Responsibilities

SQL Server Database Administration:

• Optimise availability and performance of the databases that support the system.
• In co-operation with the Infrastructure Ops team ensure appropriate hardware and software assets exist, maintaining excellent configuration record
• Ensure appropriate patching of database servers for SQL and Windows vulnerabilities
• Co-working with application development teams to agree best practices and standards based approach to database development
• Recommending to management improvements to process and technical environment resulting in closer adherence to SLAs and improved ability of application database infrastructure.
• Additional out of hours support may be required to support maintenance / project work
• Administer the full data set including backup, restore and validation procedures

Supplier Management:

• Liaising with clients 3rd party vendors, partners or 3rd party software vendors associated with application product where applicable.

Team Interaction:

• Working closely day to day with all levels of the Support team, QA testers, Level 3 Maintenance & Application Services teams.

Resource optimisation & Best Practise:

• Adherence to company/team best practices in project, change, incident & release management.

Requirements and the individual

Essential:

• At least 2-3 years commercial data centre experience working with MS SQL 2005 &  2008 R2
• MS SQL Server Database Administration experience
• Experience of managing multiple MS SQL 2005 &  2008 R2
• Any experience of configuring MS SQL for high availability using SAN and clustering (SQL clustering) technologies including multi instance SQL servers
• Practical experience in monitoring and tuning a database to provide a high availability service.
• Experience of writing T-SQL stored procedures  
• Experience of managing/tuning virtual SQL databases
• Design, implementation & monitoring of scheduled tasks
• Experience of working in a large server environment

Desirable:

• Microsoft qualification
• Experiencing working with SaaS delivery model
• Understanding of Cloud networking principles 
• Experience of MS Reporting Services
• Exposure to SQL 2012/2014

Customer focussed:

• Our services need to be available all the time so the role holder must be conscious of customer expectations and SLA adherence and the need to respond promptly to service affecting incidents.
• The role may require client/3 ^rd party facing meetings from time to time to assist project/incidents associated.

Relationship building & Communication:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, with business, Technical IT management, affiliates, and vendor.
• Cross functional awareness, to support the needs, objectives and constraints of those in other disciplines and functions.
• Able to establish relationships and maintaining contacts with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Effective and sensitive communicator in different societies and cultures.
• A proactive team player, working co-operatively (rather than competitively) with others to achieve a common goal.

Organisation Skills:

• Comfortable in organising & prioritising own projects and objectives to meet agreed timescales and SLA adherence
• Effective communication skills (both in conversation and in writing)
• Possess a “Can Do Approach”

Commercials & Results focussed:

• Ensure all projects and maintenance work undertaken adheres to company policy and, is of a consistent high quality in technical solution delivery.
• Possess a thirst for knowledge allowing a large amount of information to be absorbed quickly.
• Enthusiastic, inquisitive and effective problem solver.

Additional Information