SQL Database & Server Manager

Posted:

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

Working Hours: 09:00 - 17:30

Salary: £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…