Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior SQL Server Database Administrator with a strong banking or financial services background to manage, automate, and optimize mission-critical SQL Server environments. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in high availability, disaster recovery, and performance tuning with hands-on automation and cloud hosting experience.
Key Responsibilities
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Administer and maintain SQL Server database environments across production, DR, and non-production estates
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Design, implement, and manage High Availability and Disaster Recovery solutions including Always On Availability Groups, Distributed AGs, replication, and mirroring
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Administer SQL Server failover clusters and ensure resilience of critical banking systems
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Automate routine DBA tasks such as provisioning, patching, and upgrades using tools like Ansible, Jenkins, Terraform, and ArgoCD
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Perform performance tuning and query optimization using Query Store, Profiler, and related tools
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Plan and execute SQL Server version upgrades, including in-place upgrades with AG, DAG, and Windows Failover Clustering
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Implement and maintain security controls including auditing, TLS, and access management
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Manage backup, restore, and recovery strategies across multiple recovery models
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Lead database migration projects, including cross-platform and cross-environment migrations
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Support hosting of SQL Server clusters on cloud platforms (OCI, AWS, Azure)
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Collaborate with infrastructure teams on OS and virtualization environments (Windows, VMware, Hyper-V)
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Write and maintain scripts using PowerShell, SQL/PL-SQL, Bash, or Python for operational efficiency
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Work within Agile delivery frameworks and manage multiple concurrent projects
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Provide professional communication and status reporting to stakeholders under pressure and tight deadlines
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science or related field
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Relevant SQL Server certifications
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6+ years of experience in SQL Server DBA roles within large organizations
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Prior experience in a banking or financial services environment
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Excellent knowledge of SQL Server database administration
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Excellent knowledge of automating routine DBA tasks (provisioning, patching, upgrades)
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Excellent knowledge of HA/DR options for SQL Server
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Excellent knowledge of SQL Server Always On cluster administration
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Excellent knowledge of performance tuning, query tuning, Query Store, and Profiler
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Excellent knowledge of SQL Server upgrades (in-place, with AG/DAG/WFC)
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Excellent knowledge of SQL Server security features (auditing, TLS)
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Excellent knowledge of backup, restore, and recovery models
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Excellent knowledge of database migration
Preferred Qualifications
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Good knowledge of designing and developing HA solutions (Always On AGs, Distributed AGs, replication, mirroring)
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Good knowledge of MSSQL features (SQL 2019 and higher)
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Good knowledge of hosting SQL Server clusters on cloud platforms (OCI, AWS, Azure)
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Technical knowledge of OS and virtualization (Windows, VMware, Hyper-V)
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Good knowledge of SQL and/or PL/SQL or PowerShell
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Good knowledge of Unix/Linux/Windows operating systems
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Good knowledge of Agile working practices
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Good knowledge of modern automation tools (Ansible, Jenkins, Terraform, ArgoCD)
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Good knowledge of scripting languages (Bash, Python)
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Good knowledge of other database platforms
Key Attributes
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Ability to work under pressure
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Strong professional communication skills
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Self-managed and accountable
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Ability to work across multiple projects simultaneously
