SQL Developer
Job Title: SQL Developer / SQL DBA
Location: Leeds, UK
Duration: FTC (6 Months)
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced SQL Developer/DBA with strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and Azure cloud services , including CI/CD pipeline implementation using Azure Devops , Visual Studio and Octopus Deploy . The successful candidate will be responsible for database administration, performance optimization, automation, and supporting DevOps practices to ensure secure, highly available, and scalable database environments.
Key Responsibilities
Database Administration
- Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server (On‐Prem & Azure).
- Manage Azure SQL Database , Azure SQL Managed Instance , and SQL Server on Azure VMs .
- Perform backup, restore, disaster recovery , and high availability (Always On, Failover Groups, Log Shipping).
- Monitor database health, capacity, and performance.
Performance & Optimization
- Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks using execution plans, indexing strategies, and query tuning.
- Optimize database schemas, stored procedures, and SQL queries.
- Implement proactive monitoring and alerting.
Azure & Cloud Responsibilities
- Manage databases using Azure Portal , Azure Monitor , Log Analytics , and Azure Advisor .
- Ensure security best practices using Azure AD authentication , TDE , Key Vault , and firewall rules.
- Support scalability, cost optimization , and resource governance in Azure.
CI/CD & DevOps Integration
- Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines for database deployments using:
- Azure DevOps Pipelines / GitHub Actions
- PowerShell, T‐SQL, Azure Devops, Octopus Deploy.
- Automate schema changes, version control, and deployment approvals.
- Work closely with development teams to enable Database DevOps (DBOps) .
- Implement rollback, validation, and release strategies for database changes.
Security & Compliance
- Manage user access, roles, and permissions.
- Implement auditing, encryption, and compliance standards.
- Support vulnerability assessments and security reviews.
Collaboration & Support
- Partner with application, infrastructure, and DevOps teams.
- Provide L3 support for production issues and root‐cause analysis.
- Create and maintain documentation, runbooks, and SOPs.
Essentials Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills
- Strong experience with Microsoft SQL Server (2016+)
- Hands‐on experience with Azure SQL services
- Strong knowledge of:
- T‐SQL
- Backup & Recovery
- HA/DR solutions ( Always On Availability Groups , Log Shipping)
- Indexing & performance tuning
- Strong experience with CI/CD tools ( Azure DevOp and Octopus Deploy )
- Scripting skills: PowerShell and T-SQL
- Experience with version control systems (Git)
Azure Skills
- Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance
- Azure Monitor & Log Analytics
- Azure Key Vault & Security features
- ARM/Bicep or Terraform (good to have)
Preferred Qualifications
- Azure certifications (e.g., AZ‐104, DP‐300)
- Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code
- Exposure to Agile/Scrum environments