Database Administrator / Application Support
About Us
Withers & Rogers is one of Europe's largest dedicated intellectual property law firms, with offices across the UK, Paris and Munich. Established more than 140 years ago, we remain as passionate as ever about making intellectual property work to our clients' best advantage. Today, our clients include many renowned, innovative organisations from across Europe, North America, and Asia.
We believe that our patent and trade mark attorneys, support, and operations staff have a breadth of expertise and a depth of specialist sector knowledge that is second to none. Our purpose is building trusting relationships and our vision is to be an independent, responsible, sustainably profitable, and globally focused firm, known for building trusting relationships.
The Role
This is a full time, permanent position based in our London or Bristol office. Hybrid working options, including working from home, are available.
In this role, your responsibilities will include:
Database Administration (MS SQL Server)
- Assist and support the Applications Manager in the design, deployment, maintenance and monitoring of a scalable MS SQL Server based solution, including test environments, to support the needs of the Patricia databases ensuring high levels of performance, availability and security across the firm.
- Assist with the analysis and correction of issues in real time.
- Monitor and optimise database performance.
- Refine and automate regular processes, track issues and document changes.
- Perform scheduled maintenance and after-hours release deployments.
System Configuration/Security
- Assist and support the Applications Manager to specify and ensure the correct set-up and ongoing management of Patricia, the EDMS and related systems.
- Manage, determine and set system permissions to ensure that user's only access what is required for their particular role or client requirements.
- Determine software development solutions meet pre-defined business requirements.
Application Support
- Provide specialist support to users of Patricia, the EDMS and related systems.
- Support the import of new case portfolios into Patricia.
- Support the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) groups to ensure that all changes to the systems - whether in-house changes such as workflows or Patricia patches/upgrades - are thoroughly tested, documented and results fed back as appropriate before making the changes live.
- Support the ongoing transition from local client application to web client ensuring continuity of service.
System Improvement
- Where required, work with suppliers or outside contractors to design and enhance Patricia and the EDMS and any other services which depend upon them.
- Keep abreast of the firm's needs and identify where systems can be configured to perform day-to-day tasks more efficiently.
- Make recommendations on system improvements to the Applications Manager.
About You
To join, you'll need:
- Demonstrable experience as a SQL Server DBA (or similar role) and configuration of enterprise systems to include security and multiple levels of access.
- Knowledge and experience of system testing procedures and MS SQL Server 2016 (or later) database administration.
- Extensive knowledge of T-SQL query writing and optimisation using Microsoft SQL Server 2016.
- Experience of creating and maintaining SSRS reports and SSIS packages and monitoring SQL queries with SQL Profiler.
- Experience administering, maintaining and supporting databases and 3rd party applications, and maintaining indexes and statistics.
- Experience with information system troubleshooting and performance improvements.
- Demonstrable skills in developing SQL Agent processes and PowerShell scheduling tasks.
- Knowledge of system design, development, implementation, and user support principles and practices. Skills in gathering, analysing, and synthesising data from a variety of internal and external sources.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with commitment to customer service delivery.
- Ability to balance and prioritise workload, remain composed and level-headed during periods of particularly busy activity, and being proactive in helping other members of the team.
- Good communication skills and able to translate technical information to all levels of internal and external contacts.
- Working individually and as a team.
Your Rewards
- Competitive salary
- Benefits such as healthcare cash plan and additional holiday purchase scheme
- Flexible working options
- Enhanced Parental Leave options
- Positive and welcoming work environment
Applications will be reviewed as they are received so early applications are encouraged.
We foster a supportive and inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to broaden their knowledge, challenge themselves and share their ideas.
If you think you have the skills to succeed, we would love to hear from you.