Database Tech Lead / Ops Manager
Hybrid working – 3 days on site
Umbrella engagement

Our client, a leading and successful national business, is looking to hire a contractor to technically lead a team specialising in Database technologies. This would suit somebody that has a technical hands-on background that has progressed a tech lead role.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the management, availability, and resilience of enterprise database platforms, including integration of new systems.

You will also lead a team of specialists to ensure data services are reliable, secure, and optimised to meet business needs. This role requires deep technical expertise in enterprise databases coupled with strong operational leadership and risk management skills.

You will also have the technical foresight to design reliable and robust systems ensuring future stability.

Engagement via Umbrella Company Only; all taxes & NI deducted at source.

General responsibilities

• Lead the BAU & operations of the enterprise database platforms.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and resilience of critical data services.
• Manage database lifecycle activities, including patching, upgrades, and End-of-Life planning.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for database operations.
• Collaborate with application teams to ensure databases and solutions meet performance and capacity requirements.
• Drive automation and standardisation of database processes.
• Manage incident, request, and problem resolution for database issues.
• Conduct root cause analysis of recurring failures and implement corrective actions.
• Provide operational reporting, including capacity trends, success rates, and incident metrics.
• Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution for data platforms.
• Manage vendor relationships
• Ensure compliance with security and audit requirements.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in operations leadership
• Experience on large scale integration projects.
• Technical knowledge of Databases in an enterprise environment.
• ITIL service management
• In-depth understanding of resilience, data protection and business continuity.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

DevOps Engineer – AWS & Azure – SC Cleared – £650/day Inside IR-35

Contract Overview:

• Position: DevOps Engineer
• Location: Hybrid – on-site in Corsham or Salisbury one day every fortnight
• Start Date: January 2026
• Duration: Initial 6-month contract
• Rate: £650 per day (likely inside IR35)
• Clearance: Active SC clearance required

Essential Skills:

• Strong hands-on experience with AWS (preferred) and Azure
• Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and Ansible
• CI/CD pipeline development with GitLab CI, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions
• Containerisation and orchestration using Docker and Kubernetes
• Scripting in Python, Bash, or PowerShell
• Monitoring and logging with Prometheus, Grafana, and ELK Stack
• Secure DevOps practices aligned with UK Government and MoD standards
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments

Desirable Experience:

• Previous work with UK Government or Defence clients
• Familiarity with tools such as Nexus, SonarQube, and Azure DevOps

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Role: Network Engineer
Duration: 6 months
Location: Newport OR Stevenage (onsite full time)
Rate: £500 – £600 pd Inside IR35
Clearance: Must have SC and must be sole British National

Essential Skills

• CCNA accreditation
• Good level of knowledge and experience using Cisco technologies – to include but not exclusively.
• Routing/Switching skills Both IOS/NX-OS.
• Firewall skills – Cisco ASA.
• Data and Voice Cable Installation, Patching/Jumpering and Fault Finding
• Strong experience in infrastructure tooling such as OTDR and Cat5/6 cable test equipment.

Desirable Skills

• Prior experience in Defence, Aerospace, or Government projects
• Experience in network tooling such as Cisco Prime, Ops View (or similar).
• Working knowledge in support of Cisco Wireless networking applications and devices.
• Exposure to Zero Trust principles and secure enclave architectures

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Senior Infrastructure Engineer

Stevenage or Newport

£500-£600/day Inside IR-35

Active SC required

6 month contract – January start

Sanderson Government and Defence are supporting a long standing consultancy client of ours in their search for a Senior Infrastructure Engineer with an on-prem windows bias to start in the new year.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in engineering on-premises infrastructure within secure enterprise environments
• In-depth knowledge of Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022), Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy
• Hands-on experience with virtualisation technologies such as Hyper-V and VMware
• Proficient in PowerShell scripting and infrastructure automation practices
• Solid understanding of Defence or government-level security standards and compliance frameworks
• Strong troubleshooting capabilities and well-developed documentation skills

Desirable Skills

• Previous involvement in Defence, Aerospace, or Government sector projects
• Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions (e.g., Veeam, DPM)
• Familiarity with Zero Trust security models and secure enclave architectures

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Senior Infrastructure Engineer

Newport or Stevenage

£500-£600/day Inside IR-35

Active SC required

6 month contract – January start

Sanderson Government and Defence are supporting a long standing consultancy client of ours in their search for a Senior Infrastructure Engineer with an on-prem windows bias to start in the new year.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in engineering on-premises infrastructure within secure enterprise environments
• In-depth knowledge of Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022), Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies such as Hyper-V and VMware
• Proficient in PowerShell scripting and infrastructure automation practices
• Solid understanding of Defence or government-level security standards and compliance frameworks
• Strong troubleshooting capabilities and well-developed documentation skills

