Senior Linux/Unix Admin

Job Title: Senior Unix/Linux & Database Administrator Job Purpose

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced Senior Administrator specialising in Unix/Linux environments and database management within the financial services sector. This role is critical to the stability, performance, and scalability of a recently implemented core banking platform (live since October).

The successful candidate will be expected to hit the ground running, supporting a complex, high-availability environment spanning 50+ servers and 15-20 databases, while also contributing to ongoing optimisation and platform maturity.

Key Responsibilities

Database & Platform Management

• Administer and optimise enterprise databases (including SQL Server and Oracle environments) supporting core financial applications
• Manage and support clustered database environments, including Oracle RAC
• Ensure high availability, performance tuning, and data integrity across all database platforms

Application & Web Layer Support

• Support and manage front-end application environments, with experience in Flexcube or WebLogic
• Participate in web environment testing and ongoing platform stabilisation following recent go-live

Infrastructure & Systems Administration

• Manage and maintain Linux and Unix-based servers across a large-scale production estate (50+ servers)
• Perform system upgrades, patching, and performance tuning across OS and database layers

Cluster & Resiliency Management

• Manage cluster software and high-availability configurations across systems
• Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution

Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Automate routine administrative tasks using shell scripting and modern tooling
• Work closely with application and infrastructure teams to troubleshoot production issues and improve system performance

Governance & Operations

• Ensure compliance with IT security standards and financial regulatory requirements
• Align with ITIL processes and formal change management practices
• Provide on-call support and contribute to incident response and operational documentation

Experience & Skills Required

• Database Expertise:
  • 7+ years in DBA roles, including SQL Server and Oracle
  • Strong experience with clustering, storage, and performance tuning
  • Hands-on experience with Oracle RAC
• Systems Expertise:
  • 5+ years administering enterprise Linux/Unix environments
• Application Layer Experience:
  • Experience supporting Flexcube or WebLogic environments
• Technical Skills:
  • Advanced SQL and procedural database languages
  • Strong Unix/Linux shell scripting skills
• Environment Experience:
  • Proven background supporting core banking systems
  • Experience working in complex, multi-server, multi-database environments
• Tooling & Processes:
  • Familiarity with automation, monitoring, and log analysis tools
  • Strong understanding of ITIL and change management frameworks
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong problem-solving ability with a proactive, hands-on mindset
  • Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, production-critical environment

Additional Context

• Recently implemented core banking system (live since October)
• Estate includes 50+ servers and 15-20 databases
• Significant focus on stabilisation, optimisation, and scalability
• Requires a candidate who can quickly take ownership and deliver impact