Job No:
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Job Title: Database Administrator
Current Job Holder(s):
Department: IT Operations
Date Created/By: Sept 2014 – Jane Smith
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
IT Operations provide the highest quality technology-based services, in the most cost-effective manner,
to support MPS’s business strategy. The department develops, enhances and manages applications
and infrastructure to provision highly effective, reliable, secure, and innovative information systems to
support MPS in its delivery of a world class service by exceptional staff.
ILLUSTRATIVE DIMENSIONS
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User base circa 600
Circa 300 terminals / users connected through a VDI infrastructure spread across 3 sites to a
VMware View (Horizon 5.x) environment
Approximately 300 laptop users using Windows 7, centrally- configured/managed using VMware
Mirage
Current Microsoft technologies including Windows Server 2012 migration, Exchange 2010, CRM
2011 and SQL 2012 including clustering and web farm load balancing hosted on VMware5.x
architecture.
Circa 250 servers running on a VMware virtualised platform
Redundant Wide Area VPLS network connecting three UK based sites.
Dual 1GB links Leeds and London for BCP purpose.
IBM i v7r1 on an IBM System i, with 3 partitions (Live, Test and Development), replicated onto
similar machine, with single partition for HA.
The Medical Protection Society is the world’s leading mutual protection organisation for doctors,
dentists and healthcare professionals. We protect and support the professional interests of more than
290,000 members around the world located in more than 40 countries. MPS has offices in London,
Leeds, Edinburgh, Brisbane, Wellington and Auckland, with other members (principally) in Ireland,
South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and
Kenya.
JOB PURPOSE
Management of the of all MPS data functions (MI and DBA team) to ensure the consistently successful
delivery of the following:
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High availability of all business critical databases during core business hours
Responsible for overall performance of all MPS system. Working closely with the Network
Solutions Manager
Responsible for ensuring high availability and expected levels of performance of the databases
that support the core systems within the company
To proactively monitor the database systems to ensure secure services with minimum
downtime
Responsible for improvement and maintenance of the databases to include rollout and
upgrades
The delivery of regular and ad-hoc operational management information (MI) to all of MPS.
To define database development standards, ensuring that the team is working uniformly to
deliver quality, acceptable database performance levels in a timely fashion
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Responsible for implementation and release of database changes according to agreed
timescales and meets defined change control methods defined by the team
Advise and assist the IT Support teams in centralising the performance management or
corporate and core systems and developing exception reports through scripting.
To proactively seek ways of further improving the key activities of the team, including:
The quality, accuracy and fitness for purpose of project deliverables
The quality and range of database administration related services provided by the team, both
internally and to other business units, primarily the Information and Analysis department.
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Management responsibility for: None
Reports to: Data Manager
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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An in depth understanding of IT operation with strong understanding of database structures,
theories, principles and practices
Assessment and recommendations related to proposed database technologies or options
Provision 3rd line support services to the business. Liaise closely with Service Desk Team Leader
to ensure the highest level of support to MPS users. Use skills and experience to identify and
resolve root causes
Maintain an appropriate software license tracking system that services the legal responsibilities of
MPS
Maintains database results by setting and enforcing standards and controls
Formulate and deliver a database strategy consistent with the requirements of MPS’ business
objectives.
MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Specific Experience: Management Proficiency, Analyzing Information , Informing Others, Staffing,
Coordination, Tracking Budget Expenses, Handles Pressure, Reporting Skills, Scheduling, Dealing
with Complexity.
Required
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Microsoft SQL Server Experience, including SQL Server 2005 and ideally up to SQL Server
2012, with knowledge of differences in all versions and across all SQL Server editions
 In-depth understanding of database security during their design and deployment
 Experience of enterprise database design, strategy and architecture.
 A highly capable business-oriented individual
 Good interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
 Knowledge of SSRS
Desired
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Ability to quickly assimilate knowledge from outside own area of expertise.
Is pragmatic, able to balance business needs with the needs of security and data protection.
Continual search for quicker, repeatable solutions to common risks.
Work knowledge of MS CRM and MS SharePoint.
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Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:
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Commitment to supporting the four key values of MPS, fairness, security, heart of the
profession and quality
Enthusiasm, commitment, professionalism and a can do attitude
Willingness to learn new technologies and apply benefits from those technologies to the
business needs of MPS
Commitment to quality in all aspects of work
Strong team player able to work positively within any team
Self-starter, able to deliver distinct activities with minimal supervision.
JOB EVALUATION FACTORS –
1. EXPERTISE – What expertise is required for the type of work carried out by this role?
What is the key purpose of the role and how does it differ from roles above and below?
 Evidence of knowledge of current database best practices
 Experience of contributing to complex IT projects would be advantageous for the role
 The role requires the post holder/s to act as the subject matter expert in area of database and
Management Information.
2. COMPLEXITY – How complex and ambiguous are the problems that are encountered by
this role and the type of decisions that are made at this level?
 A requirement to balance day to day priorities with short to medium term priorities
 Some areas of the role will be frequently occurring and require a standardised approach.
 The project elements of the role will require independent thinking and proposing solution
methods to their line manager or project leads.
 The role will work across all areas of MPS and the role holder/s must understand the functions
of the different parts of the organisation in order to provide the right support and deliver a high
level of customer service.
3. IMPACT – What is the overall impact of this role on the organisation and the scope for
driving the organisation forward? What is the influence of the role on the internal
organisation and its employees/associates?
 The role is solutions focused and it is necessary for the role holder to make recommendations
on the best database solutions to the IT management team and Head of IT operations who will
be responsible for the ultimate decision making.
 Day to day operational decision making.
4. INFLUENCE – What types of relationships are required in this role? What type of
communication, influencing and persuading skills are required for this role?
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Interact with a range of people at different levels in the organisation for IT advice and support
Work with teams and managers to recommend appropriate IT solutions
The role holder will work on projects that have an IT development requirement. The projects
will often have senior stakeholders and the role holder will require a level of credibility, influence
and impact to work at this level.
5. RESOURCES – What resources are they responsible for managing? People, technology,
finance and third party relationship management.
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The role holder will build appropriate relationships with 3rd parties such that optimal solutions
are in place and recommended at all times.
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They will advise on the effectiveness of existing and future technology in safeguarding the
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security of the MPS environment.
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