SQL Database Administrator

We are a values-led, charitable organisation that provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. We have a clear vision and a social purpose. We believe that everyone has the right to live in a good quality home that they can afford. We invest millions of ponds every year to keep our existing homes safe and descent. We also play our part in helping to deal with the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of new, modern homes to rent in Sunderland. We'd love for you to join us achieve our vision.

Salary :

£51,250.00

Job Description:

Job Title:   SQL Database Administrator  

Hybrid (3 days min per week based in our Sunderland head office)

Working hours:  36 Hours Mon – Fri (Fri 12.30 pm finish)

Are you an experienced SQL Database Administrator ready to make a real impact? Join our dedicated Database Administration Team at our Doxford Park head office in Sunderland, where your expertise will help power the systems that support over 60,000 customers across the city.

In this pivotal role within our IT department, you will be responsible for provisioning, maintaining, and securing our backend databases—ensuring our colleagues have the tools they need to deliver outstanding service every day.

We recognise the importance of a positive work-life balance—our hybrid working model offers the flexibility of both office and home-based work. To support collaboration and innovation, you’ll be required to work from the office for part of the working week and be flexible to attend on-site meetings as needed.

We are looking for a candidate who has experience in:

Database management systems (design, implementation, maintenance, proactive monitoring and performance optimisation).

Data modelling, high availability and awareness of integration technologies to ensure the seamless flow of data across disparate systems.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure the reliability, security and scalability of the database infrastructure.

The role is subject to a basic DBS paid for by Gentoo.

Key Responsibilities Will Include:

High Availability and Disaster Recovery

Configure and maintain high availability solutions such as SQL Server Always On Availability Groups, database mirroring, and clustering to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity.

Develop and test database backup and recovery procedures to recover data in the event of system failures, disasters, or data corruption.

Performance Optimisation

Identify and address performance bottlenecks, query optimisation opportunities, and scalability challenges in database systems and integration processes.

Monitor system performance metrics and fine-tune configurations (VM Right Sizing) for optimal throughput and responsiveness.

Development

Support the development of integration solutions to facilitate data exchange between different systems, applications, and platforms.

Actively contribute to improvements and migrations both with on-premises and cloud technologies.

Version Control and Documentation

Manage database scripts, schema changes, and integration code using version control systems.

Maintain documentation of database designs, integration workflows, and system configurations, following best practices for knowledge sharing and compliance purposes.

Ensure consistency and traceability of changes across environments.

Collaboration And Communication

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, system administrators, data analysts, and business stakeholders, to understand requirements and deliver database-related initiatives.

Communicate effectively to gather feedback, provide updates, and address concerns.

Troubleshooting And Support

Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to resolve database-related issues, integration failures, and data discrepancies.

Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.

The essentials skills and experience we are looking for:

Proven experience in Database Administration and data engineering roles.

Proven experience with proactive monitoring solutions, database backup and recovery methodologies and High Availability.  

Experience with ETL tools and processes (e.g., Informatica, Talend, SSIS, Azure Data Factory).

Experience with version control systems (GitHub, Bitbucket).

Experience working in IT, including experience delivering 2nd or 3rd-line support.

Experience with writing, maintaining and troubleshooting procedural Transact SQL (TSQL).

Communication skills developed in a similar role, with the ability to convey ideas and complex concepts understandably, written and verbal.

The proven ability to work across cross-functional teams with a collaborative approach.

A methodical and pragmatic approach to problem-solving and troubleshooting.

It is highly desirable you have the following:

Open-Source RDBMS such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB)

Experience with the Redgate Suite of tools (Backup Pro, SQL Monitor, SQL Toolbelt)

Some of our great benefits include; 

• 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
• Early finish on Fridays
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.
• Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.
• Competitive Aviva pension scheme - Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution.
• Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme

• Enhanced Family-Friendly Leave

• Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary