SQL DBA

Whitehall Resources; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitehall Resources are seeking a SQL Server DBA to join a key client based in Manchester. The role focuses on design, administration, optimisation, and support of mission-critical databases within a regulated financial services environment.

You will manage SQL Server on-prem and Azure, implement HA/DR, and drive performance tuning, security, and GDPR compliance across production systems. The position is IR35 inside and requires 3 days onsite per week in Manchester.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with SQL Server 2016–2022.
• Proven ability to tune performance and resolve production issues.
• Experience implementing HA/DR solutions (Always On, clustering, backups).
• Knowledge of Azure SQL and cloud database platforms.
• Proficiency in T-SQL scripting, monitoring, and automation.
• Experience in financial services or regulated environments.
• Understanding data security, audit, and GDPR compliance.
• Experience with DevOps tooling/CI-CD integration.

Responsibilities

• Administer and support Microsoft SQL Server environments (on-prem and cloud/Azure).
• Monitor database performance and perform tuning, capacity planning.
• Implement and maintain high availability and disaster recovery solutions (Always On, clustering, backups).
• Troubleshoot production issues to minimize downtime.
• Design and maintain backup, recovery, and maintenance strategies.
• Support migrations, upgrades, and cloud transformations (Azure).
• Ensure compliance with regulatory security and data governance (GDPR).
• Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and DevOps teams to support delivery.

Skills

SQL Server

T-SQL scripting

Performance tuning

HA/DR

Azure SQL

Security & compliance

DevOps CI/CD

Data migrations

Production support

Regulated environments

Tools

Azure SQL

Always On

Clustering

Log shipping

SSIS/SSRS/SSAS

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Whitehall Resources currently require a SQL DBA to work with a key client based in Manchester

**Please note this role falls INSIDE IR35 and will require 3 days onsite in Manchester weekly**

Role Description:

Experienced SQL Server DBA responsible for the design, administration, optimisation, and support of mission-critical database platforms within a regulated financial services environment. Ensures high availability, performance, security, and compliance across production systems.

Key Responsibilities

* Administer and support Microsoft SQL Server environments (on-prem and cloud/Azure)

* Manage installation, configuration, patching, and upgrades of SQL Server instances [Robert Mas...l Engineer | Word]

* Monitor database performance and carry out tuning, optimisation, and capacity planning [Robert Mas...l Engineer | Word]

* Implement and maintain high availability and disaster recovery solutions (e.g. Always On, clustering, backups)

* Troubleshoot and resolve production issues, ensuring minimal downtime and service impact [Robert Mas...l Engineer | PDF]

* Design and maintain backup, recovery, and maintenance strategies

* Support database migrations, upgrades, and cloud transformations (e.g. Azure) [Robert Mas...l Engineer | Word]

* Ensure compliance with regulatory, security, and data governance requirements (e.g. GDPR) [Robert Mas...l Engineer | Word]

* Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and DevOps teams to support application delivery

Required Skills & Experience

* Strong hands-on experience with SQL Server (2016–2022)

* Proven experience in performance tuning, troubleshooting, and production support

* Experience with HA/DR technologies (Always On, failover clustering, log shipping)

* Knowledge of Azure SQL / cloud database platforms

* Proficiency in T-SQL scripting, monitoring tools, and automation

* Experience working within financial services or other regulated environments

* Understanding of data security, audit, and compliance controls

* Experience with DevOps tooling / CI-CD integration

* Exposure to SSIS, SSRS, SSAS or data migration frameworks

* Knowledge of data warehousing or large-scale transaction systems