Database Architect
Job Introduction
When you join Saga we welcome you with open arms and we fuel your career possibilities. We support. We encourage. We champion you to reach your full potential.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Database Architect to join our Saga Group GMD department.
You will be responsible for defining and delivering new software systems and extending existing ones. The Database Architect will mentor and coach other developers as they carry out (sprints of) build work, ensuring they are provided with clear instructions of how to approach execution of build tasks and quality assuring work. The Database Architect will also personally carry out more complex development tasks.
You'll bring excellent Microsoft SQL Server skills as well as an expert in database design and modelling.
And in return, you can look forward to all of the responsibility and involvement of an integral role, providing you with a rewarding and fast paced career with an excellent benefits package including life assurance, pension, high street and online discounts, and concessions for holidays and travel.
If this sounds like a role for you then keep reading...
Role Responsibility
- Demonstrable experience with analysing and solving difficult problems
- Ability to follow multiple complex projects in different business areas
- Database architecture definition and design on multiple functional and technical areas
- Hands-on high-end coding
- Defining SQL development standards and guideline definition and implementation
- Technology advisory and pair programming availability on different technologies
- Scouting and benchmarking in tech trends
- Work closely with Applications Architect
- Responsibility for the delivery of a database solution.
- Ensuring that the correct solution is implemented, taking into account the customer’s or business requirements and the data landscape
- Ensuring that the quality of the delivery maintains high standards and requesting “rework” from developers where appropriate so that the solution delivery is always of a high standard
- Deployment of database packages to different environments (such as UAT or Production) to an agreed timescale and ensuring that the delivery meets expectations
- Safe and controlled usage of a source control system
- Being able to investigate and solve urgent issues if the need arises
- Be able to propose alternative designs
- Be able to provide status updates to stakeholders at all levels
- Demonstrable experience with the Agile methodologies
- Communicate successfully all concepts and guidelines to development team
- Provide technical guidance and coaching to developers
- Define the overall structure of the team’s databases
- Monitor the database usage, performance and storage requirements enabling prediction of future needs
- Detail high-level architecture designs and recommendations to developers, and validate their development design choices
- Produce documentation related to all the above aspects
- Engage the development team in the design process and rationale
- Help shape, create, develop and evolve the database architecture that underpins the software products
- Validate the database architecture against the requirements of the software products and corporate and technical strategies
- Prepare documents explaining the architecture to sponsors and stakeholders both internally and externally
- Keep updated with changes in the areas of technology and business and apply this knowledge to revise and update the architecture, keeping it fit for purpose
- Help ensure software delivery adheres to both internal and industry best practice
- Participate in the accurate estimation, planning and delivery of the architecture and the products built using it
- Responsible for ensuring adherence to security policies
The Ideal Candidate
Capability, Knowledge and Experience:
- Excellent Microsoft SQL Server skills covering MS-SQL, SSIS, SSRS
- Excellent database performance skills including execution plans, query design, indexing and profiling
- Expert in general database design and modelling
- Clear communicator both written and spoken
- Ability to pick up new technical skills with relative ease
- Technical problem solver
- Able to make technical leaps finding novel solutions
- Excellent mentor
Education and Qualifications:
- SQL Server skills covering MS-SQL, SSIS, SSRS
- Agile and Scrum experience would be an advantage
- Database performance skills
- Database design and modelling
Personal Characteristics:
- Ability to communicate with Users, Team Members and Management
- Ability to communicate ideas and complex technical concepts clearly in plain English
- Ability to self-manage personal work load to ensure task are completed to time / budget
- Ability to mentor other developers in new development and database technologies
- Has the aptitude to lead small-scale projects
- Ability to work within a formal change management process
- Ability to recognise and work in line with Saga business objectives and methods
- Highly motivated, flexible and organised, with an ability to work under pressure
- Excellent time management skills – ability to effectively prioritise workloads and to meet business expectations
Package Description
The standard benefits when you join Saga include:
- Option to purchase a further 5 days annual leave per year
- Free private medical insurance after 1 years service
- Pension
- AXA Be Supported
- Apples Nursery (Folkestone only and on a waiting list basis)
- Free fruit
- Give as you earn
- Free eye tests
- Honeymoon benefit
- Sharebuy
- Salary finance
- Discounts on Saga holidays and insurance products
- A range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
- Long service awards
About the Company
When you join Saga you will see that we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement.
We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better. Creating a culture in which everyone feels welcome and offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement is incredibly important to us. Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities. If you need support at any point with your application please let us know as we will be happy to help.
Learn more about the Saga business by watching our Saga plc results for the financial year 2018/2019
To all recruitment agencies: Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the HR Recruitment Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.
Saga Group
