Database Reliability Engineer

NorthStandard; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave + bank holidays (

Annual bonus scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Training and development support

Gym allowance

Job summary

NorthStandard is recruiting a Database Reliability Engineer for our Newcastle Office. The role focuses on maintaining a stable, secure database environment, improving reliability and automating processes across the tech stack.

You will monitor performance, tune queries, implement backups, and develop automation while collaborating with IT and platform teams to reduce downtime and support business goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a similar role.
• Expertise in SQL Server 2012-2025, Azure, and Azure Managed Instance.
• Experience with ITSM/ITIL processes and scripting (PowerShell).

Responsibilities

• Actively monitor database performance and set up alerts to prevent issues.
• Tune SQL queries, optimise schema design and manage indexes.
• Forecast future database needs and scale infrastructure accordingly.
• Implement backup strategies and ensure data restoration capabilities.
• Develop automated scripts for patching, upgrades, and data refreshes.
• Investigate and resolve database incidents promptly.
• Implement robust database security measures to protect data.
• Maintain technical documentation, runbooks and architecture.
• Collaborate with IT teams, platform teams and the business.

Skills

SQL Server 2012-2025

Azure

Azure Managed Instance

T-SQL

ITSM/ITIL

PowerShell

Emerging technology trends

Other database technologies

Tools

Redgate Monitoring

Job description

We're looking to recruit a Database Reliability Engineer into our Newcastle Office.

The purpose of the Support and System Reliability Engineering (SSRE) team is to ensure the availability, reliability and optimal performance of NorthStandard’s technology systems and infrastructure. The focus of this role is to maintain a stable and secure environment, prevent downtime and ensure that all database infrastructure and related systems are running efficiently.

The Database Reliability Engineer strives to implement best practice in system monitoring, incident management and disaster recovery, while continuing to improve the reliability, resilience and automation within the technology stack.

What will you be doing?

Key responsibilities will include:

• Actively monitoring database performance metrics; identifying potential issues and setting up alerts to proactively address problems. Maintain internal SLA’s where appropriate.
• Tuning SQL queries, optimising database schema design, and managing indexes to maximise database performance.
• Forecasting future database needs and scaling infrastructure accordingly to handle increased data volume and usage.
• Implementing backup strategies and ensuring efficient data restoration capabilities in case of emergencies.
• Developing automated scripts to streamline routine database tasks like patching, upgrades, and data refreshes.
• Investigating and resolving database-related incidents in a timely manner.
• Implementing robust database security measures to protect sensitive data.
• Maintaining and expanding technical documentation, runbooks and other relevant architecture.
• Collaborating with other IT teams, platform teams and the wider business.

About you

Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• SQL Server 2012-2025
• Azure and Azure Managed Instance
• T‑SQL
• Minimum of 5 years in a similar role
• ITSM/ITIL experience and understanding
• An interest in emerging technology trends
• Other database technologies
• PowerShell or other scripting languages
• Redgate Monitoring or similar tools

Who we are

We are a specialist marine insurer and a member of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity clubs, owned by its shipowner members and controlled by a board of directors drawn from its membership. We’re one of the world’s leading and most influential P&I Clubs. Employing over 600 people globally, we provide an unmatched depth and breadth of expertise to our members.

Our culture and what to expect from us

Our culture is hugely important to us enabling us to fulfil our brand promise, ‘Taking on tomorrow, together’. Together we are empowered, inquisitive and courageous, giving the best of ourselves to our colleagues, customers, members and the communities we serve.

We provide excellent service to members, build long-lasting relationships built on trust and understanding, and treat our colleagues in the same way. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, we all act as role models and celebrate our cultural principles.

We provide our people with a fantastic benefits package including:

• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising with length of service).
• An annual company bonus scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Life Insurance
• Structured learning and development with support towards obtaining professional qualifications that are relevant to your job.
• Gym Allowance and much more...

Salary from £50,000, depending on experience.