📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Development Operations Database Administrator Engineer
Company: Athora Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid)
Category: DevOps Engineer, Database Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-07-15
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid (2 days per week)

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Design, build, and manage reliable, scalable, and compliant database infrastructures in both on-premises and Azure Cloud environments.
Key Skills: Database management, cloud environments, data security, performance optimization, compliance, SQL Server, Azure SQL, scripting, automation, DevOps, risk analysis, documentation, team collaboration, and communication skills.
Key Challenges: Working in a regulated environment with high compliance requirements, ensuring data integrity, security, and availability, and collaborating with various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on compliance, security, and availability, making it well-suited for candidates with experience in regulated environments such as finance or healthcare.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Infrastructure Design & Management: Design, build, and manage database infrastructures that meet technical and functional requirements, ensuring compliance with sector standards and governance frameworks.
Performance Optimization: Optimize database performance, availability, and scalability through indexing, query tuning, and other performance optimization techniques.
Data Security & Integrity: Ensure data integrity, security, and auditability by implementing and managing security measures such as RBAC, TDE, Always Encrypted, firewall rules, and logging & auditing.
Release Management: Contribute to implementation and release processes, including risk analysis and rollback scenarios, and advise on lifecycle management, upgrades, patches, and version management.
Backup & Recovery: Develop and maintain backup and recovery strategies with minimal RTO/RPO, ensuring business continuity and disaster recovery.
Vendor Management: Manage relationships with vendors, external management, and migration projects, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: HBO+ work and thinking level with a relevant degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Experience: At least 4 years of experience in a DBA role, with a strong focus on Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL.

Required Skills:

Microsoft SQL Server (2016 and later), including High Availability (Always On), Clustering, and Log Shipping
Azure SQL (Managed Instance, DBaaS), Azure Synapse, Azure Data Factory, Azure Monitor
Data security and auditing according to relevant norms such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR
Query tuning, indexing, performance monitoring, and optimization techniques
Scripting and automation with PowerShell, T-SQL, and CI/CD pipelines via Azure DevOps
DevOps concepts, zero-touch provisioning, and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Bicep)
Experience in a demand/supply structure with high compliance requirements

Preferred Skills:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
Microsoft Certified: SQL Server Database Administrator (MCSA / MCSE / MCP)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
ITIL v4 Foundation or COBIT 2019 (governance & service management)
Redgate Certified DevOps Professional
CISA certification or experience with DNB audits (preferred by financial institutions)

📝 Enhancement Note: While not required, obtaining relevant Microsoft certifications can demonstrate a strong commitment to professional development and may enhance career growth opportunities.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate your ability to design, build, and manage database infrastructures in both on-premises and cloud environments.
Showcase your performance optimization skills through case studies or live demos of query tuning, indexing, and other optimization techniques.
Highlight your data security and integrity expertise by presenting security measures implemented in previous projects.
Display your scripting and automation skills through examples of PowerShell, T-SQL, or CI/CD pipeline scripts.

Technical Documentation:

Provide documentation outlining your approach to database design, performance optimization, and data security.
Include case studies or whitepapers detailing your experience with SQL Server, Azure SQL, and other relevant technologies.
Demonstrate your understanding of compliance and governance frameworks by including relevant documentation or certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing your portfolio, focus on projects that showcase your ability to work in regulated environments and meet high compliance requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €3698 - €5634 per month (based on CAO scale 9, 36 hours per week)

Benefits:

Vacation allowance
Thirteenth month
27 vacation days (for a 36-hour contract)
Travel allowance or OV-kaart for days worked on-site
Annual training budget

Working Hours: 36 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement (2 days per week on-site)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the CAO scale for this role. However, Athora Netherlands may offer a higher salary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Financial services, focusing on pensions and life insurances under the brands Zwitserleven and Reaal.
Company Size: Approximately 1,000 employees in the Netherlands, with international presence in Ireland, the UK, Belgium, Germany, and Italy.
Founded: Athora Netherlands is part of the Athora Group, founded in 2018.

