The opportunity
We have an opportunity for a Lead Database Administrator to join us on the exciting and rewarding path we are taking here at Castle Trust Bank. We pride ourselves in being a fintech challenger bank, providing specialist property mortgages, retail finance lending and savings accounts to a variety of customers.
In this role you will lead the evolution of our database management strategy in support of our ambitious growth plans. You will take ownership of our database architecture and operations, ensuring performance, resilience, and compliance across both traditional and cloud-based environments. You will work closely with infrastructure and third-party partners to drive proactive monitoring, incident prevention, and ITIL-aligned change management.
You will manage the Bank’s database strategy, ensuring availability, cost efficiency, security, recoverability, and resilience, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS). You will maintain operational availability and performance of data platforms, including the management of third-party DBA service provider relationships. You will play a pivotal role in leading incident resolution and conduct root cause analysis. BAU activity will include tasks such as server patching, security updates, backups, and performance monitoring. You will support SQL servers across production and non-production environments and deliver database changes while ensuring system availability and performance.
The role is based at our Basingstoke office with hybrid working available (a minimum of 3 days per week in the office).
What we are looking for in you…
From a technical perspective:
Essential
- Enterprise-level database architecture, system analysis, development of scalable, secure technical specifications
- Enterprise-grade databases including Microsoft SQL Server, My SQL
- SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)
- SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
- Troubleshooting and resolving database issues using both native tools and third-party platforms (e.g. SolarWinds SentryOne)
- Modern data lake solutions – Azure Data Lake, dedicated SQL Pools, Delta Live Tables, Microsoft Fabric
- Azure processes (Data Factory, Data Sync, Logic Apps)
- Deep knowledge of backup, restore, replication strategies, disaster recovery planning
- Version control and DevOps workflow
- Performance tuning and query optimisation
Desirable
- Microsoft or cloud-based certifications (e.g. Azure Database Administrator Associate or equivalent)
- Python for scripting, data manipulation or automation tasks
- Experience with data comparison and synchronisation tools e.g.Redgate
- Structured and semi-structured data formats, including JSON, XML, Hive tables, and Parquet files
- Cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP), including deployment, configuration, and integration of database services
- Data warehousing, including dimensional modelling and ETL processes
- Machine learning pipeline awareness
- Experience with data governance and metadata management
What is also important to us is that you are highly motivated and adaptable with the ability to use initiative and effectively plan and prioritise, capable of working within a rapidly moving environment. You will need to be a strong communicator with a natural ability to solve problems, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats and translate technical concepts into business value. You will need to work well under pressure with the ability to remain focused on the task in hand, possessing meticulous attention to detail with a willingness to the accountable and take ownership of both personal and professional development. An interest in emerging data technologies and a proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation will be advantageous.
What’s in it for you…
As well as a competitive salary, we offer an annual performance related bonus based on individual and company performance. In addition, a generous contributory pension scheme through Hargreaves Lansdown, life assurance, 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top) with the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days (terms apply). In addition, you will receive an extra day paid annual leave for Volunteering.
Wellbeing is also high on our agenda, and we offer a healthcare benefit through Equipsme. In addition, all colleagues have free access to TELUS Health EAP to support their health and wellbeing. We also offer free eye test vouchers and discounted gym membership, and if that’s not enough, we also offer season ticket travel loans (if applicable).
Caught your attention? If so, we’d love to talk to you and tell you more about what it’s like to work at Castle Trust Bank – The Place To Work!
Castle Trust Bank is an equal opportunity employer where we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our colleagues to thrive. We welcome applications from all and will not discriminate against any status/characteristic protected by law and will always base our decisions on merit.
Please note that visa sponsorship cannot be provided for this role and applicants should have the right to work in the UK.
We are proud to support people with disabilities and are committed to be a Disability Confident employer. If you are a person with a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be offered an interview. Should you require any reasonable adjustment to support you in your application for one of our opportunities, please contact
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What We Do
Traditional financial service providers are often burdened with costly overheads including expensive branch networks, inflexible technology and huge armies of people. At Castle Trust Bank, we keep our overheads to a minimum and we use savings proceeds to fund our lending solutions.
In the past, we offered investment products to our customers which proved very popular. As a bank, we now offer savings accounts, giving our customers the added benefit of FSCS protection for their deposits. Our history means that we have a strong understanding of what our customers need and have built our savings range with those customers and their needs front of mind.
In a complex world, we strive for openness and clarity. We place the highest importance on treating our customers fairly not just because it's the right thing to do but because we know that the trust of our customers is crucial to our future success.
We recognise that for many mortgage customers, traditional solutions don't cut the mustard. These customers can often have high quality assets but unconventional income and so find it difficult to borrow at reasonable rates and on sensible terms.
What experienced buy to let investors need is lending with imagination. They need a lender that recognises cash flow and net worth are not the same thing. They need a lender that is flexible in their approach and makes considered, logical decisions. Castle Trust Bank is that lender.
We also offer point of sale finance through our Omni Capital Retail Finance arm. Partnering with retailers nationwide, we support their business by offering finance plans to their customers. OmniPort technology gives retailers paperless credit approval which fits seamlessly with their sales processes and customers can use our dedicated customer portal to keep up to date with their loans
