SQL DBA (DV)

LA International; Reading; On-site; GBP 124,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

LA International is seeking an experienced Senior SQL Server Database Administrator for a client near Reading. The role requires 5+ years of SQL Server DBA work in production, including 3+ years in a dedicated DBA capacity, and candidates must be eligible for DV clearance.

You will manage a mix of legacy and current SQL Server versions on Windows Server, ensure high availability, perform patching and migrations, and implement robust backup/recovery strategies while working within an IR35-inside

Qualifications

• 5+ years of SQL Server DBA experience in production, with 3+ years in a dedicated DBA role.
• Support a mix of legacy and current SQL Server versions (2012–2022) on Windows Server, including patches, upgrades and migrations.
• Strong HA/DR experience: FCIs, WSFC, quorum/witness, shared storage, patching, failover & troubleshooting.
• Always On Availability Groups and legacy HA/DR like log shipping, database mirroring, replication.
• Backup and recovery: full, differential, log backups, point-in-time recovery and DR testing.
• Performance tuning: execution plans, indexing, wait stats, DMVs, Extended Events, Query Store.
• Strong T-SQL skills: queries, stored procedures, functions.
• Maintenance and automation: Ola Hallengren, DBCC CHECKDB, index/stat maintenance, Agent jobs, TempDB.
• Database security: AD integration, TDE, SQL Audit, privileged access management.
• Scripting/monitoring: PowerShell (dbatools), SCOM, Redgate SQL Monitor, SolarWinds DPA.
• Windows Server/AD basics, DNS/Kerberos, firewall rules.
• ITIL-based incident/problem/change management.
• Excellent communication and multi-priority handling.
• UK security clearance eligibility.

Skills

DBA experience

HA/DR expertise

T-SQL proficiency

Security clearance eligibility

Windows Server/SQL Server

Education

Degree in CS or related

DP-300 certification

MCSA/MCSE (SQL Server)

ITIL Foundation

Tools

PowerShell

dbatools

SCOM

Redgate SQL Monitor

SolarWinds DPA

Ola Hallengren scripts

Job description

Our client is a global systems integrator who requires an experienced Senior SQL Server Database Administrator for a customer based near to Reading.

START: ASAP
DURATION: INITIALLY 6 MONTHS
RATE: £90.00 - £100.00 PER HOUR
IR35: INSIDE IR35
LOCATION: READING
CLEARANCE: DV

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES

• Proven second- or third-line SQL Server DBA experience in business-critical production environments, typically 5+ years, including at least 3 in a dedicated DBA role.
• Supporting a mixed estate of legacy and current SQL Server versions (e.g. 2012 to 2022) on Windows Server, including installation, patching, upgrades and migrations.
• Strong hands-on SQL Server high-availability clustering, including Failover Cluster Instances (FCIs) on Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC), quorum and witness configuration, shared storage, cluster-aware patching, failover and troubleshooting.
• Always On Availability Groups and legacy HA/DR technologies such as log shipping, database mirroring and replication.
• Backup and recovery, including full, differential and log backups, point-in-time recovery and DR testing.
• Performance tuning using legacy and current tools, including execution plans, indexing, wait statistics, DMVs, Profiler/Trace, Extended Events and Query Store.
• Strong T-SQL skills, including queries, stored procedures and functions.
• Database maintenance using maintenance plans and scripted solutions (e.g. Ola Hallengren), including DBCC CHECKDB, index and statistics maintenance, Agent jobs, capacity planning and TempDB.
• Database security, including least-privilege access, Active Directory integration, TDE, SQL Server Audit and privileged access management (e.g. CyberArk).
• Scripting and monitoring using PowerShell (including dbatools), T-SQL and tools such as SCOM, Redgate SQL Monitor or SolarWinds DPA.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory and SQL connectivity (DNS, Kerberos/SPNs and firewall rules).
• ITIL-based incident, problem and change management in a controlled environment.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills, and the organisation to manage multiple priorities in a highly visible support role.
• Eligibility to obtain a high level of UK Security Clearance.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• SSIS, SSRS and SSAS, including migrating legacy packages and reports to current versions.
• Managing risk on out-of-support SQL Server versions, including ESU and upgrade planning.
• Supporting databases for SCCM/MECM, SCOM and SharePoint.
• Azure SQL, Managed Instance or Azure Arc, to support future modernisation.
• Other database platforms (e.g. Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL) and SQL Server on Linux.
• VMware and EMC SAN storage, including SQL Server performance on virtual and shared- storage platforms.
• Database DevOps and automation tools, such as Git, Azure DevOps, SSDT, Redgate, Ansibleor DSC.
• Mentoring colleagues in diagnosing complex database issues.
• Security hardening (e.g. CIS Benchmarks) and awareness of UK GDPR obligations.
• Experience in defence, government or other secure, restricted-network environments.
• Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Certifications such as DP-300, legacy MCSA/MCSE (SQL Server) and ITIL Foundation.

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take a minimum 18 weeks.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

Please Note: If a high volume of applications is received, only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.