SQL DBA - Contract

SQL Server DBA (Contract – 6 Months)

Edinburgh Hybrid 

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced SQL Server Database Administrator to join our client on a 6-month contract. The role will focus on ensuring the performance, availability, security, and integrity of mission-critical SQL Server environments, while supporting ongoing operations, improvements, and project work.

This role is well suited to a hands-on DBA who can operate independently, troubleshoot complex issues, and work closely with development, infrastructure, and cloud teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and support Microsoft SQL Server environments (2016–2022+)

• Monitor and optimise database performance, capacity, and availability

• Manage backup, restore, and recovery processes; test and validate DR procedures

• Troubleshoot and resolve production database issues and incidents

• Implement and maintain high availability and disaster recovery solutions (e.g. Always On Availability Groups, Failover Clustering)

• Manage security, permissions, and compliance (encryption, auditing, access control)

• Provide DBA support for application releases and change activity

• Collaborate with developers on query tuning and database design best practices

• Document environments, procedures, and operational runbooks

• Act as an escalation point for complex database-related issues,.

• Support of Azure SQL Platforms including Azure SQL DB and SQL Managed Instance.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant hands-on experience as a SQL Server DBA in enterprise environments

• Strong expertise in SQL Server administration (installation, configuration, troubleshooting)

• Proven experience with performance tuning (indexes, execution plans, waits, IO, memory)

• Solid knowledge of HA/DR technologies (Always On AGs essential)

• Strong T-SQL skills for diagnostics, automation, and troubleshooting

• Experience with backup and recovery strategies in large environments

• Understanding of Windows Server and storage concepts

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment.

• Familiarity with Azure concepts.

Desirable

• PowerShell / Terraform scripting for DBA automation

• Familiarity with monitoring tools (e.g. , Redgate, SolarWinds, Quest Spotlight)

• Experience working in regulated or security-conscious environments

• Exposure to DevOps / CI-CD database deployment practices.

• Experience of Fabric and Azure Data Factory.

• Experience of Redwood RMJ.

If this sounds like the right role for you, then please get in touch with Christina Hall at