39 Senior Database Administrator jobs in the United Kingdom

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients.  We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications.  We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals. 

About the Role:

As a SQL Server Database Administrator, you’ll be at the heart of keeping our clients’ most critical systems running — fast, secure, and resilient. This isn’t just about maintaining databases; it’s about shaping how they perform today and scale for the future.

You’ll take ownership of performance tuning, production support, and database management across both production and non-production environments. From optimising queries and managing high availability to tightening security and driving automation, your expertise will make a tangible difference every day.

Beyond the technical delivery, you’ll also play a part in process improvement, knowledge sharing, and helping raise best practice standards within the DBA team — ensuring Sword continues to deliver database services our clients can rely on with confidence.

As the SQL Server Database Administrator, you will:

• Configure, maintain, and optimise a range of SQL Server environments to ensure performance, availability, and security.

• Monitor database health across production and non-production systems, proactively resolving performance bottlenecks and issues.
• Install, upgrade, and manage SQL Server database applications.
• Perform in-depth performance tuning, including query optimisation, index management, and resource analysis.
• Develop and implement robust database security processes, including access control and credential management.
• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot replication, log shipping, clustering, mirroring, and Always On Availability Groups.
• Refine and automate regular maintenance tasks such as backups, index rebuilds, and statistics updates.
• Deliver scheduled maintenance and release deployments, including occasional after-hours work.
• Review database architectures and provide guidance on SQL Server best practice.
• Maintain hands-on use of SQL Server monitoring tools and techniques.
• Research emerging database technologies and share insights through documentation, mentoring, and knowledge transfer.
• Track and document issues, changes, and resolutions to maintain clear, auditable records.
• Support database migrations, including on-prem to cloud transitions (Azure/AWS)

Requirements

• Proven experience as a SQL Server DBA, supporting both production and non-production environments.
• Expert knowledge of SQL Server administration, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.
• Strong skills in backup, restore, recovery models, and database security.
• Hands-on experience with high availability and disaster recovery configurations.
• Proficiency in T-SQL, with PowerShell scripting desirable.
• Knowledge of hardware and server configuration for database environments.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS – IaaS, PaaS, Managed Instances).
• Broader database experience (PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL) is an advantage.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the ability to solve complex problems under pressure.

Benefits

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success.  

We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life.  In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package: 

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth. 
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance.  We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can. 
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more…. 

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us. 

If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving real transformation change within our clients.  We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data and business applications.  We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.

About the role:

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Database Administrator with expertise in Microsoft SQL Server to join our team. This role will focus on managing, optimising, and securing enterprise-scale SQL Server environments, ensuring their performance, availability, and integrity. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience across both on-premises and cloud deployments, with a track record of implementing improvements that make systems faster, more reliable, and easier to manage.

As the Database Administrator, you will:

• Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server databases.
• Monitor database performance and implement improvement strategies.
• Manage database security, roles, and permissions.
• Perform regular maintenance tasks including indexing, updates, and patching.
• Design and implement database solutions to support business applications.
• Collaborate with developers to optimise queries and database design.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database-related issues.
• Maintain documentation related to database architecture, processes, and procedures.
• Stay current with SQL Server updates, best practices, and emerging technologies.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a DBA with strong proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server (2016 and above).
• Knowledge of backup and recovery strategies, high availability, and disaster recovery.
• Familiarity with performance tuning and query optimisation.
• Understanding of data security and compliance standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
• Preferred certifications: Microsoft MCSA: SQL Server or MCSE: Data Management and Analytics.
• Experience with cloud-based SQL Server deployments (e.g., Azure SQL) is desirable.

Benefits

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success.

We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life.  In addition to a Competitive Salary , here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.

Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance.  We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.

A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more….

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement.  If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience.  We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.

If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.

