SQL Database & Server Manager, Methods
£40-60k
More information about location
IT services consultancy
Be an early applicant
IT services consultancy
201-500 employees
Be an early applicant
£40-60k
More information about location
201-500 employees
Company mission
To help safeguard public-facing services and apply digital thinking to make sure the future of our public services is centred around our citizens.
Role
Who you are
- Strong experience administering Azure SQL Database, SQL Server, and related Azure data services
- Experience working with data lakes (incl. Delta Lakes) and familiarity with modern analytics architectures
- Proficiency with ETL/ELT tooling, particularly Databricks, Azure Data Factory, and SQL‑based transformations
- Expertise in performance tuning, query optimisation, indexing strategies, and capacity planning
- Deep understanding of database security, IAM, encryption, and compliance frameworks
- Proven ability to manage enterprise‑grade databases with high availability and security requirements
- Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills under pressure
- Ability to maintain consistent support coverage, collaborating within a managed service team
- Clear communication skills for supporting analysts, data engineers, and senior stakeholders
- Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience
- Relevant Microsoft certifications (e.g., Azure Database Administrator Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate) strongly desirable
- UKSV (United Kingdom Security Vetting) clearance is required for this role, with Security Check (SC) as the minimum standard, either already held or with a willingness to undergo the process
What the job involves
- Working Hours: 09:00 – 17:30
- Working on secure Microsoft Azure–based environment providing analysts with SQL databases, data lakes, file storage, and advanced analytics tools
- The SQL Database & Server Manager is responsible for overseeing the health, performance, security, and availability of approximately 10 SQL databases and a central Azure Data Lake, ensuring the platform remains reliable for mission‑critical analytical workloads
- This role also supports the Data Engineering function—assisting with ETL/ELT processing, maintaining data pipelines built with Microsoft Azure and Databricks tooling, and ensuring all underlying database services operate effectively during core business hours
- You'll manage provisioning, configuration, and ongoing administration of Azure SQL databases and related services, aligned with client capacity and performance needs
- Monitor and tune database performance using Azure Monitor, Query Performance Insight, and other diagnostic tools to ensure optimal query execution and resource utilisation
- Perform regular patching, maintenance, and security updates on database servers and associated infrastructure
- Ensure the client data platform (SQL databases, data lake, file shares) remains operational during supported hours (09:00–17:30)
- Troubleshoot platform issues, including connection failures, performance degradation, and data‑access problems, resolving issues in line with SLAs
- Maintain clear operational documentation for configurations, processes, and incident resolutions
- Implement Azure SQL security controls including encryption, RBAC, firewall rules, and auditing to ensure compliance with government‑grade security and GDPR standards
- Enforce data governance policies covering access management, backup policies, recovery objectives, and data handling standards
- Manage automated backups, geo‑replication (where appropriate), and disaster‑recovery configurations for SQL databases
- Ensure rapid recovery procedures are in place and periodically tested
- Support client Engineers in maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines across SQL, Azure Data Lake, and Databricks environments
- Assist with ingestion, transformation, and optimisation of analytic datasets used by client analysts
- Contribute to scalable architecture patterns informed by Azure best practice for analytics and data lakehouse architectures
- Automate routine tasks (backups, alerts, performance scans, updates) using PowerShell, Azure CLI, or automation services to streamline operations
- Drive platform improvements that enhance reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency
Salary benchmarks
Our take
The UK public sector has long understood the need for digital transformation, but antiquated systems and outdated processes can make even the most ambitious plans for adaptation fall short. Methods has existed for more than 30 years to assist government departments and agencies make the leap, helping them understand the possibilities of digital transformation and guiding them through strategic planning, data migration and implementation phases.
Methods is an acknowledged leader in IT consultancy within the public sector, praised for their human touch and focus on sustainability which it believes sets it apart from firms. Indeed it is trusted by huge swathes of the UK public sector including the NHS, the Office for National Statistics, the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Defence, to name just a few.
Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in mid-2022. This acquisition will help to reinforce Method's position as a leading player in the public sector while also allowing it to broaden its role in the private sector. It is poised for growth and is investing heavily in talent to make this a reality.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Company benefits
- Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
- Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
- Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership
- A supportive and collaborative environment
- Development access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme and training
- Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance programme
- Social - Breakfast Tuesdays, Pizza Thursday monthly, weekly social in the office and commitment to charitable causes
- Time off 25 days a year
- Pension Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
- Discretionary Company Bonus based on company and individual performance
- Life Assurance of 4 times base salary
- Private Medical Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
- Worldwide Travel Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
- Benefits Platform offering various retail and leisure discounts
Company HQ
Farringdon, London, UK
Leadership
Pat Crossley-Smith
(Executive Director)Previously worked in Agile Product at BUPA and Senior Manager in Development at British Airways.
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