Department Overview:

IT plays a critical role at Aston Martin (AML) as a core business enabler, driving Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) strategies and implementations as well as supporting the new era of technological innovation, driving the transformation from legacy systems to cutting-edge cloud, hyper-scale, and AI solutions. The IT function is dedicated to modernising the IT Landscape by integrating advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, scalability, and performance across the organisation. The team will also play a crucial role operationally, in providing IT support to all users within the business and continuously striving to provide effective and fit for purpose IT solutions to all users. As we develop and implement new systems and networks, now is a great time to be involved in IT projects, to ensure that AML IT systems and fundamental business procedures enable the business to maintain its competitive edge. 

Job Purpose:

The Senior DBA will be responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance tuning of SQL/Oracle databases. This role ensures the availability and consistent performance of various corporate applications, offering technical support and problem resolution. The position requires collaboration with various teams to ensure database integrity, security, and scalability, contributing to the overall efficiency of the IT infrastructure.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and upgrade SQL Server software and related products.
• Establish and maintain backup and recovery policies and procedures.
• Perform database tuning and performance monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
• Apply patches and upgrades regularly and upgrade administrative tools and utilities.
• Conduct performance evaluations to ensure high availability and maintain overall database security.
• Troubleshoot SQL/Oracle database issues, ensuring their timely resolution.
• Maintain data standards, including adherence to the Data Protection Act.
• Work closely with IT project managers, database programmers, and web developers.
• Communicate regularly with technical, applications, and operational staff to ensure database integrity and security.
• Manage user access and permissions, ensuring appropriate levels of data security.
• Implementation of database strategies; these will include backup and storage, disaster recovery planning, and database design and architecture

Experience and Qualifications:

• Experience with SQL Server Clustering, Always On Availability Groups, Oracle RAC, Data Guard, and ASM and Replication: Extensive experience with high availability and disaster recovery solutions such as SQL Server Clustering and Always On Availability Groups, replication for data distribution and Automatic Storage Management (ASM) for efficient storage management.
• Database Standards and End-User Applications: Comprehensive experience in implementing and maintaining database standards, including schema design, indexing strategies, and query optimisation. Familiarity with supporting end-user applications and ensuring seamless database interaction.
• Data Backup, Recovery, Security, Integrity, and T-SQL: Proficiency in developing and managing robust backup and recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and availability. Strong knowledge of data security best practices and compliance requirements. Expertise in T-SQL for database querying, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.
• Performance Tuning and Optimisation: Demonstrated ability to analyse and optimise database performance, including identifying bottlenecks, optimising T-SQL queries, and configuring database parameters to ensure high performance and efficiency.
• Database Troubleshooting: Proven skills in diagnosing and resolving complex database issues, including performance problems, data corruption, and system outages. Experience in using diagnostic tools and techniques for effective troubleshooting.
• SQL Server Tools and Utilities: Familiarity with a wide range of SQL Server tools and utilities, such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), SQL Profiler, Database Tuning Advisor, and PowerShell. Ability to leverage these tools for efficient database management and administration.
• Collaboration with IT Project Managers and Developers: Experience working closely with IT project managers, database programmers, and web developers to ensure database integration with applications, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical support.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working cross-functionally within other IT teams and the wider business
• User Access and Permissions Management: Experience in managing user access and permissions, ensuring appropriate levels of data security, and adhering to data protection regulations.
• Database Decision-making: The ability to influence colleagues and managers with decisions around SQL and Oracle databases

Skills and Behaviour:

• Database administration (DBAD) (SFIA Level 5): Oversees the installation, configuration, maintenance, and administration of database systems. Ensures database performance, availability, and security are aligned with business requirements.
• Data management (DATM) (SFIA Level 4): Manages data resources, ensuring data integrity, security, and availability. Implements data management policies and procedures to support organisational goals.
• Capacity management (CPMG) (SFIA Level 4): Analyses current and future capacity requirements. Develops and implements plans to ensure the database infrastructure meets performance and capacity needs.
• IT infrastructure (ITOP) (SFIA Level 3): Assists in the maintenance and support of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and storage systems. Ensures infrastructure is optimised for performance and reliability.
• Problem management (PBMG) (SFIA Level 4): Investigates and resolves complex database problems. Uses analytical skills to diagnose issues and develop effective solutions to minimise downtime and ensure system stability.
• Change management (CHMG) (SFIA Level 4): Manages changes to the database environment, ensuring minimal disruption to services. Follows established change management procedures to control and document changes.
• Service level management (SLMO) (SFIA Level 4): Monitors and manages service levels to ensure database services meet agreed-upon performance criteria. Implements measures to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Quality management (QUMG) (SFIA Level 3): Supports the implementation of quality management processes and procedures. Ensures database systems and processes adhere to quality standards and best practices.

GRADE: 9

Belong at Aston Martin

We understand that the incredible beauty, craft, and art that defines an Aston Martin comes from the inclusion of our amazing people.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.  We celebrate diversity and are seeking applicants who can bring something different. 

Please speak to us if there is anything you need to support making an application with us.

The post holder will be required to comply with all policies and procedures issued by and on behalf of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd