Database & Systems Engineer

Breedon Group plc; Breedon on the Hill; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday per year plus bank hol

Contributory Pension Scheme

Free on-site Parking

Holiday Buy Scheme

Volunteer Scheme

Share Save Scheme

Life Assurance

Enhanced Maternity, Adoption & Paterni

Health & Wellbeing Initiatives

Discount Scheme

Job summary

Breedon Group plc seeks a Database & Systems Engineer to join Breedon Head Office in Derbyshire. You will administer and optimise SQL Server environments, support business-critical systems, and help ensure availability, security, and compliance across the IT estate.

You will lead backups, disaster recovery planning, performance tuning, and system upgrades while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver projects and improve operations.

Qualifications

• Strong SQL Server administration experience (backup/recovery, performance tuning, security).
• Experience supporting business-critical systems, particularly accounting or finance platforms.
• Solid understanding of database security and vulnerability remediation.
• Experience managing system upgrades, patching, and compliance activities.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across systems and applications.

Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and optimise Microsoft SQL Server environments (or equivalent).
• Manage database backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes.
• Monitor database performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement tuning improvements.
• Design and maintain database structures to support business applications.
• Ensure data integrity, consistency, and security across all environments.
• Provide technical support and administration for business-critical systems.
• Work closely with business stakeholders to ensure systems meet operational requirements.
• Support integrations between databases and business systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues impacting financial and operational processes.

Skills

SQL Server administration

Backup and recovery

Performance tuning

Security & vulnerability remediation

System upgrades & patching

Troubleshooting

Data integration tools

Cloud platforms (Azure SQL)

PowerShell scripting

SQL scripting

Reporting tools (Power BI, Cognos)

Tools

Power BI

Cognos

Job description

Database & Systems Engineer

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Department: Information Technology Services

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Breedon Head Office, Pinnacle House, Breedon on the Hill, Derbyshire

Description

The Database & Systems Administrator is responsible for the administration, support, and optimisation of the organisation’s database platforms and business-critical systems, including accounting and financial applications. The role will ensure system availability, performance, security, and compliance, while supporting both operational activities and project delivery across the IT function.

Key Responsibilities

Database Administration (Primary Focus)

• Administer, maintain, and optimise Microsoft SQL Server environments (or equivalent)
• Manage database backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes
• Monitor database performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement tuning improvements
• Design and maintain database structures to support business applications
• Ensure data integrity, consistency, and security across all environments

Business-Critical Systems Support

• Provide technical support and administration for business-critical systems
• Work closely with business stakeholders to ensure systems meet operational requirements
• Support integrations between databases and business systems
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues impacting financial and operational processes

Security, Compliance & Vulnerability Management

• Carry out patching, upgrades, and compliance-related changes across the estate
• Remediate vulnerabilities identified through penetration testing and security assessments
• Ensure systems align with internal security policies and external compliance requirements
• Support audit activities and maintain appropriate system documentation

Systems Administration

• Support underlying infrastructure hosting database and business systems
• Maintain system reliability, performance, and availability
• Assist with capacity planning and lifecycle management of systems

Project Delivery

• Act as a technical resource across IT projects, including system upgrades, migrations, integrations
• Support the delivery of new systems or enhancements to existing platforms
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project outcomes
• Contribute to technical design, testing, and implementation activities

Operational & Support Activities

• Provide 2nd/3rd line support for database and application-related issues
• Participate in out-of-hours support and maintenance windows where required
• Maintain clear documentation, runbooks, and operational procedures
• Continuously improve processes, automation, and system reliability
• Keep track of License requirements, ensuring we remain compliant

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential

• Strong SQL Server administration experience (backup/recovery, performance tuning, security)
• Experience supporting business-critical systems, particularly accounting or finance platforms
• Solid understanding of database security and vulnerability remediation
• Experience managing system upgrades, patching, and compliance activities
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across systems and applications

Desirable

• Experience with integration tools and data pipelines
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., Azure SQL, hybrid environments)
• Scripting/automation skills (PowerShell, SQL scripting)
• Experience supporting reporting tools (e.g., Cognos, Power BI)

Job Benefits

• 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Free on-site Parking
• Holiday Buy Scheme
• Volunteer Scheme
• Share Save Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption & Paternity Scheme
• Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
• Discount Scheme