At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead database security, performance, and governance improvements across SQL Server and Azure.
- Company: Join Waracle, a dynamic digital technology consultancy with a diverse community.
- Benefits: Remote work options, competitive pay, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive hiring process focused on passion and potential, not just credentials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in SQL Server and Azure, with strong communication and collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Waracle are looking for a Senior Database Administrator (Inside IR35) for an exciting new 6-month initial contract joining our world-class digital technology consultancy and home to a diverse, smart, curious and ambitious community of specialists in technology-driven transformation. We work with ambitious clients to help them solve their biggest business and customer challenges. We help our clients to innovate and create intelligent digital products and services. We thrive on complex challenges and deliver business-critical IT transformation projects, moving seamlessly from strategy, design and delivery to operations. This is a UK-based Inside IR35 role with remote working available. While the role can be performed remotely, candidates based within a reasonable distance of Crawley or London who are happy to work from the office when required would be particularly welcomed.
The Role
In this role, you’ll lead critical security, performance, and governance improvements across our SQL Server and Azure database estates. As a subject matter expert, you’ll take ownership of high-impact projects, bring deep technical expertise to complex challenges, and help shape the future of our database platforms. You’ll also work collaboratively with the wider team, sharing knowledge, developing best practice, and helping to build capability across the DBA function.
Key aspects of the role include:
- Drive Security & Governance: Lead the delivery of the CIS Security Improvement Programme across SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and Azure SQL Managed Instance. Champion the implementation of CIS Benchmark recommendations, audit actions, and security controls such as Row-Level Security, Dynamic Data Masking, and Column-Level Encryption.
- Strengthen Access Management: Enhance Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), privileged access management, permissions, and segregation of duties to maintain strong security, governance, and regulatory compliance across the database estate.
- Lead Database Modernisation: Identify and implement approved SQL Server 2022 capabilities, including Ledger, Temporal Tables, Resource Governor, and Memory-Optimised Tables, focusing on solutions that deliver measurable business value.
- Optimise at Scale: Design and deliver strategies for managing and optimising very large datasets, including databases with 1B+ rows. Apply partitioning, sharding, compression, data lifecycle management, and advanced indexing strategies to improve scalability, resilience, and performance.
- Share Knowledge & Best Practice: Work collaboratively and openly, producing high-quality technical documentation, operational standards, and knowledge-transfer sessions that strengthen team capability and promote consistent ways of working.
- Support the Wider DBA Team: Provide occasional reactive DBA support during major incidents or periods of reduced capacity, contributing your expertise to maintain service continuity and help the wider team succeed.
What you’ll bring:
- Deep technical expertise with SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and Azure SQL Managed Instance.
- Practical experience implementing database security frameworks (CIS Benchmarks, RBAC, auditing, encryption).
- Proven capability in managing large-scale database optimisation, partitioning strategies, and index tuning.
- Familiarity with SQL Server 2022 advanced features.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset grounded in empathy, transparency, and accountability.
What to expect from our hiring process:
We believe in radical clarity—no guessing games or high-pressure interrogations. We want to give you every opportunity to shine in your comfort zone:
- First Hello: An informal chat with your dedicated Talent Attraction Partner to talk about Waracle, what you want out of your next move, salary, and office hybrid working model.
- Initial interview – An opportunity to meet members of our team and discuss your experience, background and interest in the role.
- Client introduction & interview – A final conversation with the client, including questions focused on the role, your experience and how you would approach the work. Your Talent Attraction Partner will be in your corner through every step, ensuring zero surprises right up to your Welcome Ritual on day one.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Senior Database Administrator – Contract (Inside IR35) employer: WARACLE
Waracle is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant workplace culture in London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from extensive mentoring opportunities and a generous package including 27 days of annual leave and health benefits, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Database Administrator – Contract (Inside IR35)
✨Get Social in the Data World
Join online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/Database to connect with others in database management. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed by industry insiders who might know of temporary roles!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a small project using the database software you’re familiar with—maybe something fun like a personal book or music database. Having a project to demonstrate will make you stand out to companies like WARACLE when they see your hands-on approach!
✨Utilise Temporary Staffing Agencies
Many temp positions in database management are filled through staffing agencies. Get in touch with agencies that focus on tech roles, and let them know you're on the lookout for short-term opportunities. They can be a great bridge to finding your next gig.
✨Direct Applications are Key!
Don’t shy away from applying directly to WARACLE through our website. Temporary roles often get posted without fanfare, so check back frequently, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you see a position that fits your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Database Administrator – Contract (Inside IR35)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the world of database management, it’s essential to showcase your technical skills upfront. Make sure your CV includes relevant programming languages, database systems you’ve worked with, and any data modelling tools you’re familiar with. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of WARACLE.
Document Your Projects:If you have completed any database projects, don’t forget to mention them! Include specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your experience with data migration or optimisation. Having a portfolio or a section on your CV detailing these projects can really set you apart in a temporary role.
Express Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to highlight your adaptability in your cover letter. Let us know that you’re ready to jump into different tasks and tackle challenges as they arise at WARACLE. This shows that you’re not just looking for another job, but you’re excited about contributing to our team.
Keep it Concise:For a temporary role like this, keep your application concise and focused. Use bullet points to list your relevant experience and skills, making it easier for us to absorb the info quickly. Your aim should be to grab attention without overwhelming us with unnecessary details. And remember, submit your application through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at WARACLE
✨Get Hands-On with Tools
In database management, it’s crucial to be familiar with the tools of the trade like SQL, NoSQL, or even data visualisation software. Make sure you’ve got some practical examples ready to discuss how you’ve used these tools, and maybe even try to whip up a sample database to share in a discussion. This shows you're not just theory, but can get stuck in.
✨Brush Up on Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions that dive deep into your problem-solving skills. Be prepared to tackle scenarios where you might need to optimise a database query or explain data normalisation. This is a key area for database management roles, and demonstrating your understanding here can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new systems or tasks. Emphasise your eagerness to hit the ground running and how easily you can familiarise yourself with the company’s database systems. Companies love a candidate who can dive right in without unnecessary handholding!
✨Pitching Yourself and Your Availability
In a temporary role, your availability is crucial. Be upfront about your schedule and how you can commit to the temporary demands of the job. Plus, don’t forget to express your keen interest in learning and contributing to WARACLE—they’ll appreciate your enthusiasm for both the role and their team!
