Senior Database Administrator

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated; Leeds; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Senior SQL Database Administrator in Leeds, UK. This role entails owning the stability and performance of SQL Server databases, troubleshooting complex issues, and mentoring other DBAs. Candidates should have extensive experience with Microsoft SQL Server, advanced performance tuning skills, and familiarity with cloud-based environments. Join us in making a difference in health outcomes through technology.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Microsoft SQL Server (2019 and earlier).
• Proven ability to mentor and advise on best practices.
• Solid experience with backups, restores, and recovery strategies.

Responsibilities

• Own the stability and performance of SQL Server database infrastructure.
• Lead the setup and configuration of new database environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Implement and maintain robust security measures.
• Mentor and support other DBAs.

Skills

Microsoft SQL Server

Performance tuning and query optimization

Mentoring team members

SQL Server backups and restores

SQL Server Always On Availability Groups

Cloud-based database environments

Database monitoring tools

T-SQL scripting

Modern DBA tools

Database security principles

Job description

Senior SQL Database Administrator

Own the stability, availability, and performance of a highly-available SQL Server database infrastructure.

1. Lead the setup and configuration of new database environments, ensuring scalability and resilience.
2. Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges, including performance bottlenecks and system failures.
3. Ensure systems consistently meet or exceed SLA targets.
4. Drive the transition from legacy systems to modern cloud-based environments, advising on architecture and strategy.
5. Implement and maintain robust security measures to protect sensitive healthcare data, ensuring compliance with global data protection standards.
6. Maintain comprehensive documentation of database configurations, processes, and procedures, ensuring it is up-to-date and accessible to relevant stakeholders.
7. Work within outcome-based teams, acting as the subject matter expert for the DBA discipline and contributing to cross-functional goals.
8. Mentor and support other DBAs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
9. Champion best practices in database design, performance tuning, and operational excellence.
10. Participate in a 24/7 on-call rota to support critical systems and ensure rapid response to incidents.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Microsoft SQL Server (2019 and earlier versions including 2008R2/2012/2014/2016).
• Advanced performance tuning and query optimization skills, including indexing strategies and execution plan analysis.
• Proven ability to mentor team members and advise on database best practices.
• Solid experience with SQL Server backups, restores, DBCC checks, corruption handling, and recovery strategies.
• Experience with SQL Server Always On Availability Groups and high-availability configurations.
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based database environments.
• Familiarity with database monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, Idera, Datadog or Redgate.
• Proficient in T-SQL and scripting for automation and diagnostics.
• Experience with modern DBA tools and practices, including DACPAC, GitHub, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to support occasional out-of-hours work and participate in a 24/7 on-call rota.
• Strong understanding of database security principles and experience implementing controls to protect sensitive data in regulated environments.
• Commitment to maintaining clear, accurate, and accessible documentation for all database-related processes and configurations.

Please note you must currently be eligible to work and remain indefinitely without restrictions in the country to which you are applying. Proof will be required to support your application.

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions live healthier lives. Your work will directly impact health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources they need. We value diversity and inclusion, offer comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development. Join us to make a difference.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to various protected characteristics.

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