Motors, is the ultimate destination for car enthusiasts and buyers alike! As a leader in the market, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled search tools, expert car guides, insightful reviews, and a comprehensive vehicle price guide. Our mission is simple: to empower buyers to find their perfect car efficiently and with confidence, while also helping automotive retailers reach millions of eager buyers.
You'll be part of a team that's revolutionizing the way people buy and sell cars. Our innovative advertising opportunities not only elevate our platform but also extend across a vast dealer advertising ecosystem, including automotive giants like eBay and Gumtree. If you're ready to drive your career forward in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, Motors is the place for you. Join us and be a part of shaping the future of automotive retail!
We are looking for a highly skilled Principal Database Engineer (MS SQL / DW / BI Azure) to become part of our UK business and help develop and deliver on our Data Platform.
Reports To: Director of Technology
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: UK, Remote
About the role:
As a Principal Database Engineer, you will help develop a platform that brings fast and reliable data to the people who need it. With a passion for people and a strong growth mentality, you will help us to deliver data solutions to the business and our customers.
We need a top-notch Principal Database Engineer to join our team and to help guide the product & technology teams as we modernise our heritage Microsoft SQL stack.
Your main goal is to work with our team to help deliver a platform that can provide insights based on reliable and secure data, so everyone can spend more time delivering value. In executing this mission, you will work closely with our engineers, architects, and product owners.
As an Individual Lead Contributor, you will modernise and maintain our Microsoft SQL-based data platform.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Design, implement, and maintain scalable and available database solutions in Azure Cloud.
- Support the migration from our legacy SQL VM estate to a modern Azure Cloud SQL solution.
- Maintain high standards for legacy systems and manage improvements.
- Collaborate with the team to improve coding standards, conduct code reviews, and ensure performance, reliability, scalability, and security.
- Participate in an On-Call rotation for 24/7 customer support.
- Develop and support database automation, CI/CD pipelines, and unit tests.
- Monitor database performance, apply patches, and resolve issues.
- Support the growth of the engineering department through hiring, onboarding, and feedback.
- Lead data innovation by identifying and adopting new tools and techniques.
- Coordinate with product managers and engineering managers to ensure timely delivery.
- Bridge communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders, managing expectations and facilitating discussions.
Ideally we are looking for;
Essential:
- Proven experience in database architecture, design, and administration (backups, maintenance, performance monitoring, patching, troubleshooting).
- Expertise in performance optimization, query tuning, and analyzing metrics.
- Track record as a technical thought leader.
- Experience coaching and mentoring high-performing teams.
- Migrating from on-premise MS SQL to cloud-native Azure environments.
- Data engineering, data lake/warehousing, or BI solutions with several years in Azure cloud.
- Successfully integrating business-critical data from various sources into a unified platform.
- Extensive experience with:
- Microsoft SQL Server Management (on-premise and cloud)
- Azure SQL 2016+ VM, Azure SQL MI, Azure SQL Database
- Always On availability group and failover cluster instances
- Microsoft SQL Server Development and Integration Services
- Azure Data Factory
- Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services
- Developing and deploying data/database pipelines
- Visual Studio SSDT DB projects
- Database CI/CD (preferably YAML pipelines in Azure DevOps)
Desirable:
Experience with:
- Microsoft Fabric
- Open source DB engines (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
- Python, PySpark, Spark SQL
- Databricks
- Azure Synapse Analytics
- Microsoft Power BI
- Redgate SQL Monitor
- GDPR workflows (SAR and DDR)
- Terraform
Our Values:
We are grounded in our four values, ideated and designed by our very own colleagues:
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We’re Customer Powered - we deliver what’s right, not what’s easy.
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We Innovate With Purpose - embracing new ideas with energy and with the future of our people and the environment in mind.
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We’re Real People - we build trust through listening.
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We Deliver With Impact - we’re proud to make a difference for people at key moments in their lives.
Perks & Benefits
We offer a supportive, flexible, and growth-focused workplace. At Motors you will have a healthy work-life balance, continuous learning, remote work options, and engaging challenges. Join us for a fulfilling career where your well-being is a priority.
Financial reward 💷
- Competitive Pay
- Discretionary Bonus
- Pension Scheme (up to 9% Employer Contribution)
- Employee recognition scheme with great financial prizes ££
Work-life balance 🏖️
- 25 days holiday per year growing with length of service
- Hybrid and UK Remote working depending on role
-
Generous Family Friendly Leave
- Free counseling and support (for when you might need it)
Health & Insurance 🏩
- Private Healthcare Insurance
- Private Dental insurance cover & Cashback.
- Online private GP service.
- Generous sick pay support
- Life assurance policy (x4 Life Assurance)
Other 🔍
- Social & Inclusion Calendar - packed with events.
- Free food and beverages in our office locations
Diversity & Inclusion at Motors
Here at Motors, we are on a mission to create a culture where all our teams are inspired to share their passion, talents, and ideas with equal opportunities for growth and career development throughout our brands.
We know that a diverse and inclusive team drives creativity and strengthens our brands. That’s why we’re committed to discovering new talent and employing people who reflect the nature of the society around us so that when you join Motors you can be you!
