Database Administrator

Isio; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Flexible scheduling

Work-life balance support

Job summary

A UK-based technology firm is seeking a Database Administrator (DBA) to enhance their data solutions in Manchester. The role involves developing strategies for database architecture, ensuring performance optimization, and maintaining data integrity. Ideal candidates will possess strong SQL skills and experience with key RDBMS platforms. You will collaborate closely with various teams to ensure data systems deliver effective solutions. A hybrid work model is offered to support work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Strong SQL skills and experience with at least one major RDBMS.
• Experience with ETL/ELT tooling and data pipeline design.
• Understanding of data modelling principles.
• Experience diagnosing and resolving database performance issues.
• Familiarity with database security practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement database architecture strategy.
• Own the database architecture for data warehouses and systems.
• Manage database change control processes.
• Monitor database performance and availability.
• Work closely with teams to deliver data solutions.

Skills

Strong SQL skills

Experience with major RDBMS

ETL/ELT tooling experience

Data modelling principles

Database performance tuning

Familiarity with database security practices

Excellent communication skills

Planning and Organisational skills

Strong analytical skills

Tools

SQL Server

PostgreSQL

Oracle

Azure Data Factory

Snowflake

Job description

Overview

This role will work with the System Administrators, Data Architects and Development team to ensure that data solutions and their associated processes are working as effectively as possible. This role will play a key role in defining and implementing Isio’s strategy for its key central data warehouse solutions.

The role can be based in our Birmingham, Manchester or Belfast city centre office with a hybrid workstyle.

This is a permanent role, but we can also consider a 12 months Fixed Term Contract if that is preferred.

What does the role entail?

• Develop and implement Isio’s DBA strategy. Working with relevant stakeholders.
• Own and maintain the database architecture for Isio's data warehouses and connected operational systems, including schema design, indexing strategy and query optimisation.
• Operational and technical responsibility for the data systems.
• Define and enforce database backup schedules, test restore procedures and maintain RPO/RTO targets aligned to ISO22301 obligations.
• Work closely with Infrastructure team to Implement and audit database security controls including RBAC, encryption at rest/in transit, privileged access management, and audit logging, in support of ISO27001 compliance.
• Own the ETL/ELT pipeline architecture connecting source systems to the data warehouse, including data quality validation and error handling.
• Develop and implement routines to maintain database health.
• Monitor database performance, capacity, and availability; proactively address bottlenecks and plan for data growth.
• Manage database change control processes, including schema version control and change‑freeze enforcement across systems.
• Work closely with data and solution architects providing technical expertise and design leadership for the delivery of data solutions.
• Ensure work is delivered on time and on budget.
• Work with stakeholders from across Isio to ensure Data systems delivers solutions which are fit for purpose.
• Liaising with other teams and team members to ensure that the delivery of Data solutions is consistent.
• Work with the Technology, Finance, HR, and Marketing leadership to ensure that Systems have the required resources training to deliver quality solutions.
• Develop & own KPIs for Isio’s data systems and work undertaken on them.
• Work within the wider governance framework to ensure a consistent approach and documentation of all work delivery.
• Work within a culture of continuous improvement within Technology and develop and enhance understanding of Isio’s systems.
• Own tickets relating to data systems in conjunction with internal teams and strive to improve the functionality of the system to deliver better self‑service.
• Document standards and processes for each of Isio’s data systems.
• Play an active role in the delivery of work through coding and configuration of Isio’s data systems.
• Work with the Data Architects to ensure data systems are built on effective infrastructure and follow Isio’s best practice.

What we’re looking for?

• Strong SQL skills and experience with at least one major RDBMS (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle) and cloud equivalents (e.g., Azure SQL, Snowflake).
• Experience with ETL/ELT tooling (e.g., SSIS, dbt, Azure Data Factory) and data pipeline design.
• Understanding of data modelling principles (normalisation, dimensional modelling/star schema for data warehousing).
• Experience of diagnosing and resolving database performance issues.
• Familiarity with database security practices and data protection legislation (GDPR).
• Experience defining and testing backup/recovery procedures against defined RTO/RPO targets.
• Proven track record of delivering solutions and new database systems.
• Proven experience analysing and tuning slow‑running queries using execution plans, query profilers, and index analysis tools.
• Familiarity with query rewrite techniques and understanding of query optimiser behaviour across at least one major RDBMS (preferably SQL Server).
• Willingness to lead key processes across Isio from a DBA perspective.
• Ability to define and baseline performance KPIs (query response times, wait statistics, lock contention, CPU/IO utilisation) and set alerting thresholds.
• Experience tracking database growth trends and translating them into storage and compute capacity plans.
• Experience of leading project work.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent Planning & Organisational skills.
• Management of key stakeholders at all levels in a typical corporate environment.
• Strong analytical skills and creative approach to getting work delivered.
• Willingness to identify and overcome barriers to delivery of work.

Benefits

We can offer a hybrid, flexible approach to work, supporting a work‑life balance that works for you.

Equal Opportunity

Isio Group is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made for any reason at any stage of your recruitment process, please ask us [e-mail].