Database Technical Lead

This is an exciting opportunity to join HMRC’s IT function (CDIO) which sets the technology direction for HMRC and delivers the high-level design for all IT solutions across the organisation. CDIO builds and runs all HMRC IT services along with providing IT change and operational support.

You will be developing, delivering and supporting IT solutions for those business areas which manage HMRC’s Customs, Excise and International Trade activities. Borders & Trade are accountable for the end to end service management and development of over 100 separate services from the generation of Trade Statistics, to the administration of Customs and Excise duties.

**The Role**:
This is an exciting and challenging role for those looking to deliver technological change against a background of organisational transformation, as well as an opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives by delivering great digital products.

As a Database Technical Lead you will develop and maintain a large number of databases and supporting code/documentation primarily focused on systems related to Borders and Trade. You’ll be building and supporting IDMSX databases on VME as well as having the opportunity to work on other DBMS technologies in physical and cloud based environments that support critical national infrastructure and keep the UK economy and international trade moving..

We’re embarking on a wholesale modernisation of our IT estate driving the migration of one of the most complex IT estates in Europe to innovative cloud technologies using AWS, MS Azure and other emerging technology stacks. Opportunities to learn those and other new technologies as they arise and keep your skills current.

**The Team**:
We operate a structure to ensure that we provide skilled resources to enable us to meet the needs of our customers in an Agile way helping to drive high levels of collaboration and innovation. Guilds provide a permanent organisation construct that are set up to bring together people who share technical, functional and professional skills. The Guild responsibility will be to define the technical standards and tools that its members will use. It also ensures that members of the Guild continually improve their skills so that technical skills remain current, are aligned to HMRC/CDIO strategy and in-step with IT industry developments.

**Person specification**

**Role Responsibilities as a Database Technical Lead**:

- The installation,configuration, upgrade, administration, monitoring and maintenance of databases. Providing support for operational databases in production use and for internal or interim purposes such as iterative developments and testing. Improving the performance of databases and the tools and processes for database administration (including automation).
- To Collect agreed performance statistics.Carrying out agreed database maintenance and administration tasks.
- Knowledge of logical database schemata,to investigate problems and collect performance statistics and create reports.
- Carries out routine configuration, installation, and reconfiguration of database and related products. Develops and configures tools to enable automation of database administration tasks. Identify problems and issues and recommend corrective actions.
- Developing and maintaining procedures and documentation for databases.
- Identifying, evaluating and managing the adoption of appropriate database administration tools and processes, including automation.
- Contributing to the setting of standards for definition, security and integrity of database objects and ensuring conformance to those standards.
- Leading database configuration including installing and upgrading software and maintaining relevant documentation.
- Monitoring database activity and resource usage.
- Optimising database performance and planning for forecast resource needs.
- Taking a proactive lead on support and development activities leading small teams of DBA’s efforts on project and support work including line management of a small team.
- Supporting less experienced team members and sharing technical knowledge and best practice.

It is expected that the successful applicant, once suitable to do so, will be required to be on call for which there is the appropriate additional remuneration of attendance allowance, on call allowances and overtime payment for callouts.

**Essential Criteria**:
We are looking for people with extensive knowledge and experience of database administration, development, and support.

You will already have extensive knowledge and experience of:

- Database administration using one or more of the following databases: Oracle/MySQL/MS SQL/Ingres
- Database design
- Good understanding of backup and recovery strategies
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical skills

**Desirable Criteria**:
Ideally, you will also have practical experience in:

- Familiarity with and experience working on Windows, Unix, Linux