Location: Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Salary: £46,148 – £52,809 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Flexible working: Home or remote working available
Application Deadline: 18th May 2025, 23:59
Job Ref: 214-NHIS-7149607
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 7
Site: King’s Mill Hospital
Introduction to Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (SFHFT) is renowned for being an outstanding place to work and deliver care. With a dedicated workforce of over 5,500 employees, we strive to create a happy and supportive environment for all our staff, which directly contributes to better care for our patients.
At Sherwood, we emphasize the importance of employee wellbeing, development, and progression opportunities. By joining our team, you’ll have the chance to thrive in a professional and inclusive setting. We are looking forward to welcoming new talent to help us in our mission to provide high-quality healthcare services.
Job Overview
We are seeking a passionate and skilled Database Administrator (DBA) to join our Information Technology team at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. If you’re enthusiastic about contributing to the future of healthcare through digital transformation and improving the care services via digital support, this opportunity is perfect for you!
As a Database Administrator, you will play a crucial role in the design, implementation, and management of Microsoft SQL Server databases, ensuring that our systems are running efficiently and securely. You’ll be part of a team that is driving digital innovation in the healthcare sector, helping us to deliver the best care possible to patients while improving operational performance through technology.
Key Responsibilities
1. Database Design and Implementation
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Design and implement Microsoft SQL Server databases to ensure the robustness of our digital infrastructure.
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Provide strategic oversight in managing SQL server deployments for smooth integration and high availability.
2. Database Management and Upgrades
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Regularly upgrade and patch SQL Server systems to ensure they are running efficiently and securely.
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Conduct capacity management to guarantee optimal performance at all times.
3. Backup and Recovery
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Ensure backup and recovery procedures are in place, meeting our RPO (Recovery Point Objectives) and RTO (Recovery Time Objectives).
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Maintain continuity of service and minimize any disruption to operations through well-managed disaster recovery practices.
4. Documentation and Training
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Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation on database management procedures.
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Provide training for internal stakeholders, including the Server and Storage team, to ensure smooth operations and enhance team knowledge.
5. Technical Support and Maintenance
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Actively manage and maintain the Microsoft SQL estate, ensuring compatibility with Microsoft’s end-of-life timelines.
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Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues as they arise, ensuring minimal impact on operations.
Working at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
At Sherwood Forest Hospitals, we are proud of our contributions to healthcare digital transformation. We offer a collaborative environment where team members work together to provide digital and IT services to over 13,000 users across nearly 800 sites. The Nottinghamshire Health Informatics Service (NHIS) is a key component in delivering innovative technology solutions that help our local population benefit from improved healthcare services.
Digital Services Provided by NHIS
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Infrastructure Management
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Cybersecurity
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Technical Support (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Line)
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Project Management and Training
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Transformation and Consultancy Services
Our ultimate goal is to enhance the digital experience of both the healthcare workforce and the local population, contributing to better healthcare delivery and a more efficient system.
Qualifications and Experience Required
To succeed in this role, candidates must possess a blend of technical skills, relevant qualifications, and experience in the healthcare IT sector. Below are the essential and desirable qualifications and experience for this position:
Essential Qualifications and Experience
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Educational Requirement: A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in an IT-related field.
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Professional Certifications: Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Prince 2 Foundation qualified.
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SQL Server Expertise: Extensive experience working with Microsoft SQL Server (2008, 2012, 2016) including high availability and disaster recovery.
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Database Management Skills: Proven track record of managing large-scale database systems, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.
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Experience in Healthcare IT: Significant experience supporting healthcare applications, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring system integrity.
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Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills for resolving urgent and complex technical problems in live systems.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
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UNIX/Linux knowledge.
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TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) certification.
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Experience supervising IT staff and leading projects.
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Experience with backup, recovery, and restore processes.
Key Skills and Knowledge
Technical Skills
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Expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, including architecture, configuration, and optimization.
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Proficiency in High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions for SQL Server.
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In-depth knowledge of SQL performance tuning and optimization strategies.
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Strong understanding of backup and restore operations for SQL environments.
Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting
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Advanced troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving database-related issues.
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Ability to work under pressure and resolve issues efficiently, minimizing disruption to hospital operations.
Collaboration and Teamwork
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Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to enhance the IT infrastructure and support overall hospital operations.
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Capable of mentoring and training other staff members, ensuring they are equipped to support database-related tasks.
Working Conditions
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Full-time position with 37.5 hours per week.
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Flexible working options available, including home or remote working.
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On-call duties as part of a rota system.
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Must possess a valid driving license and be willing to travel as required.
Salary and Benefits
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Salary: £46,148 – £52,809 per annum.
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Competitive annual leave entitlements.
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Access to NHS pension scheme.
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Opportunities for career development and progression within the NHS.
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Certificate of Sponsorship available for eligible candidates under the Skilled Worker visa.
Why Work at Sherwood Forest Hospitals?
Working with Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust means being part of an innovative and supportive team focused on improving healthcare services. With access to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities to grow your career, we provide an environment where professional development is nurtured.
By joining us, you will be contributing to the digital transformation of healthcare, enabling more efficient and effective patient care. We are committed to providing the best possible work-life balance, with flexible working hours and remote working options.
Employee Benefits
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Access to ongoing training and professional development.
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Supportive work environment fostering growth.
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Mental health and wellbeing support services.
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Employee assistance programs.
How to Apply
We encourage passionate, qualified candidates who are eager to contribute to digital innovation in healthcare to apply for this exciting role. To apply for the Database Administrator position at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, please visit our recruitment portal and submit your application by 18th May 2025.
Please note: We do not accept paper applications, and any application submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Conclusion
The role of Database Administrator at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of digital transformation within the healthcare sector. If you are a skilled and motivated IT professional looking to make a significant impact on healthcare services, we encourage you to apply for this position.
Your expertise will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies are implemented efficiently and that patient care remains the focus. Join us at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and help us transform healthcare for the better!