Team Structure:

The infrastructure team works closely with architects, security experts, and auditors to ensure compliance and data integrity.
The team follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer value.
The team consists of various roles, including DevOps engineers, database administrators, and system administrators.

Development Methodology:

The team follows Agile/Scrum methodologies, with regular sprint planning and stand-up meetings.
Code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices are essential for maintaining high-quality standards.
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are crucial for ensuring efficient and reliable infrastructure.

Company Website: https://www.athora.nl/

📝 Enhancement Note: Athora Netherlands places a strong emphasis on collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus. The company values diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, making it an attractive employer for web development and server administration professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level to senior DevOps engineer with a focus on database administration and management.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Infrastructure Manager and works closely with architects, security experts, and auditors.

Technical Impact: As a DevOps engineer with a DBA specialization, you will have a significant impact on the design, management, and optimization of database infrastructures, ensuring high availability, performance, and security.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in cloud environments, data security, and compliance by working on various projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members, contributing to team decision-making processes, and driving technical initiatives.
Architecture & Design: Grow into an architecture role by gaining experience in designing and implementing complex database solutions, and collaborating with solution architects and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Athora Netherlands offers significant growth opportunities for web development and server administration professionals looking to advance their careers in a dynamic and challenging environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Amsterdam, with the option to work remotely for 3 days per week.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and stakeholders, to ensure user-focused and high-quality solutions.
Tools & Equipment: Access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools to support your work effectively.
Team Interaction: Engage in regular team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical mentoring to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

Work Schedule: 36 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement (2 days per week on-site) and flexible working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Athora Netherlands offers a flexible and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment: Demonstrate your technical skills through a hands-on assessment, focusing on SQL Server, Azure SQL, and other relevant technologies.
Architecture Discussion: Discuss your approach to database design, performance optimization, and data security, and how you would address specific challenges in the role.
Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Assess your cultural fit with the team and company, focusing on your communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Final Evaluation: Evaluate your overall fit for the role, considering your technical skills, experience, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL, and other relevant technologies.
Showcase your performance optimization skills through case studies or live demos.
Demonstrate your data security and integrity expertise by presenting security measures implemented in previous projects.
Include documentation outlining your approach to database design, performance optimization, and data security.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your SQL Server and Azure SQL skills, focusing on performance optimization, data security, and compliance.
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and best practices in cloud environments, data security, and DevOps methodologies.
Prepare for behavioral and cultural fit questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they have shaped your approach to work.

ATS Keywords: See the comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category, at the end of this document.

📝 Enhancement Note: Athora Netherlands values technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit in its hiring process. By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your relevant experience, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (this role focuses on backend and database administration)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Microsoft SQL Server (2016 and later)
Azure SQL (Managed Instance, DBaaS)
Azure Synapse
Azure Data Factory
Azure Monitor
PowerShell
T-SQL
CI/CD pipelines via Azure DevOps

Development & DevOps Tools:

Terraform
Bicep
Azure DevOps
Azure Portal
Azure CLI

📝 Enhancement Note: Athora Netherlands uses a modern technology stack, with a strong focus on cloud environments, data security, and compliance. Familiarity with these technologies is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

User Focus: Prioritize user needs and expectations in all aspects of database design, management, and optimization.
Performance Optimization: Continuously improve database performance, availability, and scalability to meet user demands and business requirements.
Data Integrity & Security: Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with relevant norms and regulations, such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR.
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Work closely with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge and expertise to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in database management, cloud environments, and data security.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with developers, designers, and stakeholders to ensure user-focused and high-quality solutions.
Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and pair programming to maintain high-quality standards and share knowledge with team members.
Knowledge Sharing & Mentoring: Contribute to the team's knowledge base by sharing your expertise and mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Athora Netherlands fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on user focus, performance optimization, and data security.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with relevant norms and regulations in a regulated environment.
High Availability & Scalability: Design and manage database infrastructures that meet high availability and scalability requirements, with minimal downtime and maximum performance.
Performance Optimization: Continuously optimize database performance, availability, and scalability through indexing, query tuning, and other performance optimization techniques.
Cloud Migration: Migrate on-premises databases to Azure Cloud, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Deepen your expertise in cloud environments, data security, and compliance by working on various projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members, contributing to team decision-making processes, and driving technical initiatives.
Architecture & Design: Grow into an architecture role by gaining experience in designing and implementing complex database solutions, and collaborating with solution architects and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Athora Netherlands offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for web development and server administration professionals looking to advance their careers in a dynamic and challenging environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

