Head of Database Engineering

Millennium Management LLC; City of London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global financial services firm in London is seeking a Head of Database Engineering to lead a team of 15 engineers. The role involves managing critical database systems, ensuring performance and stability, and driving important initiatives such as standardization and automation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and MySQL, along with strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing large-scale, mission-critical database systems in complex environments.
• Proven ability to lead distributed teams while actively contributing to technical solutions.
• Strong communication skills and experience collaborating with end users and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a global team of 15 engineers.
• Ensure the stability, performance, and availability of database systems.
• Drive the migration of the database estate to unified standards across platforms.
• Work closely with trading and technology teams to address database needs.

Skills

Leadership & Management

Microsoft SQL Server

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

MySQL

Oracle

Sybase

Communication Skills

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a hands-on leader to serve as Head of Database Engineering. This critical role involves managing a distributed team of 15 engineers and overseeing database systems that are integral to our trading infrastructure. The successful candidate will lead by example, combining technical expertise with strong leadership to ensure the highest levels of stability, performance, and scalability across our database platforms.

The primary database platforms in use include Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and MySQL, with critical systems also running on Oracle and Sybase. The candidate will be expected to work closely with their team, actively contributing to technical solutions while driving key initiatives such as database standardization, automation, and self-service functionality for end users.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Hands-On Contribution:
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a global team of 15 engineers, fostering collaboration and accountability.
  • Actively participate in technical problem-solving, performance tuning, and architecture decisions.
• Database Infrastructure Stability & Performance:
  • Ensure the stability, performance, and availability of mission-critical database systems supporting trading infrastructure.
  • Proactively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and operational risks.
• Strategic Projects:
  • Drive the migration of the database estate to unified standards across platforms.
  • Lead the implementation of automation and self-service tools to empower end users.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  • Work closely with trading, technology, and operations teams to understand and address database needs.
  • Communicate technical concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Required Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience managing large-scale, mission-critical database systems in complex environments.
• Expertise inMicrosoft SQL Server,PostgreSQL,MongoDB,MySQL, and familiarity withOracle andSybase.
• Proven ability to lead distributed teams while actively contributing to technical solutions.
• Strong communication skills and experience collaborating with end users and stakeholders.
• Track record of driving multiple projects in parallel and delivering results in high-pressure environments.