your analytical approach and any recommendations you've made for enhancements or improvements in database environments.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your collaborative skills. Share instances where you've successfully worked with others, including third parties, to resolve operational issues or implement changes.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Show your passion for continuous learning by discussing any recent developments in database technologies that interest you. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've pursued, especially in cloud environments or emerging technologies like PAAS and DBAS.
