Senior Database Administrator

Successful candidates may be based in any of our office locations – Cardiff, Glasgow, or London. We especially welcome applicants from Cardiff and Glasgow. We operate a hybrid working model, with employees expected to spend one day per week (20% of working time) in the office.

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 capability—combining performance, security and resilience—has never been more important. Ofgem plays a vital role in the UK’s 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 Ofgem’s 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.

• 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 Power Shell, 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

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 (Power Shell, 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.

• Deep experience with Azure SQL Database, Managed Instances, SQL Server on Azure VMs including provisioning, scaling, optimising performance, and managing cost tiers (Lead Criteria).
• Performance optimisation using Azure Monitor, Query Performance, index optimisation, partitioning, and query refactoring (Lead Criteria).
• Strong implementation experience 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 Power Shell, Azure CLI, T‑SQL scripts, Terraform/Bicep; automates deployments, scaling, patching, and…