Senior Database Administrator

Across government, modern data platforms underpin the delivery of secure, reliable and insight-driven digital services. As organisations move from legacy systems to cloud-based environments, strong database capabilitycombining performance, security and resiliencehas never been more important. Ofgem plays a vital role in the UKs energy system, protecting consumers and enabling a more secure, fair and sustainable energy future, and effective database services are fundamental to this mission.

Ofgem is on an ambitious transformation journey. Within the Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are modernising our data platforms, expanding our use of Azure and strengthening how database services are managed across hybrid environments. This includes improving performance, enhancing security and embedding consistent standards across data infrastructure.

As a Senior Database Administrator (Management), you will play a key role in delivering and maintaining Ofgems database services. You will lead a team of DBAs while working hands-on across Azure and hybrid environments, ensuring systems are secure, reliable and aligned with enterprise standards. You will combine technical expertise with team leadership, supporting colleagues, influencing delivery and driving continuous improvement across the database estate.

This is a technically focused role within a fast-paced and evolving environment, with the opportunity to contribute to both operational services and ongoing transformation.

You will be responsible for:

• Managing and supporting Azure database platforms, ensuring performance, availability and security

• Leading and mentoring a team of Database Administrators

• Working with architects and delivery teams to implement database solutions aligned with standards

• Troubleshooting complex issues and improving system resilience and stability

• Driving automation using tools such as PowerShell, Azure CLI and Terraform/Bicep

• Overseeing backup, recovery, patching and disaster recovery processes

• Ensuring compliance with security, governance and audit requirements

• Contributing to continuous improvement across database platforms and processes

We are looking for:

A technically strong database professional who can operate across both legacy and modern cloud environments. You will bring hands-on Azure database experience alongside the ability to lead others and improve services.

You may come from a DBA, infrastructure or cloud engineering background, but you will demonstrate:

• Strong experience with Azure SQL, Managed Instances and hybrid database environments

• Experience in performance tuning, optimisation and troubleshooting

• Knowledge of database security, access control and compliance

• Experience with automation and scripting (PowerShell, Azure CLI, T-SQL, Terraform/Bicep)

• Ability to collaborate across teams and translate technical concepts clearly

A relevant certification such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate is expected.

Experience leading teams and working in regulated environments would be beneficial.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in modernising Ofgems data platforms. You will help ensure that critical systems are secure, scalable and reliable, supporting the organisations digital transformation and enabling services that impact consumers across Great Britain.

Essential Criteria

• Strong experience with Azure SQL Database, Managed Instances, SQL Server on Azure VMs including provisioning, scaling, optimising performance, and managing cost tiers (Lead Criteria).
• Performance Tuning & Monitoring: Proficient with Azure Monitor, Query Performance, index optimisation, partitioning, and query refactoring (Lead Criteria).
• Implementation of Transparent Data Encryption, Always Encrypted, encryption at rest/in transit, Azure AD authentication, firewall rules, RBAC, auditing; ensuring standards like GDPR/HIPAA are met.
• Skilled in automated backups, replication, Always On availability groups, failover clusters; setting RPO/RTO targets and validating operational resilience.
• Strong command of PowerShell, Azure CLI, T-SQL scripts Terraform/Bicep; automates deployments, scaling, patching, and performance alerts.
• Experienced in assessing requirements, choosing migration strategies (online/offline), executing migrations from on-prem to Azure, and integrating hybrid environments.

Holds or can obtain the following certifications or equivalent within 6 months:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or equivalent certification.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience automating database deployment and maintenance using PowerShell or DevOps pipelines.