Sr. Database Platform Engineer

Objective:

Be an integral part of the Application Managed Services team, collaborating closely with application developers, infrastructure engineers, business analysts, and IT leadership to architect, maintain, and optimise mission-critical database solutions. The role plays a strategic part in modernising and evolving the database landscape across the EMEA region.

Database Engineering & Management

Design, maintain, and optimise relational database structures to support application and reporting needs.

Design, install, configure, and manage enterprise Microsoft SQL Server databases and Azure SQL services.

Architect and implement high availability (HA), disaster recovery (DR), and replication solutions.

Automate routine DBA tasks via PowerShell, T-SQL, and DevOps pipelines.

Performance Optimization

Perform advanced performance tuning, query optimisation, indexing strategies, and capacity planning.

Analyse SQL execution plans and resolve complex database bottlenecks.

Security & Compliance

Enforce database security policies, including encryption, role-based access, and auditing.

Ensure compliance with GDPR, ISO27001, and other regulatory frameworks.

Backup & Recovery

Define and test robust backup/recovery strategies and recovery time objectives (RTO/RPO).

Lead recovery efforts during critical incidents.

Collaboration & Support

Act as SME for database architecture in projects and technical design reviews.

Partner with DevOps and development teams to align database design with CI/CD practices.

Documentation & Standards

Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for systems, processes, and standards.

Drive database best practices 

Required Qualifications

7+ years of hands-on experience as a Microsoft SQL Server DBA, including senior or lead-level responsibilities.

Proven experience managing both on-prem and cloud-based SQL Server environments (Azure/AWS preferred).

Deep expertise in Microsoft SQL Server 2016+ and Azure SQL ecosystem.

Proficient in T-SQL, SSIS, SSRS, and PowerShell scripting.

Skilled in monitoring tools (e.g., Redgate, SolarWinds, SQL Sentry).

Familiar with infrastructure automation and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC).

Strong knowledge of indexing, partitioning, query tuning, and performance monitoring.

Exposure to DevOps tools and methodologies preferred.

Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving aptitude.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Capable of working independently and collaboratively across multiple time zones

Leadership mindset with the ability to drive initiatives and influence without authority.

Nice to Have:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or equivalent.

Experience with Azure Data Factory, Synapse, or AWS RDS is a plus.

Familiarity with agile and DevOps practices

Problem Solving

Analytical – Identify root causes and forecast outcomes based on data.

Conceptual – Synthesise complex inputs to inform strategic decisions.

Interpersonal Skills

Communication – Convey technical information clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Working with Others – Collaborate effectively across functions and cultures.

Influence & Negotiation – Advocate for best practices and influence architectural decisions beyond direct authority.

Management & Leadership

Work Management – Set priorities, manage critical incidents, and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure.

Inspiring Leadership – Lead by example and demonstrate commitment to high standards and continuous improvement.

Business Expertise

Company – Understand interdependencies within the client systems and proactively manage technical risks.

Functional Knowledge

Functional Expertise – Demonstrate deep technical mastery in database administration.

Mentoring – Coach and support team members in technical growth.

Knowledge Creator – Innovate and create scalable, reusable solutions that improve system reliability and agility.