Database Administrator (DBA)
A place to make data matter
Location: Bradford/Peterborough/Burnley/Stockton/Camberley, Hybrid
Salary: £46,498 per annum
Permanent, 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday between 8am to 6pm with flexibility by agreement to support operational needs.
At Accent, our purpose is simple: to help people have a safe and affordable place to call home. It’s this belief that drives everything we do and inspires us to go above and beyond for our customers. Data is central to that mission. Which is why we’re looking for a Database Administrator who sees beyond tables and queries and sees the real-world impact of getting data right.
About the role
Our current estate includes an on-premise Microsoft SQL Server environment which is in the process of modernisation. As the organisation modernises, we are progressively moving core systems to Azure and developing a more modular, cloud-based architecture.
This role sits at the intersection of that transition: maintaining and improving existing platforms while helping design and implement their cloud-based successors.
The role is embedded within the infrastructure function and works closely with application, cloud and delivery teams. You’ll have the opportunity to look beyond narrow database concerns, contribute to wider platform decisions, and build practical understanding of adjacent infrastructure disciplines where it improves outcomes.
What you’ll be doing
Working with the Senior DBA, you will:
- Support and improve on-premise SQL Server databases during the transition period
- Design and operate Azure-based database platforms
- Build and maintain data extraction and integration processes between on-premise and cloud systems
- Contribute to the development of a central data hub used by staff and downstream systems
- Manage normal DBA maintenance tasks
- Monitor and optimise performance, including indexing, query tuning and configuration
- Investigate issues, test changes and make evidence-based improvements
You’ll also:
- Work with colleagues across infrastructure and applications to understand requirements and constraints
- Challenge positively where evidence suggests a better option
- Identify opportunities to simplify, optimise or automate recurring work
- Share knowledge and collaborate in a way that improves how others design and operate data-driven systems
The work includes both operational responsibility and project work, with scope to influence architecture, data flows and infrastructure approaches as the estate evolves.
The team
You’ll be joining a DBA team of two which is part of the infrastructure team. The team works closely, sharing responsibility for platform reliability while collaborating on design and improvement work, rather than operating in narrow silos.
The wider infrastructure team encourages people to extend beyond their core specialism. This is backed with support and supervision as you build confidence in new areas if you wish to widen your interests.
To view/download the job description please click here.
Salary
The spot salary for this post is £46,498 per annum for applicants who fully meet the requirements of the post. If you’re still developing some of the skills or experience, you can start at a salary 5% or 10% below the spot rate, with clear support and progression opportunities to reach the full amount.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a DBA who enjoys understanding systems as they actually are, and improving them methodically over time.
You should be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, from non-technical users through to senior technical specialists. You’re able to adjust how you communicate without diluting technical accuracy, and you take satisfaction in helping teams reach a shared understanding and a clear technical direction.
You’ll be curious beyond your immediate specialism and willing to develop practical knowledge of adjacent areas such as infrastructure, networking or cloud platforms where it helps you make better technical decisions. You will ideally be comfortable with saying “I don’t know” when it matters and be open to new learnings which could change the way in which you view a situation, a problem or a solution.
Interviews
We want your candidate experience to reflect who we are - a place to grow, a place to thrive, a place to be you.
Stage 1: A Place to Connect
A call with the hiring manager. You’ll learn more about the role and team, and we’ll get to know you – your experience, goals, and what you bring.
Planned date: 26th February via Teams.
Stage 2: A Place to Show Your Strengths
We’ll send you some scenarios to prepare for your 2nd stage interview. On the day we’ll talk through your approach and there will be a technical and behavioural based interview focused on how you apply your knowledge to real-life situations. You'll be asked to complete a Congruity Questionnaire in advance.
Planned date: 4th March at our Bradford office.
We aim to make the process clear, supportive, and genuinely valuable – a place where you feel informed and confident at every step.
A place to build a future
We’ve got big ambitions and we’re looking for people who want to grow with us. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn new skills, shape your career, and thrive in a collaborative environment where your ideas matter.
And because we believe great work deserves great rewards, here’s what you can look forward to:
Generous time off – 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, an extra day for your birthday, and the option to buy more.
Health & wellbeing support – Cash health plan, Health MOTs, online GP access, gym discounts, and a dedicated volunteering day for a cause you care about.
Financial perks – Car leasing options, salary sacrifice schemes, and exclusive discounts through our benefits platform to help your money go further.
Future-focused benefits – Access to both Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes through salary sacrifice, plus life assurance at three times your salary for peace of mind.
Family-friendly policies – Enhanced parental leave, flexible working options, and support for work-life balance.
Career development – From Stepping into Management and Management Essentials training to our Leadership Academy, apprenticeships, and more – we’ll help you grow and succeed.
This is more than a job – it’s a place where you can make an impact, feel valued, and be rewarded for what you do.
We’re Committed to Inclusion
We believe diversity makes us stronger and we’re committed to creating a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.
Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible and inclusive, and if you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, just let us know – we’ll make it happen.
Because this isn’t just a workplace – it’s a place to belong.
Please don’t delay in submitting your application. Where roles are urgent or we receive a high volume of applications, we may interview and conclude the process prior to any closing date indicated.
If you have any queries about the role, please email: PeopleServices@accentgroup.org
Please note candidates must have current eligibility to live and work in the UK, Accent do not currently hold a sponsorship license.
If you’re looking for a place you can make a positive difference to society, to our organisation and to your future, apply now.
Recruitment Agencies: We work exclusively with partners on our preferred supplier list (PSL) and do not accept unsolicited CVs or speculative approaches from agencies for this role.