Role: Database Administrator
Location: UK (Remote)
Employment Type: Full-time

AppluseIT are recruiting a highly skilled Database Administrator on behalf of a well-established British Technology specialist based in in the UK. As a DBA, you will be responsible for managing, optimising, and migrating high-traffic database systems, ensuring they operate at peak performance. You will collaborate with global engineering teams to design scalable, robust solutions while advocating for best practices in database architecture and development.

• Implement, maintain, and tune high-availability MySQL databases.

• Migrate existing SQL Server databases to MySQL.

• Develop and optimise performant SQL queries, stored procedures, and database schemas.

• Monitor and profile server resources, log files, and binary logs to ensure optimal performance.

• Design and test backup/recovery plans to safeguard critical data.

• Collaborate with international teams to architect scalable, secure database solutions.

• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technology decisions.

• Stay updated with the latest database technologies and industry trends.

• Proven experience as a MySQL DBA and Developer in high-traffic environments.

• Expertise in database performance tuning , execution plans, and indexing.

• Strong background in SQL Server to MySQL migration .

• Proficiency in GIT and source control best practices.

• Familiarity with Elasticsearch, Rollbar, or similar analysis tools .

• Deep understanding of database architectures (InnoDB, MyISAM, Heap).

• Knowledge of data security and software development best practices .

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a globally distributed team.

• A passion for technology and continuous learning.

• Analytical mindset with a mobile-first development approach.

If you're a proactive MySQL expert ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, then click "Apply" now.

Role: Database Administrator
Location: UK (Remote)
Employment Type: Full-time

AppluseIT are recruiting a highly skilled Database Administrator on behalf of a well-established British Technology specialist based in in the UK. As a DBA, you will be responsible for managing, optimising, and migrating high-traffic database systems, ensuring they operate at peak performance. You will collaborate with global engineering teams to design scalable, robust solutions while advocating for best practices in database architecture and development.

• Implement, maintain, and tune high-availability MySQL databases.

• Migrate existing SQL Server databases to MySQL.

• Develop and optimise performant SQL queries, stored procedures, and database schemas.

• Monitor and profile server resources, log files, and binary logs to ensure optimal performance.

• Design and test backup/recovery plans to safeguard critical data.

• Collaborate with international teams to architect scalable, secure database solutions.

• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technology decisions.

• Stay updated with the latest database technologies and industry trends.

• Proven experience as a MySQL DBA and Developer in high-traffic environments.

• Expertise in database performance tuning , execution plans, and indexing.

• Strong background in SQL Server to MySQL migration .

• Proficiency in GIT and source control best practices.

• Familiarity with Elasticsearch, Rollbar, or similar analysis tools .

• Deep understanding of database architectures (InnoDB, MyISAM, Heap).

• Knowledge of data security and software development best practices .

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a globally distributed team.

• A passion for technology and continuous learning.

• Analytical mindset with a mobile-first development approach.

If you're a proactive MySQL expert ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, then click "Apply" now.

Database Administrator Engineer - Cloud (Azure Focused)

Location: Hybrid / Leeds

Type: Permanent | Full-Time

The Opportunity

An international organisation at the forefront of digital transformation is seeking a Cloud-fo ance optimisation.

Role Overview

As a Database Administrator Engineer , you'll be responsible for the design, deployment, and ongoing optimisation of both development and production databa.

WHJS1_UKTJ

Senior Database Administrator

Location: RG7 4PR , located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking .

Package: 50,060 - 70,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight.

Clearance Level: You will need to obtain and maintain DV security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 10 years in order to apply for DV clearance.

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

AWE is currently recruiting for a Senior Database Administrator for the Operational Application Services group.

AWE are embarking upon a business-wide transformation and our databases are central to our success. We seek a forward-thinking Senior DBA to join our team of database administrators looking after SQL Server and Oracle databases across on-premise and cloud platforms. Our databases underpin what we do from 3rd party application support, in-house development, data warehousing and business intelligence capability.