SQL Server & Azure SQL: Demonstrate your expertise in Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL, focusing on performance optimization, data security, and compliance.
Cloud Environments: Discuss your experience with cloud environments, including migration strategies, high availability, and scalability.
Data Security & Compliance: Explain your approach to data security and compliance, focusing on relevant norms and regulations such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR.
Performance Optimization: Describe your techniques for optimizing database performance, availability, and scalability.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Explain what you understand about Athora Netherlands' company culture and how you would contribute to it.
Team Dynamics: Describe your approach to working in a team and how you would contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Problem-Solving: Provide an example of a complex technical challenge you faced in a previous role and how you overcame it.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Live Demo: Present a live demo of your database management and optimization skills, focusing on SQL Server, Azure SQL, and other relevant technologies.
Case Studies: Include case studies or whitepapers detailing your experience with database design, performance optimization, and data security.
Documentation: Provide documentation outlining your approach to database design, performance optimization, and data security.

📝 Enhancement Note: By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your relevant experience, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process for this challenging and rewarding role at Athora Netherlands.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Development Operations Database Administrator Engineer position:

Customize Your Portfolio: Highlight your experience with Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL, and other relevant technologies, focusing on performance optimization, data security, and compliance.
Optimize Your Resume: Emphasize your technical skills, experience, and achievements in database management, cloud environments, and data security.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on your SQL Server and Azure SQL skills, focusing on performance optimization, data security, and compliance.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Athora Netherlands' company culture, values, and mission to ensure a strong cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages:

SQL
T-SQL
PowerShell

Web Frameworks & Tools:

Azure DevOps
Azure Portal
Azure CLI
Terraform
Bicep

Server Technologies:

Microsoft SQL Server
Azure SQL
Azure Synapse
Azure Data Factory
Azure Monitor

Databases:

Microsoft SQL Server
Azure SQL

Tools & Methodologies:

CI/CD pipelines
Infrastructure-as-code (IaC)
Zero-touch provisioning
Agile methodologies
Scrum

Soft Skills:

Problem-solving
Analytical skills
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Teamwork
Collaboration
Leadership
Mentoring

Industry Terms:

Database administrator (DBA)
Cloud environments
Data security
Compliance
Performance optimization
High availability
Scalability
Regulated environments
Audit trails
Service level agreements (SLAs)
Availability zones
Infrastructure management
Release management
Lifecycle management
Upgrades
Patches
Version management
Backup and recovery
Disaster recovery
Business continuity
Data integrity
Data auditing
Data classification
Data encryption
Data masking
Data anonymization
Data retention
Data archival
Data migration
Data warehousing
Data lakes
Big data
IoT
AI
Machine learning
Data analytics
Data visualization
Data governance
Data privacy
Data protection
Data compliance
Data ethics
Data quality
Data profiling
Data cleansing
Data transformation
ETL
ELT
Data warehousing
Data modeling
Data architecture
Database design
Database normalization
Database denormalization
Database optimization
Database performance tuning
Database indexing
Database partitioning
Database sharding
Database replication
Database clustering
Database high availability
Database disaster recovery
Database backup and recovery
Database maintenance
Database tuning
Database optimization
Database performance monitoring
Database capacity planning
Database scaling
Database migration
Database refactoring
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Development Operations Database Administrator Engineer