Database Administrator in Birmingham

Join WMCA as a Database Administrator and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the performance, integrity, and security of our database systems. In this critical position, you will manage and optimise our database infrastructure, ensuring data is stored accurately, readily accessible, and protected against loss or unauthorised access. Working closely with Technology & Insight teams, you'll design, monitor, and troubleshoot databases, implement robust backup and recovery strategies, and support the technical development of new and existing systems across on-premises and cloud platforms. This is an opportunity to make a real impact by delivering resilient, high-performing solutions that underpin the organisation's digital transformation and service excellence. Please note, this is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract.

What you will be doing:

• Design and manage comprehensive backup and recovery strategies to safeguard data integrity and ensure business continuity in the event of system failures or disasters for on-prem and cloud-based databases.
• Implement robust security protocols to protect databases from unauthorized access and breaches.
• Configure user roles, permissions, and encryption, and proactively monitor for suspicious activity.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, analyse query efficiency, and optimise indexing and database structures to ensure peak performance.
• Developing and testing disaster recovery plans to ensure that the database can be quickly restored in the event of a catastrophic failure.
• Streamline routine tasks such as backups, monitoring, and maintenance through automation, reducing risk and increasing operational efficiency.
• Predict future database growth and plan for the necessary hardware and storage resources to accommodate that growth.
• Manage ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes to ensure accurate and efficient integration of data from diverse sources, supporting analytics and decision-making across the organisation.
• Collaborate with developers and other stakeholders to design and develop database schemas, tables, and other structures that meet the needs of the organisation.
• Work with architects, project managers and other key stakeholders on the design and delivery of change work utilising databases.

What's essential:

• Familiarity with industry best practices and emerging trends in SQL Server database administration.
• Understanding of relational database management systems and their principles.
• Proven experience in managing SQL Server databases in a production environment.
• Strong experience as a DBA.
• In-depth knowledge of SQL Server database administration, including database design, installation, configuration, and maintenance.
• Broad knowledge of different database technologies and the appropriate use of them.
• Proficient in writing complex SQL queries, stored procedures, triggers, and functions.
• Knowledge of database security best practices and the ability to implement and enforce security measures.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Either hold or be working towards a certification in SQL Server administration.

Location: The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply:

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

• Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
• Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
• Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
• Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications: Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It's your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI): We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting.

Reasonable adjustments: If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team.

Salary and benefits: We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.
• You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA? WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace: WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with Leader status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.

Right to Work in the UK: Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).