Database Administrator

We're looking for a Database Administrator to join our Data Services team, based from the NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire!

The Role:

The Database Administrator (DBA) plays a key role in ensuring the high availability, security, integrity, and optimal performance of our organisation’s data systems.

In this role, you will oversee database installation, configuration, and maintenance while working closely with developers, IT colleagues, and wider business teams to deliver robust data solutions. You will balance core operational database support with proactive project delivery, automation, and cloud management.

What You’ll Take On:

• Database Management & Maintenance: Install, configure, upgrade, and patch database systems (including cloud environments), ensuring data consistency, accuracy, and storage optimisation.
• Performance Tuning: Monitor database health, identify bottlenecks, and implement effective tuning solutions to maintain peak efficiency and resource utilisation.
• Backup, Recovery & Disaster Planning: Develop, implement, and rigorously test backup and disaster recovery plans to safeguard sensitive data and minimise potential downtime.
• Security & Governance: Maintain strict database security measures, managing user access, permissions, encryption, and alignment with corporate change control processes.
• Automation & Cloud: Automate routine administration tasks using scripting languages (such as T-SQL or Python) to enhance operational efficiency.
• Incident Support & Collaboration: Provide technical guidance and support for end-users and developers, actively participating in problem resolution (including major incidents) and on-call rotation as required.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to database schema design, capacity planning, cost awareness, and the adoption of modern DevOps practices and tools.

What You’ll Bring:

• Technical Expertise: Solid experience with Microsoft SQL Server (including Azure Cloud), database scripting (e.g. T-SQL), and exposure to NoSQL databases (such as MongoDB Atlas or Azure Cosmos DB). Knowledge of IT security implications and security platforms is advantageous.
• Analytical Problem-Solving: A systematic, disciplined, and logical approach to troubleshooting, with the ability to identify root causes and deliver practical technical solutions.
• Operational Knowledge: Familiarity with core monitoring tools, management consoles, cloud services, storage platforms, and backup/recovery frameworks.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with a collaborative mindset and a passion for working effectively within cross-functional IT teams.
• Self-Motivation & Delivery: Strong organisational and time-management skills, allowing you to manage your own workload, work under tight deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: A curious mindset with a strong motivation to expand your technical skills, learn new tools, and apply best-practice techniques to benefit the wider organisation.

#LI-NI1 #LI-Hybrid

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)

• Company performance based bonus

• Sharesave scheme

• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas

• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty

• Early VIP access to sale stock

• Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops

• Restaurants with great food at amazing prices

• Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services

• Free on-site parking

• Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing

• Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification

• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store

• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other

• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.

We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.