CNI Senior Infrastructure Analyst

CNI Senior Infrastructure Analyst Location / Working Model

• Hybrid - typically 1 day per week onsite (Wokingham)
• Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00
• Participation in an on-call rota once established (not expected during first 3 months)

• Day Rate: £600 per day
• Initial Term: 6 months
• Start: ASAP (subject to screening and security checks)
• Extension: Highly likely due to long-term CNI needs

To provide senior-level database support, administration, and technical ownership across Oracle (and some SQL Server/PostgreSQL) platforms within NESO's Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) environment.This role is vital for maintaining systems that directly contribute to keeping the UK's national energy infrastructure operational.

• Deliver 24×7 system management and administration of Oracle databases in a mission-critical, high-availability environment.
• Perform proactive maintenance, monitoring, and performance optimisation.
• Support both legacy and modern Oracle environments across a diverse estate.
• Administer and support Oracle RAC (12-19C), ASM, RMAN, GoldenGate, and Enterprise Manager.
• Follow and utilise Change, Incident, Problem, and Release management processes.
• Support system transitions including failover and standby operations.
• Provide technical analysis, root-cause investigation, and problem ownership.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other technical staff.
• Liaise with 3rd-party vendors and internal support teams as required.
• Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota once fully embedded.

• OpenVMS-based Oracle systems (important for CNI operations)
• Red Hat Linux (core OS for Oracle estate)
• Some PostgreSQL environments
• Limited Microsoft SQL Server exposure

• Work calmly and methodically within a high-stakes, high-pressure environment where actions can have nationwide impact.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy, reliability, and accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with internal CNI teams, DBAs, service managers, and system health/monitoring teams.

• 10+ years' experience as a Database Administrator (Oracle-focused).
• Hands-on expertise with:
  • Oracle 12-19C
  • Oracle RAC, ASM, RMAN, GoldenGate
  • Oracle Enterprise Manager
• Strong understanding of Red Hat Linux, including KSH shell scripting.
• Experience supporting business-critical, real-time systems.
• Proven ability to work independently in a sensitive operational environment.
• Strong communication skills-verbal, written, and cross-team collaboration.
• Experience in ITIL-based environments.

• OpenVMS exposure (training possible but limited for contractors).
• Experience with PostgreSQL.
• Experience with MS SQL Server.
• Proven customer-facing IT service experience.
• Experience participating in out-of-hours or escalation support rotas.

• Degree or equivalent higher education in a computing/technical discipline.
• ITIL Foundation (minimum; higher preferred).
• Recognised technical certifications (Oracle, Linux, etc.) desirable.

• Must be eligible for and capable of achieving SC (Security Check) clearance.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities , and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to everyone individually. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.