SQL DBA

Picture More Ltd; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm is looking for an experienced SQL Database Administrator to manage and optimise SQL Server databases in a hybrid working environment. Key responsibilities include performance tuning, HA/DR management, and providing support for business-critical SQL applications. The ideal candidate has strong SQL Server and Azure skills, with a proven track record in high-pressure situations. This role offers a salary up to £65,000 plus benefits.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Strong investment in technology

Qualifications

• Strong commercial SQL Server DBA background in live production environments.
• Azure SQL expertise (Managed Instance, SQL Database or SQL on Azure VMs).
• Proven HA/DR delivery: AlwaysOn, clustering, failover processes.

Responsibilities

• Administer and optimise SQL Server databases across on-prem and Azure.
• Deliver performance tuning, query optimisation and advanced troubleshooting.
• Manage HA/DR including AlwaysOn AGs, clustering, backups, and failover.
• Monitor capacity, patching, security, and database integrity.

Skills

Commercial SQL Server DBA background

Azure SQL expertise

HA/DR delivery

Performance tuning

T-SQL skills

Structured change control

Clear communication skills

Job description

SQL Database Administrator

Location: Manchester / Birmingham / Sheffield / Chelmsford (Hybrid: 3 office / 2 WFH)
Salary: Up to £65,000 + benefits
Sector: Professional Services / Legal IT
Type: Permanent

What's on offer

Salary up to £65,000

Hybrid working: 3 days in office / 2 days WFH

Modernising SQL and Azure environment with strong investment

The opportunity

We are working with a major professional services organisation seeking an experienced SQL Database Administrator to join a specialist team supporting large, business‑critical SQL Server and Azure SQL platforms. This is a hands‑on position where you'll play a key role in maintaining performance, stability, and resilience across the firm's core applications.

The role

• Administer and optimise SQL Server databases #removed#) across on‑prem and Azure.
• Deliver performance tuning, query optimisation and advanced troubleshooting.
• Manage HA/DR including AlwaysOn AGs, clustering, backups, and failover.
• Monitor capacity, patching, security, and database integrity.
• Support application upgrades, releases, and T‑SQL‑driven integrations.
• Provide 3rd‑line support for major incidents.
• Produce documentation, runbooks, and operational best practice.
• Work closely with developers, infrastructure, and external vendors.

What we're looking for

Essential:

• Strong commercial SQL Server DBA background in live production environments
• Azure SQL expertise (Managed Instance, SQL Database or SQL on Azure VMs)
• Proven HA/DR delivery: AlwaysOn, clustering, failover processes
• Deep performance tuning (execution plans, indexing, Query Store, Extended Events, wait stats)
• Confident T‑SQL skills for diagnostics and automation
• Experience working within structured change control
• Clear communication skills and calm approach under pressure

Nice to have:

• Legal, insurance or professional services experience
• Exposure to DMS/PMS or other line‑of‑business systems
• SSIS, ADF or wider integration tooling experience
• Interest in cloud transformation and platform uplift initiatives.

How to apply

If you're an experienced SQL Database Administrator seeking a high‑impact role in a modern, forward‑thinking professional services environment, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.