Database Performance Specialist Administrator

Database Performance Specialist Administrator

Who are we, and what do we do?

You may not have heard of us, but there's a good chance you've enjoyed our products. Avara Foods is one of the UK's leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to the country's major supermarkets and well-known restaurants.

We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory and all the way to the customer door - meaning we have careers that cover a whole range of functions. We have major processing sites across England and Wales, and an agricultural network of over 350 farms, spanning from North Yorkshire to the South Coast and Wales.

About the Role

Are you passionate about SQL Server database administration and data engineering in general? Looking for a new challenge where you can make a real impact on performance and data-driven decision making? Are you interested in extending your skillset to cloud SQL-based technologies?

Avara Foods is an inclusive, forward-thinking business that has invested heavily in its IT systems. We are looking for a highly competent and motivated SQL Server Database Administrator to join our team as a Database Performance Specialist Administrator.

Working hours will be - Monday to Friday 08.30 - 17.00

In this hybrid role, you'll provide a vital service to the business by maintaining and optimising our on-premises SQL Server estate, while also supporting our move to a modern data platform in the cloud using Microsoft Fabric and Oracle Autonomous Database. You'll work closely with colleagues across IT and the wider business to ensure our SQL infrastructure is secure, resilient, and high performing, while helping to design cloud data solutions that will enable our business teams to become more data driven.

Key Responsibilities

1. Monitor and optimise the performance of our on-premises SQL Server databases that support critical Manufacturing and Warehouse Management systems.
2. Proactively identify and assist in resolving database availability and reliability issues.
3. Advise on SQL Server patching, upgrades, backups, recovery, and licensing compliance.
4. Collaborate with IT colleagues to support the ongoing migration of SQL workloads to the cloud, reducing our on-premises footprint.
5. Contribute to the development of our enterprise data warehouse in Microsoft Fabric, sourcing data from both on-premises and cloud applications.
6. Design and implement robust, efficient, and scalable ETL/ELT processes.
7. Engage with stakeholders across Operations, Planning, and other functions to enable data-driven insights and reporting.

What you'll need to be successful

• Strong hands-on experience with SQL Server 2016+ performance tuning, administration, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of database security, backup/recovery strategies, and high availability solutions.
• Familiarity with licensing models and patch management for SQL Server.
• Experience with ETL/ELT processes, data warehousing, and modern cloud-based data platforms (ideally Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in T-SQL, with the ability to write efficient queries and stored procedures.
• Good understanding of Manufacturing and ERP systems (advantageous).
• Familiarity with modern data integration tools (advantageous: Azure Data Factory, Power Query, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work across multiple systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

The benefits of working for Avara Foods

As a Database Performance Specialist Administrator, you will enjoy a secure, supportive, and progressive working environment, where your contribution and achievements will be recognised and rewarded.

We offer comprehensive training as well as continuous development as you build your long-term career with us. You can also look forward to benefits that, amongst other things, include the following:

• Competitive salary depending on skills and experience
• 31 days holiday allowance
• Secure contract with long-term career development opportunities
• Straightforward pension contribution of 5%
• Subsidised staff canteen serving hot food
• Staff shop / staff sales at hugely discounted prices
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salaried Advance Finance
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
• Access to our Employee Benefit Scheme, which includes unlimited remote GP appointments and unlimited mental health sessions, physiotherapy sessions, medical second opinion consultation, and other discounts and perks, such as savings & discounts on weekly costs.

Ts & Cs apply

What happens after you apply?

After you've applied, you'll be contacted in due course by a Resourcing Officer, who will discuss your application and CV further. There'll also be a chance for you to ask us any questions you may have about the role.

If you're ready to work in a dynamic environment alongside talented people who take pride in delivering great results, apply today!

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.