Database Administrator (DBA)
Job summary
The DBA is a key member of the Digital Data & Technology (DDaT)Operations team, adding value for our patients through improving anddeveloping information services across the Trust and wider health and caresystem.As the DBA you will be responsible for providing operational databaseservices to the organisation predominantly in SQL Server.Tasks will include owning, tracking and resolving database related incidentsand requests, fulfilling requests and resolving incidents within agreedtimescales, reviewing service-related reports on a daily basis to ensureservice-related issues are identified and resolved within establishedtimescales.You will respond to database related alerts and escalations and work withother infrastructure engineers to come up with strategic solutions torecurring problems.Key to this role is establishing and maintaining communication with theTrust's service users and wider colleagues and customers to keep themupdated with status of their requests or raised issues.The role holder will proactively escalate any issues that cannot be resolvedwithin the established timeframes adhering to service level agreements tothe infrastructure manager.
Main duties of the job
1. Knowledge and Expertise
Regular monitoring and custom daily checks
Database Development: Design and implement database solutions
Act as the Trust's subject matter expert for SQL Server
2. Financial Management
Track the costs associated with database storage, hardware, and licensing
Identify cost-saving opportunities
Contribute to the financial planning of the IT department
3. Communication and Relationships
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Serve as the key point of contact for any database-related inquiries
4. Planning and Organisation
Capacity and Performance Planning
Develop and implement strategies to ensure databases can accommodate growing data volumes and increased system usage.
Disaster Recovery Planning: Develop and regularly test disaster recovery (DR) plans for the SQL Server environment
5. Analytical and Judgement Skills
Perform root cause analysis on performance bottlenecks and system failures
Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks to the SQL Server estate
6. Continuous Improvement and Service Development
Process Automation: Continuously evaluate and improve database management processes
Propose and implement automated solutions for tasks such as backups, monitoring, and performance tuning.
7. Policy and Compliance
Policy Adherence: Ensure all database management activities comply with NHS standards, data protection regulations, and Trust policies.
Audit and Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of all database configurations
About us
Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.
Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.
If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.
Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Knowledge and Expertise
SQL Server Management
Regular monitoring and custom daily checks
Identify inefficiencies and optimise performance
Database Development: Design and implement database solutions
Security and Compliance
Implement strict access control, auditing, and encryption
Technical Leadership: Act as the Trusts subject matter expert for SQL Server
Provide technical guidance to IT colleagues
Stay abreast of technological advancements
2. Financial Management
Cost Control: Manage and monitor the financial aspects of the SQL Server estate
Track the costs associated with database storage, hardware, and licensing
Identify cost-saving opportunities
Vendor Management: Ensure compliance with the Trusts procurement policies while obtaining the best possible financial outcomes.
Budget Planning: Contribute to the financial planning of the IT department by providing cost forecasts for future database infrastructure needs
3. Communication and Relationships
Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Build strong relationships across clinical and administrative departments
Serve as the key point of contact for any database-related inquiries
Complex Technical Communication: Translate highly technical information regarding database performance, security, and upgrades into accessible language for non-technical audiences
Lead discussions with key stakeholders
Training and Support: Provide training and mentoring to IT staff on database administration and SQL Server best practices.
Develop comprehensive documentation and guidelines
4. Planning and Organisation
Capacity and Performance Planning
Develop and implement strategies to ensure databases can accommodate growing data volumes and increased system usage.
Lead on initiatives to optimise database performance
Disaster Recovery Planning: Develop and regularly test disaster recovery (DR) plans for the SQL Server environment
Lead DR exercises, document outcomes, and apply improvements
Upgrade and Patch Management: Plan and execute SQL Server upgrades and patches to keep the system up-to-date and secure.
Ensure that upgrades are carried out with minimal disruption to the Trusts operations
5. Analytical and Judgement Skills
Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting
Perform root cause analysis on performance bottlenecks and system failures
Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks to the SQL Server estate
Provide recommendations on system improvements and cost-effective solutions
Decision-Making: Use sound judgment to make critical decisions regarding system upgrades, security enhancements, and resource allocation.
6. Continuous Improvement and Service Development
Process Automation: Continuously evaluate and improve database management processes
Propose and implement automated solutions for tasks such as backups, monitoring, and performance tuning.
Service Development: Lead the development of new database services
Introduce innovative technologies and methodologies
Innovation and Best Practices: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices
Lead initiatives to adopt new tools and technologies that improve the Trusts database management capabilities and reduce costs.
7. Policy and Compliance
Policy Adherence: Ensure all database management activities comply with NHS standards, data protection regulations, and Trust policies.
Maintain detailed documentation of security protocols, access controls, and system configurations
Audit and Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of all database configurations, updates, and performance metrics.
Prepare regular reports for senior management on database performance, security risks, and compliance with NHS standards.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience.
- Attended recognised professional training courses (e.g. SQL) or equivalent experience
- ITIL Certification
- Degree in relevant field; computer science, data management MSCE MCSA
Experience
- Database Administration: Extensive experience managing large, complex SQL Server environments, including installation, configuration, performance tuning, and disaster recovery.
- Healthcare IT: Experience working within the NHS or another healthcare setting, with a deep understanding of clinical systems and data governance requirements.
- Significant experience of database performance tuning, optimisation and indexing Demonstrable experience in reviewing database solutions and making recommendations
- Cloud based SQL services
- Experience of working with business intelligence departments on data warehousing
Skills
- Excellent knowledge of Windows Server technologies Specialist knowledge of, and highly proficient in: Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2016/2019 Data warehouses Data integration, Data migration
- Ability to communicate complex (potentially contentious or sensitive) analytical issues to data literate persons or groups at various levels.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer details
Employer name
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Trust
London Road
Reading
RG1 5LA
Employer's website
https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/