About the company: Gentoo is a values-led, charitable organisation that provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. We have a clear vision and a social purpose. We believe that everyone has the right to live in a good quality home that they can afford. About the role: We are currently recruiting for a Lead SQL Database Administrator to join the Technology team, based at our head office in Doxford Park, Sunderland. The role is offered on a hybrid working basis; a blend of office and home working, therefore you must be able to commute to our Sunderland offices daily if required. This is an exciting and rewarding role within a forward-thinking team who are always looking at innovative ways of delivering fantastic solutions within the business and evolving the sector at large. Reporting to the Solutions Development Manager, the Lead SQL Database Administrator will work alongside business intelligence, database and systems developers. This role requires expertise in database management systems (design, implementation, maintenance, and performance optimisation), data modelling, and awareness of integration technologies to ensure the seamless flow of data across disparate systems. The position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure the reliability, security and scalability of the database infrastructure. The role is subject to a basic DBS paid for by Gentoo. Key responsibilities will include the following, a full job description is available to view at www.gentoogroup.com/careers Database Design and Development Design and implement SQL database schemas, tables, views, and stored procedures based on business requirements. Develop and optimise SQL queries to extract, transform, and load data efficiently. Ensure database performance, security, scalability and reliability. Actively contribute to improvements and migrations both with on-premises and cloud technologies. Data Modelling Collaborate with stakeholders to analyse data requirements and design logical and physical data models. Implement data modelling best practices to ensure data integrity, security, consistency, and usability. Translate business needs into technical specifications for database structures. Integration Development Support the development of integration solutions to facilitate data exchange between different systems, applications, and platforms. Data Governance Work within established data governance policies, standards, and procedures to ensure data quality, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR). Implement data access controls, encryption mechanisms, and audit trails to protect sensitive information. High Availability and Disaster Recover Configure and maintain high availability solutions such as SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability Groups, database mirroring, and clustering to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity. Develop and test database backup and recovery procedures to recover data in the event of system failures, disasters, or data corruption. Performance Optimisation Identify and address performance bottlenecks, query optimisation opportunities, and scalability challenges in database systems and integration processes. Monitor system performance metrics and fine-tune configurations for optimal throughput and responsiveness. What we are looking for: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field. Proven experience in database administration and data engineering roles. Demonstratable experience in a Team Lead position in managing teams effectively with proven ability to motivate and develop team members to achieve their full potential. Experience in setting clear goals, providing direction, and holding team members accountable for results. Proficiency with Azure and SQL Server administration and programming of on-premises and cloud database solutions. Experience of similar technologies desirable (e.g., MySQL, Progress). Strong understanding and application of data modelling concepts, normalisation techniques, and database design principles. Experience with ETL tools and processes (e.g., Informatica, Talend, SSIS, Azure Data Factory). Experience with version control systems (GitHub, Bitbucket). Knowledge of project management methodology, tools (e.g. Jira Software Cloud/Enterprise and Bitbucket) and use of applications development methodology (e.g. Prince2, Agile, Scrum). Desirable experience and awareness of integration technologies and best practice applications (e.g. APIs, web services). Knowledge of data governance frameworks, security controls, and regulatory compliance requirements. Experience working in IT, including experience delivering 2nd or 3rd-line support Certifications such as Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, Oracle Certified Professional would be ideal, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate are a desirable. Some of our great benefits include: 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year. 12.30 pm finish on a Fridays Flexible and hybrid working. Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover. Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan. Competitive Aviva pension scheme - Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution. Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme Enhanced family-friendly leave Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes. Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary. 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