SQL DBA

Description

ASA Recruitment’s client, a Public Sector organisation in Edinburgh, are currently looking to recruit a SQL DBA on a hybrid basis (a couple of days onsite per month), for an initial 12 month contract (with potential extensions) on a rate of c.£500/day outside of IR35 (based on experience).

Responsibilities:

Database Operations

• Administer, configure, and support SQL Server environments across development, test, and production.
• Manage, optimise, and monitor Azure Cosmos DB workloads, ensuring cost-effective, scalable performance.
• Perform proactive capacity planning, patching, and upgrades to meet operational needs.

Performance & Optimisation

• Identify and resolve database performance issues impacting legacy systems.
• Improve query and indexing strategies, schema design, and execution plans to reduce latency.
• Introduce monitoring and alerting improvements aligned to operational SLAs and KPIs.

Data Quality, Governance & Security

• Ensure compliance with data legislation and security standards, including GDPR and government policy.
• Manage access controls, auditing, and data protection measures.
• Maintain documentation that supports transparency, continuity, and operational resilience.

Continuous Improvement

• Support the evolution of data platforms with modern architectures where appropriate.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and delivery teams to support service transformation initiatives.

Essential Experience:

• Strong SQL Server administration experience in live service environments.
• Demonstrable expertise in performance tuning and troubleshooting database bottlenecks.
• Practical experience with Azure Cosmos DB, including throughput, indexing, and partitioning strategies.
• Understanding of HA/DR design principles and tooling.
• Commitment to secure, well-governed data management practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, service-focused environment.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in public sector IT services and associated compliance standards.
• Familiarity with cloud-hosted operational databases and Azure infrastructure.
• Knowledge of automation (PowerShell, ARM/Bicep, Terraform, DevOps pipelines).
• Experience supporting legacy application transformation or migration projects.

ASA Recruitment is one of Scotland’s largest independent multi-sector recruitment agencies. We specialise in providing effective tailored solutions for permanent, contract and temporary employment requirements for our Clients and Candidates. We are members of the REC and are ISO certified.

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