SQL DBA

Job Title: SQL DBA
Location: Leeds, UK
Job Type: FTC (6 Months)

Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced SQL DBA with strong expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and Azure cloud services, including CI/CD pipeline implementation using Azure Devops, Visual Studio and Octopus Deploy. The successful candidate will be responsible for database administration, performance optimization, automation, and supporting DevOps practices to ensure secure, highly available, and scalable database environments.Key Responsibilities
Database Administration

• Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server (On‐Prem & Azure) THROUGH Azure Pipelines (Azure Devops and Octopus Deploy).
• AUTOMATEbackup, restore, disaster recovery, and high availability (Always On, Failover Groups, Log Shipping).
• Monitor database health, capacity, and performance.

Performance & Optimization

• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks using execution plans, indexing strategies, and query tuning.
• Optimize database schemas, stored procedures, and SQL queries.
• Implement proactive monitoring and alerting.

Azure & Cloud Responsibilities

• Manage databases using Azure Portal, Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Azure Advisor.
• Ensure security best practices using Azure AD authentication, TDE, Key Vault, and firewall rules.
• Support scalability, cost optimization, and resource governance in Azure.

CI/CD & DevOps Integration

• Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines for database deployments using:
  • Azure DevOps Pipelines / GitHub Actions
  • Octopus Deploy
  • DBA Tools
  • PowerShell
  • T‐SQL.
• Automate schema changes, version control, and deployment approvals.
• Work closely with development teams to enable Database DevOps (DBOps).
• Implement AUTOMATIC rollback, validation, and release strategies for database changes.

Security & Compliance

• Manage user access, roles, and permissions.
• Implement auditing, encryption, and compliance standards.
• Support vulnerability assessments and security reviews.

Collaboration & Support

• Partner with application, infrastructure, and DevOps teams.
• Provide L3 support for production issues and root‐cause analysis.
• Create and maintain documentation, runbooks, and SOPs.

Essentials Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills

• Strong experience with Microsoft SQL Server (2016+)
• Hands‐on experience with Azure SQL services
• Strong knowledge of:
  • T‐SQL
  • Backup & Recovery
  • HA/DR solutions (Always On Availability Groups, Log Shipping)
  • Indexing & performance tuning
• Strong experience with CI/CD tools (Azure DevOp and Octopus Deploy)
• Scripting skills: PowerShell and T-SQL
• Experience with version control systems (Git)

Azure Skills

• Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance
• Azure Monitor & Log Analytics
• Azure Key Vault & Security features
• ARM/Bicep or Terraform (good to have)

Preferred Qualifications

• Azure certifications (e.g., AZ‐104, DP‐300)
• Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code
• Exposure to Agile/Scrum environments