Job Description    

• The Senior Database Administrator is responsible for the overall management of data resources including but not limited to:
• Implementing data storage policies, procedures and standards
• Ensure data stores remain performant, stable and secure
• Conducting analysis, modelling of data requirements, business rules and design tasks alongside product engineering teams
• Providing expertise and guidance to product engineering teams to support our continuous development and improvement
• Taking ownership of data stores and advocate for data engineering best practices

Key Responsibilities    

• maintain the performance, integrity and security of Microsoft SQL Server databases in a cloud-based environment
• develop, manage and test back-up and recovery plans, including Disaster Recovery
• establish the needs of users, grant and audit user access and security
• monitor performance and manage parameters in order to provide fast responses to front-end users
• develop, review and refine conceptual design for planned databases with the engineering teams
• continuous refinement of the physical design to meet system storage requirements
• maintain database servers by installing and testing new patches and versions of the database server software
• maintain data standards, including adherence to the Data Protection Act
• write and maintain relevant documentation, including data standards, procedures and definitions for the data dictionary (metadata)
• ensure that storage and archiving procedures are functioning correctly
• carry out capacity planning
• communicate regularly with technical, application and operational staff to ensure database integrity and security (LSM & Security Champions)
• commission and install new applications and customise existing applications in order to make them fit for purpose
• advise Management on long term capacity plans and growth
• analyse impact of database changes to the Business
• review proposed database changes and data fixes with the engineering teams
• educate engineers on best practice and share knowledge to foster a culture of cooperation, innovation and continuous improvement

Skills, know-how and experience:

• 4-+ years experience as Database administrator
• IT Diploma/Degree or related qualification
• Ability to interpret and/or gather user requirements and translate these into technical specifications and/or code
• SQL Availability Groups
• Query Store
• Problem-solving, troubleshooting and excellent analytical skills
• Communication, teamwork and negotiation skills
• Expertise with the main data manipulation languages and the principles of database design
• The ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure
• Good organisational and prioritisation skills
• Flexibility, adaptability and resilience
• The ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and customers
• Business awareness and understanding of business requirements of IT
• An understanding of information legislation, such as the Data Protection Act.
• Be an active and enthusiastic team player
• The ability to self-train on new technologies
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Ability to collect requirements from business people
• Innovative and creative thinking
• A commitment to keeping up to date with developments in new technology
• A commitment to continuing professional development (CPD)
• High numerical reasoning and logic ability with good problem solving skills
• Team-oriented individual who effectively collaborates with various roles involved in the software delivery process