SQL DBA

Harvey Nash Group; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology recruitment agency is seeking a skilled SQL Database Administrator for a 12-month contract in Edinburgh. This hybrid role requires deep expertise in SQL Server and Cosmos DB, focusing on optimizing database performance and reliability for legacy applications. The ideal candidate has strong experience in database administration, performance tuning, and is familiar with compliance regulations. An understanding of Azure infrastructure and tools like PowerShell and Terraform is a plus. The position offers a competitive day rate and is categorized as Outside IR35.

Qualifications

• Deep SQL Server expertise with administration in live environments.
• Experience with performance tuning and troubleshooting bottlenecks.
• Practical knowledge of Azure Cosmos DB and its architecture.

Responsibilities

• Administer and support SQL Server environments.
• Manage Azure Cosmos DB workloads and optimizations.
• Ensure compliance with data legislation and security standards.

Skills

SQL Server administration

Performance tuning

Azure Cosmos DB

Data governance

Collaboration

Tools

PowerShell

Terraform

Azure infrastructure

Job description

SQL Database Administrator | 12 Month Contract | (Outside IR35) | Hybrid, Edinburgh | Starting ASAP

Day Rate: £DOE

About the Role:

We are seeking a skilled Database Administrator (DBA) with deep SQL Server expertise and hands‑on experience with Cosmos DB to join the client’s engineering team. The successful candidate will play a key role in optimising the performance, reliability, and scalability of our mission‑critical databases that support a large legacy application currently experiencing latency challenges.

This role involves both strategic improvements and tactical performance tuning, ensuring that our data platform evolves while continuing to support existing business processes effectively.

Main Duties:

Database Operations

• Administer, configure, and support SQL Server environments across development, test, and production.
• Manage, optimise, and monitor Azure Cosmos DB workloads, ensuring cost‑effective, scalable performance.
• Perform proactive capacity planning, patching, and upgrades to meet operational needs.

Performance & Optimisation

• Identify and resolve database performance issues impacting legacy systems.
• Improve query and indexing strategies, schema design, and execution plans to reduce latency.
• Introduce monitoring and alerting improvements aligned to operational SLAs and KPIs.

Data Quality, Governance & Security

• Ensure compliance with data legislation and security standards, including GDPR and government policy.
• Manage access controls, auditing, and data protection measures.
• Maintain documentation that supports transparency, continuity, and operational resilience.

Continuous Improvement

• Support the evolution of data platforms with modern architectures where appropriate.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and delivery teams to support service transformation initiatives.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong SQL Server administration experience in live service environments.
• Demonstrable expertise in performance tuning and troubleshooting database bottlenecks.
• Practical experience with Azure Cosmos DB, including throughput, indexing, and partitioning strategies.
• Understanding of HA/DR design principles and tooling.
• Commitment to secure, well‑governed data management practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, service‑focused environment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in public sector (Scotland) IT services and associated compliance standards.
• Familiarity with cloud‑hosted operational databases and Azure infrastructure.
• Knowledge of automation (PowerShell, ARM/Bicep, Terraform, DevOps pipelines).
• Experience supporting legacy application transformation or migration projects.

This role has been deemed Outside IR35 by the client. Applicants must hold, or be happy to apply for, a valid Basic Disclosure Scotland. Please click the link to apply.