Database Reliability Engineer (SQL Server & Azure)

Jackson Hogg Limited; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson Hogg Limited seeks an experienced Database Reliability Engineer to safeguard SQL Server environments, optimize performance, and ensure resilience across Azure platforms. You will blend traditional DBA duties with reliability engineering practices to support a scalable technology estate.

You’ll work with infrastructure, applications and development teams, implement automation, backups, DR, and security best practices, and contribute to runbooks and documentation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as DBA/DBRE or similar in a SQL Server environment.
• Strong expertise in SQL Server and T-SQL performance tuning.
• Experience with Azure SQL and cloud-based DB environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical expert for SQL Server environments across the business.
• Monitor database performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Optimise T-SQL, design, indexing, and query performance.
• Support Azure SQL and Azure Managed Instance.
• Develop automation for administration, patching and maintenance.
• Manage backup, recovery and disaster recovery processes.
• Investigate incidents and performance issues.
• Implement and maintain database security best practices.
• Prepare technical docs, runbooks and support procedures.
• Collaborate with developers and tech teams to support deployments.

Skills

SQL Server

T-SQL tuning

Azure SQL

Automation scripting

Monitoring tools

DR planning

ITIL/ITSM

PowerShell

Security best practices

Tools

Redgate SQL Monitor

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Database Reliability Engineer to join a growing technology function, playing a key role in ensuring the performance, availability, security, and resilience of business-critical database environments.

This role would suit a SQL Server specialist who enjoys combining traditional DBA responsibilities with modern reliability engineering principles. You'll work closely with infrastructure, application, and development teams, helping to optimise database performance, automate processes, strengthen resilience, and support a highly available technology estate.

What You'll Be Doing

• Acting as the technical expert for SQL Server environments across the business.
• Monitoring database performance and proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Optimising T‑SQL code, database design, indexing strategies, and query performance.
• Supporting Azure SQL and Azure Managed Instance environments.
• Developing automation to simplify administration, patching, upgrades, and maintenance activities.
• Managing backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes to ensure business continuity.
• Investigating and resolving database-related incidents and performance issues.
• Implementing and maintaining database security best practices.
• Producing and maintaining technical documentation, runbooks, and support procedures.
• Working closely with developers and wider technology teams to support deployments and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a Database Administrator, Database Engineer, Database Reliability Engineer, or similar role.
• Strong SQL Server expertise, ideally across versions 2012 onwards.
• Advanced T‑SQL skills with a strong focus on performance tuning and optimisation.
• Experience supporting Azure SQL and Azure Managed Instance environments.
• Strong understanding of database monitoring, availability, backup, and recovery strategies.
• Experience working within ITIL or ITSM-driven environments.
• Passion for emerging technologies and continuous improvement.
• PowerShell or other scripting and automation technologies.
• Experience with Redgate SQL Monitor or similar monitoring platforms.
• Exposure to other database technologies.
• Knowledge of cloud storage and cloud-native database services.