SQL Database & Server Manager

Location

London (Hybrid);
This role will be mainly remote but require flexibility to travel to client sites.

09:00 – 17:30

£40k to £60k

Working on secure Microsoft Azure–based environment providing analysts with SQL databases, data lakes, file storage, and advanced analytics tools. The SQL Database & Server Manager is responsible for overseeing the health, performance, security, and availability of approximately 10 SQL databases and a central Azure Data Lake, ensuring the platform remains reliable for mission‑critical analytical workloads.

This role also supports the Data Engineering function—assisting with ETL/ELT processing, maintaining data pipelines built with Microsoft Azure and Databricks tooling, and ensuring all underlying database services operate effectively during core business hours.

• Database Administration & Operations
  • Manage provisioning, configuration, and ongoing administration of Azure SQL databases and related services, aligned with client capacity and performance needs.
  • Monitor and tune database performance using Azure Monitor, Query Performance Insight, and other diagnostic tools to ensure optimal query execution and resource utilisation.
  • Perform regular patching, maintenance, and security updates on database servers and associated infrastructure.
• Platform Reliability & Support
  • Ensure the client data platform (SQL databases, data lake, file shares) remains operational during supported hours (09:00–17:30).
  • Troubleshoot platform issues, including connection failures, performance degradation, and data‑access problems, resolving issues in line with SLAs.
  • Maintain clear operational documentation for configurations, processes, and incident resolutions.
• Security, Compliance & Governance
  • Implement Azure SQL security controls including encryption, RBAC, firewall rules, and auditing to ensure compliance with government‑grade security and GDPR standards.
  • Enforce data governance policies covering access management, backup policies, recovery objectives, and data handling standards.
• Backup, Recovery & Business Continuity
  • Manage automated backups, geo‑replication (where appropriate), and disaster‑recovery configurations for SQL databases.
  • Ensure rapid recovery procedures are in place and periodically tested.
• Data Engineering & ETL Support
  • Support client Engineers in maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines across SQL, Azure Data Lake, and Databricks environments.
  • Assist with ingestion, transformation, and optimisation of analytic datasets used by client analysts.
  • Contribute to scalable architecture patterns informed by Azure best practice for analytics and data lakehouse architectures.
• Automation & Continuous Improvement
  • Automate routine tasks (backups, alerts, performance scans, updates) using Power Shell, Azure CLI, or automation services to streamline operations.
  • Drive platform improvements that enhance reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency.

• Strong experience administering Azure SQL Database
  , SQL Server, and related Azure data services.
• Experience working with data lakes (incl. Delta Lakes) and familiarity with modern analytics architectures.
• Proficiency with ETL/ELT tooling, particularly Databricks
  , Azure Data Factory, and SQL‑based transformations.
• Expertise in performance tuning, query optimisation, indexing strategies, and capacity planning.
• Deep understanding of database security, IAM, encryption, and compliance frameworks.

• Proven ability to manage enterprise‑grade databases with high availability and security requirements.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills under pressure.
• Ability to maintain consistent support coverage, collaborating within a managed service team.
• Clear communication skills for supporting analysts, data engineers, and senior stakeholders.

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience.
• Relevant Microsoft certifications (e.g., Azure Database Administrator Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate) strongly desirable.

UKSV (United Kingdom Security Vetting) clearance is required for this role, with Security Check (SC) as the…