Desirable Skills

• Previous involvement in Defence, Aerospace, or Government sector projects
• Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions (e.g., Veeam, DPM)
• Familiarity with Zero Trust security models and secure enclave architectures

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Currently entering a period of business change and modernisation, this leading employer is looking to add to its team with the appointment of several Linux Engineer. This organisation has recently signed off on a number of projects to bring its IT systems in line with its exacting standards as well as drive forward to market leading standards. This role is critical in that success.

The role will also be responsible for Installation or removal of hardware and/or software, using supplied installation instructions and tools; following agreed standards, including those for electrical work. The role will also involve investigating potential and actual service problems and recommending solutions.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in some of the following:

• Experience with Linux server and workstation
• Familiarity with public cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Experience with containerisation and Kubernetes
• Experience with automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell, or Python)
• Must be DV Cleared or Eligible for DV clearance

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Linux System Administrator

Salary to £60,000 + up to £15,000 in additional bonuses

Must be eligible for a high level of UK Government Clearance

Cheltenham location

Sanderson Government and Defence are working with one of the world largest technology companies in their UK Secure Government division.

They are looking for a Linux System Administrator who holds or is eligible for a high level of UK Government Clearance and who has a genuine interest in the sector.

Tech wise, on top of the basic Linux System Administrator skillset they are looking for at least some of the following:

• Ansible
• AWS Cloud
• Bash
• Python

Once you have the appropriate level of clearance you will be based in Cheltenham, however while you wait for this clearance you are able to work flexibly. Therefore we are open to people looking to relocate, as this will allow you plenty of time to move closer to site.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Sanderson Government and Defence are supporting a commercial supplier to government in their search for a Virtualization Engineer to work out of Gloucestershire. This client, aside from offering a very strong package, offer an excellent development programme, with a real willingness to support both financially and otherwise.

Role responsibilities:

• Provide first and second level technical support on incidents and problems
• Monitor overall system performance and ensure smooth system functionality
• Create, maintain, and utilise documentation
• Assist building compliance with processes and policies

Desirable Skills and Technologies

• Proficient knowledge and understanding of virtualisation
• Experience in installation, upgrading, configuration, and support of: Windows 2016/2019, Windows Server, AWS, and Azure
• Experience or knowledge of various Red Hat related products
• Knowledge of Active Directory including object creation, OU creation, RBAC management, and DFS
• Knowledge of VSAN, SCVMM, Hyper-V
• Knowledge within networking
• Good understanding of PowerShell scripting
• Awareness of McAfee EPO/ENS

This role will require you to be willing and eligible to undergo a high level of UK security clearance

If you’re interested in the above, apply or reach out to [email protected]

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

3^rd Line Infrastructure Support & Application Packager, Hybrid, Windows Server, Azure
Hybrid working (2 days per week)

Our client, a leading business within their sector, are looking to hire an experienced Infrastructure Engineer with Application Packaging skills.

The successful candidate will provide 3^rd line infrastructure support in an enterprise-wide environment.

You will also package application, utilising Intune. Management of endpoint device management (Intune),

Technical skills required:-

• Intune Endpoint management
• Intune / SCCM for application packaging
• 3^rd line infrastructure support
• Windows Server
• AD
• Azure AD/Entra ID (Desirable)
• Azure (Desirable)

Engagement via Umbrella Company Only; all taxes & NI deducted at source.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Cloud & Infrastructure Engineer, Azure, Hybrid working (2 days per week)

Our client, a leading business within their sector, are looking to hire a Cloud Engineer.

You will be part of a team that ensures availability of infrastructure service, including a safe and reliable service to end users and wider community.

The successful candidate will ideally hold an Azure related certification e.g. Azure Administrator (AZ-104) or similar.

You will also demonstrate relevant Azure practical experience, including building and maintaining varying Azure workloads and services within a large Enterprise.

Experience with maintaining single sign-on identity providers – SAML2/Oauth2 – in particular within Entra-ID/Azure AD.

Also, a requirement to support the project team specialising in Microsoft capabilities and technical expertise in M365 tech configuration and controls to carry out the detailed analysis and cost assessment for implementation and running Copilot (or similar Microsoft additional capability).

Engagement via Umbrella Company Only; all taxes & NI deducted at source.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.