What you'll do:

• Provide primary support for MS SQL and Oracle database environments including daily operations, backup and recovery, performance monitoring, tuning, and production support
• Install, upgrade, patch and manage the Oracle and MS SQL database estate
• Respond to incidents as appropriate to maintain/resume service
• Work with 3rd party suppliers as necessary to meet operational demands
• Define and test disaster recovery plans
• Coach and mentor junior members of the DBA team
• Define and implement best practises and standards with a focus on database security and auditing, ensuring database estate complies with industry best practices and AWE security requirements.
• Evaluate and deploy new database technologies including monitoring solutions
• Continual process improvement with a focus on automation of repeatable tasks

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• Good, demonstrable knowledge of administering SQL Server (SQL2014, SQL2019) and Oracle (19c) databases
• Experience of deploying Oracle WebLogic and Oracle Enterprise Manager
• Knowledge of SQL Database services within MS Azure

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Experience with design/development of databases
• Great communication skills - translate technical to non-technical and vice-versa
• Strong command of SQL and SQL server tools
• PowerShell and Unix Shell Scripting skills
• Advanced knowledge of database security, backup and recovery, and performance monitoring standards

You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Work hard, be rewarded:

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

#LI-AT

Senior Database Administrator

Location: RG7 4PR , located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking .

Package: 50,060 - 70,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight.

Clearance Level: You will need to obtain and maintain DV security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 10 years in order to apply for DV clearance.

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

AWE is currently recruiting for a Senior Database Administrator for the Operational Application Services group.

AWE are embarking upon a business-wide transformation and our databases are central to our success. We seek a forward-thinking Senior DBA to join our team of database administrators looking after SQL Server and Oracle databases across on-premise and cloud platforms. Our databases underpin what we do from 3rd party application support, in-house development, data warehousing and business intelligence capability.

What you'll do:

• Provide primary support for MS SQL and Oracle database environments including daily operations, backup and recovery, performance monitoring, tuning, and production support
• Install, upgrade, patch and manage the Oracle and MS SQL database estate
• Respond to incidents as appropriate to maintain/resume service
• Work with 3rd party suppliers as necessary to meet operational demands
• Define and test disaster recovery plans
• Coach and mentor junior members of the DBA team
• Define and implement best practises and standards with a focus on database security and auditing, ensuring database estate complies with industry best practices and AWE security requirements.
• Evaluate and deploy new database technologies including monitoring solutions
• Continual process improvement with a focus on automation of repeatable tasks

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• Good, demonstrable knowledge of administering SQL Server (SQL2014, SQL2019) and Oracle (19c) databases
• Experience of deploying Oracle WebLogic and Oracle Enterprise Manager
• Knowledge of SQL Database services within MS Azure

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Experience with design/development of databases
• Great communication skills - translate technical to non-technical and vice-versa
• Strong command of SQL and SQL server tools
• PowerShell and Unix Shell Scripting skills
• Advanced knowledge of database security, backup and recovery, and performance monitoring standards

You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Work hard, be rewarded:

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

#LI-AT

Urgent Contract Database Administrator with decommissioning

Duration: 4 months initial

Inside IR35

3 days onsite in Milton Keynes office

+13 Years of experience required

• Server Decommissioning Specialist
• Identify and evaluate Servers for decommissioning based on operational and business requirements.
• Perform comprehensive backup and migration of critical data before shutdown.
• Disable associated services, applications, and scheduled tasks to ensure a clean decommissioning process.
• Revoke user access and update security policies to maintain compliance and data integrity.
• Unmount storage volumes, securely wipe disks, and shut down operating systems following best practices.
• Ensure adherence to compliance standards and update asset management systems accordingly.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Database Administration: Proficient in managing databases with a focus on decommissioning-related requirements.
• Scripting & Automation: Skilled in Shell Scripting (Bash, Python) to automate decommissioning tasks.
• Storage & Data Security: Strong understanding of storage management and secure data wiping techniques.
• Networking & Access Control: Knowledge of network configurations, Firewall rules, and user access protocols.
• Backup & Recovery: Experience in data backup, recovery, and migration strategies.
• ITIL & Compliance: Familiarity with incident management, change control processes, and compliance documentation.