Database Lead (Offshore) at Save the Children

Team and Job Purpose

Ensuring the robust, safe and reliable operation of the infrastructure that enables SCI's core operating platforms.

The SQL Server DBA is responsible for the supporting all activities related to database performance, backups and data security of all SCA data held within SCI hosted SQL Server instances

Principle Accountabilities

• Conduct regular data backups of SQL Server instances and validate them to ensure disaster recovery and business continuity planning procedures can be enacted if required, ensuring safety and resource conservation.
• Perform proactive and reactive performance reviews of all SQL Server instances, recording baselines and statistics to share with system owners, and using monitoring tools such as Paessler PRTG to maintain optimal database performance.
• Implement routine health checks for all SQL Server instances to ensure the effective and efficient use of resources, which supports cost reduction and safety in the workplace.
• Optimise SQL Server configuration settings and perform regular maintenance tasks to keep indexes and statistics up to date, ensuring the stability and performance of the databases.
• Troubleshoot SQL Server and Windows Server issues, and respond to critical system issues during and after business hours, maintaining consistent documentation in line with global team standards.
• Provide ad-hoc reporting and engage with critical stakeholders to establish necessary monitoring points, ensuring databases run optimally and meet organisational needs.
• Oversee the installation and configuration of new SQL Server instances as required and serve as the point of contact for emergency events outside regular hours, ensuring continuity and support for the organisation's operations.

Experience and Skills

• Proficiency in administering SQL Server instances, including installation, configuration, and maintenance.
• Strong knowledge and experience of SQL Server backup and recovery processes, ensuring data safety and integrity.
• Proficient experience in conducting performance reviews, establishing baselines, and using statistics to maintain database health.
• Proficient experience with database monitoring tools such as Paessler PRTG, ensuring proactive monitoring and optimal performance.
• Solid understanding of indexing, query optimisation, and statistics update practices.
• Competence in automating routine tasks through scripts and tools.
• Experience in performing routine health checks and maintenance tasks to optimise resource utilisation and database performance.
• Experience serving as a point of contact for emergency events outside regular hours to ensure organisational continuity and support.

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field: Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications.

Desirable

• Microsoft SQL Server DBA certification(s)