SQL DBA

Senior Database Administrator (SC Cleared)

Location: Milton Keynes (3 days per week onsite)
Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance - Essential
Inside IR35 - 6 Month initial contract with chance for extension over 2 years

We're looking for a DBA to take ownership of critical database environments within a secure and technically diverse organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in maintaining, improving, and future-proofing enterprise data platforms that underpin essential services.

The Role

As Database Administrator, you'll be responsible for the design, implementation, optimisation and ongoing support of enterprise database systems, with a primary focus on Microsoft SQL Server. You'll also provide hands-on administration across PostgreSQL and MySQL environments, ensuring reliability, performance, and security across the entire data estate.

You'll work closely with application teams, infrastructure engineers and business stakeholders to deliver scalable, secure and high-performing data solutions in both on-premises and cloud environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, patch and maintain Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL and MySQL environments.

• Monitor performance and proactively tune queries, indexes and configurations.

• Implement and maintain high availability and disaster recovery solutions (AlwaysOn, clustering, replication, log shipping).

• Manage backup, restore and recovery strategies, including regular restore testing.

• Conduct routine health checks and ensure optimal system availability.

• Analyse and resolve slow-running queries using execution plans and profiling tools.

• Implement effective indexing, archiving and partitioning strategies.

• Lead capacity planning and forecasting to support future growth.

• Implement robust database security controls (authentication, encryption, auditing, RBAC).

• Support developers with schema design, stored procedures, functions and triggers.

• Assist with ETL processes, migrations and system integrations.

• Automate routine processes using PowerShell, Bash, Python or SQL Scripting.

• Support replication and migration between MSSQL, PostgreSQL and MySQL.

• Provide best practice guidance for cloud (eg Azure SQL, AWS RDS) and on-prem platforms.

You will bring:

• 5+ years' experience administering Microsoft SQL Server in production and secure environments.

• Strong hands-on expertise with PostgreSQL and MySQL.

• Deep understanding of T-SQL, query optimisation and database internals.

• Proven experience delivering high availability and disaster recovery solutions.

• Experience working within regulated or secure environments.

• Strong Scripting and automation capability.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively across technical teams.

Essential Requirements:

• Active SC Clearance (mandatory)

• Ability to work onsite in Milton Keynes 3 days per week

Please note: Mandatory qualifications and clearance will be verified prior to engagement. If this role sounds of interest please apply to hear more!