Database Administrator

About This Role

This role involves working with System Administrators, Data Architects, and the Development team to ensure data solutions and processes are as effective as possible. The Database Administrator will be key in defining and implementing Isio's strategy for its central data warehouse solutions, sitting within the Development team and collaborating with stakeholders across Isio, particularly the Administration Systems Team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Isio’s DBA strategy, working with relevant stakeholders
• Own and maintain the database architecture for Isio's data warehouses and connected operational systems, including schema design, indexing strategy, and query optimisation
• Take operational and technical responsibility for the data systems
• Define and enforce database backup schedules, test restore procedures, and maintain RPO/RTO targets aligned to ISO22301 obligations
• Work closely with the Infrastructure team to implement and audit database security controls including RBAC, encryption at rest/in transit, privileged access management, and audit logging, in support of ISO27001 compliance
• Own the ETL/ELT pipeline architecture connecting source systems to the data warehouse, including data quality validation and error handling
• Develop and implement routines to maintain database health
• Monitor database performance, capacity, and availability; proactively address bottlenecks and plan for data growth
• Manage database change control processes, including schema version control and change-freeze enforcement across systems
• Work closely with data and solution architects providing technical expertise and design leadership for the delivery of data solutions
• Ensure work is delivered on time and on budget
• Work with stakeholders from across Isio to ensure Data systems deliver solutions which are fit for purpose
• Liaise with other teams and team members to ensure that the delivery of Data solutions is consistent
• Work with the Technology, Finance, HR, and Marketing leadership to ensure that Systems have the required resources training to deliver quality solutions
• Develop and own KPIs for Isio’s data systems and work undertaken on them
• Work within the wider governance framework to ensure a consistent approach and documentation of all work delivery
• Work within a culture of continuous improvement within Technology and develop and enhance understanding of Isio’s systems
• Own tickets relating to data systems in conjunction with internal teams and strive to improve the functionality of the system to deliver better self-service
• Document standards and processes for each of Isio’s data systems
• Play an active role in the delivery of work through coding and configuration of Isio’s data systems
• Work with the Data Architects to ensure data systems are built on effective infrastructure and follow Isio’s best practice

Requirements

• Strong SQL skills and experience with at least one major RDBMS (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle) and cloud equivalents (e.g., Azure SQL, Snowflake)
• Experience with ETL/ELT tooling (e.g., SSIS, dbt, Azure Data Factory) and data pipeline design
• Understanding of data modelling principles (normalisation, dimensional modelling/star schema for data warehousing)
• Experience of diagnosing and resolving database performance issues
• Familiarity with database security practices and data protection legislation (GDPR)
• Experience defining and testing backup/recovery procedures against defined RTO/RPO targets
• Proven track record of delivering solutions and new database systems
• Proven experience analysing and tuning slow-running queries using execution plans, query profilers, and index analysis tools
• Familiarity with query rewrite techniques and understanding of query optimiser behaviour across at least one major RDBMS (preferably SQL Server)
• Willingness to lead key processes across Isio from a DBA perspective
• Ability to define and baseline performance KPIs (query response times, wait statistics, lock contention, CPU/IO utilisation) and set alerting thresholds
• Experience tracking database growth trends and translating them into storage and compute capacity plans
• Experience of leading project work
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and good interpersonal skills
• Excellent Planning & Organisational skills
• Management of key stakeholders at all levels in a typical corporate environment
• Strong analytical skills and creative approach to getting work delivered
• Willingness to identify and overcome barriers to delivery of work

Benefits

• Career development through an evolving client base, diverse and meaningful work, and nationwide opportunities
• Culture that rewards high performance and accountability
• Investment in training and development to expand skills and explore different career paths across diverse markets

Important Details

• Work format: hybrid, ideally from the Birmingham city centre office, but other Isio locations can be considered

About the Company

Isio is a fast-growing professional services business and a progressive advisory firm, partnering with clients of all sizes to deliver expertise in pensions, employee benefits, and wealth advisory services. Working with pension trustees, employers, individuals, families, and their offices, Isio is supported by talented colleagues across 10 UK offices. With a Big 4 heritage, the company combines a strong focus on quality with a fresh perspective, challenging traditional thinking.