This role sits within a DevOps & Operations function and provides technical expertise across Azure and Microsoft SQL platforms for a growing SaaS client of ours. The position supports the wider DevOps objectives by ensuring the security, availability, integrity, and end-to-end support of database services. Working as part of a DevOps team, the role is responsible for both on-premise and cloud-based Azure/Microsoft SQL environments. The successful candidate will divide their time between business-as-usual (BAU) support and project-based work, contributing to the ongoing development, optimisation, and reliability of database platforms. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract providing maternity cover, working remotely. Key Responsibilities Deliver a balanced mix of BAU and project work across on-premise and cloud-based database systems, including both vendor-supplied and internally developed solutions Design and implement tactical and strategic database solutions with a focus on scalability, availability, performance, and resilience Proactively monitor the SQL Server estate to ensure high availability and optimal performance Provide operational support to internal stakeholders, resolving incidents within agreed service levels Review database changes produced by development teams, ensuring suitability, security, and performance best practice Administer, maintain, and monitor database platforms with a strong focus on security and compliance Implement and maintain monitoring, alerting, backup, and recovery processes Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across DevOps and database operations Personal Profile Proven experience working with the Azure platform Experience of Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices Strong awareness of security, vulnerability identification, and remediation Experience with uptime and performance monitoring using native Azure tooling and third-party solutions Experience using Azure DevOps Exposure to API integration and microservice-based architectures Solid understanding of Git and version control best practices Good knowledge of the Microsoft technology stack, including Windows and Active Directory Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams A security-first mindset when designing and implementing solutions Qualifications & Experience Essential Strong version control principles relating to databases Experience with ETL processes (SSIS or Azure Data Factory preferred) High availability and disaster recovery for SQL Server environments Administering, managing, and maintaining large-scale databases Advanced performance tuning and troubleshooting skills Expert knowledge of SQL administration and security across cloud-based IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments on Windows platforms Desirable Experience with Power BI Exposure to AI and machine learning workloads Data warehousing and analysis services experience (Azure-based preferred) Experience with Azure DevOps pipelines Relevant Microsoft certifications, such as Azure Database or DevOps-focused qualifications Skills & Abilities Experience working in CI/CD environments, including automated release pipelines and modern DevOps tooling Ability to design and implement highly available database solutions, including disaster recovery and backup strategies across on-premise and cloud environments Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a DevOps team