We are looking for a skilled and proactive Database Administrator (DBA) to join our IT team. This is a hands on role responsible for the performance, integrity, security, and availability of mission critical databases across our predominantly Microsoft SQL Server estate.
You will play a key role in supporting real time operational systems, ensuring our database platforms remain resilient, scalable, and optimised to meet business demands. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a high availability environment and enjoys solving complex performance challenges.
Key Responsibilities Database Development & Management
- Write, optimise, and maintain SQL code supporting operational systems
- Develop and enhance stored procedures, views, functions, and advanced queries (CTEs, window functions)
- Ensure data integrity, consistency, and quality across systems
Performance & Optimisation
- Monitor and improve database performance in live environments
- Diagnose and resolve bottlenecks using execution plans and query analysis
- Optimise indexing strategies and statistics
- Manage transactions, locking, blocking, and deadlocks
- Conduct real time troubleshooting for critical system issues
- Use tools such as SQL Profiler and Extended Events for diagnostics
- Investigate production incidents and conduct root cause analysis
- Work closely with developers and analysts to improve data access patterns
Security & Compliance
- Manage database users, roles, and permissions
- Ensure adherence to security best practices and data protection standards
Maintenance, Automation & Resilience
- Create and manage SQL Server Agent jobs
- Automate backups and routine database maintenance
- Manage backup, restore, and disaster recovery processes
- Support capacity planning and scalability improvements
- Perform server administration including installation, patching, and upgrades
Business Intelligence Support
Support SQL Server BI tools including SSAS (cubes) and SSRS (reporting)
What You'll Bring
- Strong hands on SQL Server DBA experience in a production environment
- Advanced SQL expertise including:
- Complex queries, stored procedures, CTEs, window functions
- Schema design, indexing strategies, and triggers
- Deep understanding of:
- Query performance tuning and execution plans
- Locking, blocking, and deadlocks
- Experience with monitoring and diagnostic tools (Profiler, Extended Events, DMVs)
- Knowledge of SQL Server Agent and automation
- Experience supporting SSAS and SSRS
- Strong understanding of database security and access control
- Proven experience managing backups, restores, and maintenance plans
- High Availability & Disaster Recovery (HA/DR) and business continuity planning
- Exposure to MySQL and cloud database platforms (AWS RDS, Azure SQL)
- Experience with data warehousing and ETL processes
- Background in BI, reporting, and dashboarding (e.g. Power BI)
- Awareness of modern analytics and AI enabled BI tools (e.g. Microsoft Copilot)
- Experience with database monitoring tools
Why Join The APC?
- Be part of a nationally recognised logistics network at the heart of UK parcel delivery
- Work in a fast paced, data driven environment where your impact is visible
- Opportunity to drive performance improvements and innovation
- Collaborate with a skilled and supportive technology team