SQL Server Developer Performance Tuning Specialist

WellData Limited; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A trusted leader in SQL development services is looking for a SQL Server Developer to join their remote team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in performance tuning and optimization of SQL Server environments. The role involves diagnosing performance bottlenecks, optimizing queries, and collaborating with clients to deliver efficient solutions. The position offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous Pension Contribution Scheme

Income Protection / Life Insurance

5 weeks' annual leave

Paid birthday leave

Company-sponsored training

Qualifications

• Proven experience in SQL Server with focus on performance tuning.
• Strong knowledge of execution plans and indexing strategies.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve SQL Server performance issues.
• Collaborate with clients to translate needs into solutions.
• Contribute to best practices for database performance.

Skills

SQL Server design and development

Query optimization

Performance tuning

PowerShell scripting

Azure Databases

Tools

CI/CD

Git

Azure DevOps

Job description

SQL Server Developer - Performance Tuning Specialist

Location: Completely Remote role, can be Located anywhere in the UK!

Salary: Depending on experience

We're proud to be a trusted leader in SQL development services, and in database, server, cloud, and application services. We enjoy helping our clients, many of which are well‑known household brands, stay connected and supported.

About the role

WellData is seeking an enthusiastic, self‑motivated, and dynamic SQL Server Developer with a proven track record in performance tuning and optimization. If you thrive on solving complex database challenges and making systems run faster and smarter, this role is for you.

As part magician and part juggler, you’ll work your magic on SQL Server environments while balancing multiple client needs — delivering solutions under pressure and meeting deadlines with confidence.

Our Development team is small but ambitious, so we’re looking for someone who enjoys learning new technologies and tackling projects that push boundaries.

Why Performance Tuning Matters at WellData

It underpins our managed service promise. We proactively detect performance issues, agree remediation plans with clients, and action improvements‑supported by real‑time monitoring and alerting that captures historical health and performance metrics.

We make performance measurable. Clients receive structured health checks that classify findings into Performance, Security, and Reliability, with clear severities and recommended actions — so tuning work is prioritised and its impact is visible.

We deliver tangible outcomes. Recent tuning engagements have reduced query and job runtimes, improved application responsiveness, and simplified index strategies — resulting in noticeable user experience gains and lower operational pressure.

We apply a repeatable, phase‑based approach. From index additions / consolidations / removals to targeted procedure rewrites, changes are implemented gradually, validated with stakeholders, and aligned to each client’s change process.

We report and learn continuously. Performance reporting and regular reviews ensure improvements are sustained and inform future tuning cycles.

Key Duties

• Diagnose and resolve SQL Server performance bottlenecks across queries, indexes, and execution plans.
• Optimize user‑defined functions, stored procedures, and ETL processes for speed and scalability.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to translate business requirements into efficient technical solutions.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and best practices for database performance.

About You

Ideal Characteristics

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem‑solving skills under pressure.
• Detail‑oriented and deadline‑driven.
• Builds trust and maintains positive relationships with clients and colleagues.

Essential Experience

• SQL Server design and development with a focus on query optimisation and performance tuning.
• Deep understanding of execution plans, indexing strategies, and Query Store.
• PowerShell scripting for automation.
• Azure Databases.

Desirable Skills

• Azure (Runbooks, Logic Apps, Data Factory).
• SSRS, Power BI, Data Warehousing.
• ETL / ELT technologies.
• CI/CD and source control (Git, Azure DevOps).
• Exposure to other database platforms (Postgres, Oracle, AWS, MySQL, NoSQL).

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Generous Pension Contribution Scheme (up to 10% match).
• Income Protection / Life Insurance.
• 5 weeks' annual leave plus options to buy / sell days.
• Paid birthday leave, volunteering days, and extra leave for long service.
• Company‑sponsored training and certifications.
• Quarterly team training and get‑togethers.

Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV and complete the application form, you will then be sent a link to a Skills Assessment Form. Only candidates that complete the Skills Assessment form will be considered.

Expected Recruitment Timeline

Applications close: 23rd January 2026

First interviews: Virtual Interview, week commencing 2nd February

Second interviews: In person Interview, week commencing 16th February

Candidate Experience Criteria

Applicants with experience of SQL Developer, Database Developer, SQL Performance Engineer, Database Performance Tuner, Senior SQL Developer, Database Engineer, SQL Server Database Engineer, Backend SQL Developer, Data Engineer, Database Specialist, Technical Database Specialist, Azure SQL Developer, Azure Data Engineer, Cloud Database Specialist, Production SQL Developer, DevOps Database Engineer, SQL Database Analyst, Database Optimizer, T‑SQL Developer also be considered for this role.