Company Overview
Offering a complete ecosystem of maritime services, including broking, finance, port services, and research, Clarksons is at the heart of global shipping. Our unrivalled reach, expertise, and depth of experience, combined with leading research, enables us to partner with clients across every sector to meet the demands of the world’s rapidly evolving maritime, offshore, trade, and energy markets.
Building on our unique heritage and harnessing our insights to see further, faster, we work with our clients and communities to create strategies that have a positive impact on industry and the world around us. Dedicated to excellence, it’s our people that drive success for our clients.
To understand more, including day-to-day life at Clarksons, visit us at www.clarksons.com.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Senior Data Platform DBA to join a high-performing team managing a hybrid SQL Server and Azure data platform. You’ll work across on-prem SQL Server (2017–2025), Azure SQL, Cosmos Database, Data Factory, and Power BI, using modern DevOps practices and Terraform-managed automation.
This is a hands-on leadership role bridging traditional DBA expertise with cloud platform operations, helping drive performance, reliability, and cloud adoption across the enterprise.
What You’ll Do
* Install, configure, and maintain SQL Server instances, both standalone and Always On AG clusters, including unattended deployments using SPADE/PowerShell automation.
* Lead SQL Server version upgrades, including the current 2019 → 2025 upgrade, ensuring minimal downtime and high availability.
* Administer and optimise on-prem SQL Server (2017–2025) and Azure SQL environments, including Always On Availability Groups, clustering, and replication.
* Perform performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies across hybrid workloads.
* Support capacity planning and resource optimisation for on-prem and cloud SQL workloads.
* Troubleshoot critical production incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term remediation.
* Deploy database changes safely via source-controlled scripts and CI/CD pipelines.
* Design, implement, and maintain backup and restore strategies, supporting disaster recovery readiness.
* Create automated Azure management and monitoring solutions to support hybrid SQL Server and cloud environments.
* Lead automation, monitoring, and CI/CD using PowerShell, Azure Runbooks, Terraform, and Azure DevOps pipelines.
* Drive cloud adoption initiatives in line with Azure Landing Zone architecture.
* Support annual disaster recovery (DR) testing across platforms to ensure readiness and reliability.
* Mentor junior team members and act as a subject matter expert for database best practices.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
* Expertise in SQL Server installation and configuration, both standalone and Always On AG clusters, including unattended installations via SPADE/PowerShell automation.
* Experience in SQL Server version upgrades, including planning, testing, and executing 2019 → 2025 upgrades.
* Strong experience in performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing strategies.
* Expertise in Always On Availability Groups, clustering, replication, and HA/DR solutions.
* Experience in capacity planning, backup, and restore strategy for enterprise workloads.
* Hands-on experience with scripted deployments and CI/CD pipelines for database changes.
* Experience with Azure SQL, Cosmos Database, and cloud security principles.
* Experience developing automated monitoring and inventory platforms using DACPAC, SSIS, SSRS, Azure Automation, and PowerShell.
* Hands-on experience with monitoring, diagnostics, and KQL/Azure Monitor.
* Experience supporting Data Factory pipelines is desirable.
Desirable:
* Microsoft certifications such as DP-300, AZ-104, AZ-305, or equivalent.
* Familiarity with ARM templates, Bicep, or other IaC alternatives.
* Experience working in regulated or security-sensitive environments.
Why Join Us
* Work on a modern hybrid data platform with opportunities to develop cloud expertise.
* Influence and shape data platform standards across the organisation.
* Hands-on leadership role combining DBA skills, automation, monitoring, and cloud adoption.
Benefits
* Life Assurance – Providing peace of mind and financial support for your loved ones.
* Pension Scheme – A contributory pension plan to help you plan for the future.
* Annual Leave – Generous holiday allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional days.
* Hybrid Working – Flexible arrangements: 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.
* Training & Development – Access to ongoing professional development, certifications, and learning resources.
* Employee Assistance Programme – Free, confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
* Modern Office Environment – Located in central London, close to public transport links.
* Inclusive Culture – A collaborative workplace where innovation, learning, and growth are encouraged.