Job
Description
As a Principal Database Administrator, youll lead and provide guidance on the build and operation our Database platforms supporting our IT estate to enhance the availability, performance, reliability and security of solutions and platforms. This includes but not limited to Oracle, SQL Server (On Premise and Cloud), DB2 and others as defined by our product roadmaps. Key Accountabilities: IT Infrastructure Provides technical expertise to enable the correct application of operational procedures. Uses infrastructure management tools to determine load and performance statistics. Contributes to the planning and implementation of maintenance and installation work, including building and configuration of infrastructure components in virtualised environments. Implements agreed infrastructure changes and maintenance routines. Configures tools to automate the provisioning, testing and deployment of new and changed infrastructure. Identifies operational problems and contributes to their resolution, checking that they are managed in accordance with agreed standards and procedures. Provides reports and proposals for improvement, to specialists, users and managers. Release and Deployment Leads the assessment, analysis, planning and design of release packages, including assessment of risk. Liaises with business and IT partners on release scheduling and communication of progress. Conducts post release reviews. Ensures release processes and procedures are applied and that releases can be rolled back as needed. Identifies, evaluates and manages the adoption of appropriate release and deployment tools, techniques and processes (including automation). Service Acceptance Engages with technical design and project managers or Project Management Office, to ensure correct products are produced, in a timely fashion. Evaluates the quality of project outputs against agreed service acceptance criteria. System Software Evaluates new system software, reviews system software updates and identifies those that merit action. Ensures that system software is tailored to facilitate the achievement of service objectives. Plans the installation and testing of new versions of system software. Investigates and coordinates the resolution of potential and actual service problems. Ensures that operational documentation for system software is fit for purpose and current. Advises on the correct and effective use of system software. Network Support Identifies and resolves network problems following agreed procedures. Uses network management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics. Carries out agreed network maintenance tasks. Systems installation/decommissioning Takes responsibility for installation projects, providing effective team leadership, including information flow to and from the customer during project work. Develops and implements quality plans and method statements. Monitors the effectiveness of installations and ensures that appropriate recommendations for change are made. Emerging Technology Monitoring Monitors the external environment to gather intelligence on emerging technologies. Assesses and documents the impacts, threats and opportunities to the organisation. Creates reports and technology roadmaps and shares knowledge and insights with others. Methods & Tools Provides advice, guidance and expertise to promote adoption of methods and tools and adherence to policies and standards. Evaluates and selects appropriate methods and tools in line with agreed policies and standards. Implements methods and tools at programme, project and team level including selection and tailoring in line with agreed standards. Manages reviews of the benefits and value of methods and tools. Identifies and recommends improvements. Contributes to organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for methods and tools. Specialist Advice Actively maintains recognised expert level knowledge in one or more identifiable specialisms. Provides definitive and expert advice in their specialist area(s). Oversees the provision of specialist advice by others, consolidates expertise from multiple sources, including third party experts, to provide coherent advice to further organisational objectives. Supports and promotes the development and sharing of specialist knowledge within the organisation. Supplier Management Acts as the routine contact point between the organisation and suppliers. Supports resolution of supplier related incidents, problems, or unsatisfactory performance. Collects and reports on supplier performance data. Database Administration Develops and maintains procedures and documentation for databases. Identifies, evaluates and manages the adoption of appropriate database administration tools and processes, including automation. Contributes to the setting of standards for definition, security and integrity of database objects and ensures conformance to these standards. Manages database configuration including installing and upgrading software and maintaining relevant documentation. Monitors database activity and resource usage. Optimises database performance and plans for forecast resource needs. Other Carryout any other reasonable duties as requested. Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills A flexible attitude with respect to work assignments and new learning Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks with enthusiasm and prioritize workload with attention to detail Ability to effectively delegate work to team members Must have the ability to work methodically in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment Demonstratable ability to apply critical thinking to problems and tasks Shows initiative and self-confidence, is adaptable and is able to cope with changing and evolving priorities Ability to identify and implement process improvements Proactively participates in skills improvement training and encourages their teams to participate Maintains an up-to-date awareness of trends, tools, technology, techniques and processes that affect testing and technology within the Life sciences domain A self-starter and able to work under own initiative Natural coach/mentor who leads by example with an approachable demeanor Knowledge and Experience: Solid professional experience in the same or very similar role Experience of working in and knowledge of the life sciences sector Experience using tools to communicate progress to Stakeholders Experience in SQL Server and Oracle Database Administration. Demonstrable experience in several of the following technical areas, with subject matter expert knowledge in one or more (Network Operating Systems, Active Directory, Azure, Federated Access, Cloud Technologies, SQL Server infrastructure and Advanced Administration in DBA activities, Enterprise Storage, Monitoring Services, Disaster Recovery, High Availability Technologies, Virtualization and Oracle Service with Advanced Administration Demonstrable knowledge of ITIL V3 or V4. Foundation certificate desirable Experience in coaching/mentoring and training colleagues and peers Education: Bachelor's Degree in a technical discipline (Maths, Science, Engineering, Computing, etc.) or a related study, or equivalent project-related experience English: Fluent
