SQL Database Administrator

Job Introduction

*** Remote/home working allowed. The role includes out of hours on-call *** 

Our people are everything to us. The way they deliver exceptional experiences every day for our customers, for their colleagues. The way they own what they do. Their 'Why's it like that?' curiosity. How they always think of others and work together to get things done. Come and do the best work of your life alongside lovely colleagues. Come to Saga! 

And right now, we are looking for a SQL Database Administrator to join our Technology Operations Team. You will be part of a team that supports and maintains critical database infrastructure across on premise, private cloud, and public cloud environments. It’s important your foundational knowledge is strong as you’ll need to adapt depending on the challenge you face. 

Reporting into the Lead Infrastructure Technology Engineer, you will be responsible for delivering outstanding service and providing technical ownership for challenges across the technology estate.

And in return, you can look forward to all the responsibility and involvement of an integral role, providing you with a rewarding and fast-paced career with an excellent benefits package.    

If this is of interest to you then we would be keen to hear from you!

Role Responsibility

As an SQL Database Administrator your responsibilities will be: 

• Supplying enterprise business SQL Server Database support across the technology estate. 
• Monitoring, automation and performance tuning of SQL Server resources and associated applications.  
• Administration of the core SQL Server enterprise shared services and system maintenance procedures, this will include raising and taking ownership of processes such as change requests, problem management, root cause analysis, fault identification and resolution.  
• Responsibility for ensuring Saga security policies are met, and services are securely configured in line with best practices. 
• Optimisation and rightsizing for cost and performance where appropriate. For example, resource optimisation such as disk, compute, memory. 
• Supporting the technology operations management team in developing and delivering innovative technology initiatives.  
• Maintaining documentation of new or amended procedures. 
• Ensure all working practices comply with information security guidelines. 
• Developing existing knowledge and skills continuously. 
• Willingness to learn independently and on the job.  
• Having a data driven approach to decision making. 

The Ideal Candidate

·       Extensive experience in SQL Server 2012 to 2022 and cloud technologies e.g. Azure SQL. 

·       Demonstrable experience with SQL Server, SQL Server Integration Service, SQL Server Reporting Services and SQL Server Analysis Server. 

·       Hands-on experience with database monitoring and tuning, including physical design, query optimisation and performance tuning. 

·       Knowledge of SQL Server security, backup & recovery, and replication. 

·       Experience with PowerShell scripting. 

·       Test and prepare implementation of database software upgrades and patch releases for customers. 

·       Ability to create and provide databases for Support, Development and Test. 

·       Understanding Of Dynamic Management Views and how to use them. 

·       Experience of managing standard DBA tasks, including securing databases, managing space, monitoring performance, installing patches. 

·       Prior experience with Clustering and Always-On Availability Groups. 

·       Ability to provide 24/7 on-call support as part of a rotation, 1 in 3. 

·       Experience with Redgate Monitor / Schema / Data compare tools or similar.

·       Excellent communication skills with a strong customer-service focus.

·       Resilient, able to work methodically under pressure. 

·       Ability to multi-task and work across a range of projects and issues with various timelines and priorities. 

Our Saga Values:

• Precision Pace - Always owning and making things happen. 
• Empathy – Always aware of others. 
• Curiosity – Always asking why.
• Collaboration – Always one team, the Saga team!

Package Description

The standard benefits when you join Saga include: 

• Remote working available where possible

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays with the choice to buy a further 5 days annual leave per year 

• Free private medical insurance after 1 years' service 

• Workplace Pension 

• AXA Be Supported 

• A range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies

About the Company

Over the past 70 years we have become the UK's specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50 in the UK. The Saga brand has become one of the most recognised and trusted brands amongst UK consumers in this demographic, recognised for its high quality products and exceptional standards of service. These include cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and the Saga Magazine.

At Saga 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.

Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities and those over who are over 50 as we are champions of age inclusivity. We are an official Disability Confident employer and ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible and we will make reasonable adjustments as required. For more information on our DEI policies please visit our Saga Careers page.

​Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the Talent Acquisition Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga will not be responsible for any fees related to CVs received in this unsolicited manner.

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Saga Group