Job Description
We're looking for a Cloud Operations Database Engineer to join our DevOps team in Newcastle and help keep Sage's online product portfolio available, secure, and performant for customers around the clock. You'll sit at the intersection of Development and Operations - deploying, administering, monitoring, and continuously improving databases across multiple products and teams.
This is a hands-on, operational role in a 24/7 environment. You'll work closely with product delivery teams, Security, Architecture, and Automation specialists to build and run resilient database infrastructure, automate manual processes, and respond confidently when incidents arise. If you enjoy solving complex technical problems under pressure, care about operational excellence, and want to grow your cloud and database skills in a large-scale SaaS environment, this role is a strong fit.
This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week in our Newcastle office.
First 90 Days
30 Days: Get to know Sage's database estate: the platforms in use, monitoring tooling, incident management processes, and the product teams you'll support. Familiarise yourself with Sage standards, ISO processes, and the Cloud Operations team's ways of working. Begin contributing to day-to-day database operations and shadow the on-call rota before joining it.
60 Days: Take active ownership of database operations across your assigned products. Handle monitoring, routine maintenance, and incident response with growing confidence. Begin contributing to automation scripts and service improvement initiatives. Engage with product delivery teams to support query optimisation and deployment activities.
90 Days: Operate independently across the full scope of the role: database administration, performance optimisation, incident response, security protocols, backup and recovery, and cost monitoring. Contribute meaningfully to the team's continuous improvement agenda and begin sharing your knowledge with junior colleagues.
Meet the Team
You'll join the Cloud Operations team - a cross-functional DevOps group accountable for the availability and reliability of Sage's online product portfolio. The team works in close partnership with product delivery teams, Security, Architecture, and Automation colleagues, and operates under ISO standards with a strong focus on process rigour and operational excellence.
Your work will span multiple products and teams, so strong communication and prioritisation skills matter as much as technical depth. You'll have access to guidance from subject matter experts across Security, Architecture, and Automation, and will be supported in building your cloud and database skills over time.
How Success Will Be Measured
Database availability measured against agreed Service Level Agreements
Timely resolution of incidents and service tickets in line with the Incident Management Process
Delivery against the agreed service improvement plan
Proactive identification and mitigation of issues before they impact customers
Quality and coverage of automation scripts and operational documentation
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
Familiarity with relational databases including MS SQL, MySQL, and PostgreSQL - administration, performance tuning, and troubleshooting
Scripting experience for task automation using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or Ruby
Experience with applications deployed on AWS or Azure, including distributed computing, containers, Kubernetes, and/or serverless technologies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to debug complex issues under pressure
Excellent communication skills - able to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical stakeholders and business teams
Experience working across cross-functional teams with strong multitasking and prioritisation skills
Fluency in English, written and spoken
Nice-to-have
3–5 years of experience in a Database, Sysadmin, DevOps, SRE, IT Operations, or similar role in a customer-facing technical environment
1–3 years of hands-on cloud experience (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
Exposure to ISO standards and structured operational processes
Database technology certification (any vendor) is advantageous
A degree in a relevant subject is beneficial but not essential - demonstrable hands-on expertise is equally valued
At Sage, we offer you an environment where you can grow professionally without compromising your personal well-being. Our benefits package is designed to provide stability, flexibility, and balance:
Benefits video – https://youtu.be/TCMtTYUUiuU
Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage
Work away scheme for up to 10 weeks a year
On-going training and professional development
Paid 5 days yearly to volunteer through our Sage Foundation
Flexible work patterns and hybrid working
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