database operations manager

The work

A database operations manager is responsible for organising, operating and maintaining information in a database. Databases store information such as customer names and addresses, stock records or accounts. Many organisations use databases including:

• retail chains
• insurance companies, banks and financial institutions
• communications services
• hospitals, government departments and local authorities
• schools and universities
• computer companies.

Database managers have a range of responsibilities including:

• ensuring the database is updated accurately and regularly
• controlling access to the database and monitoring performance
• identifying and resolving users problems
• developing and implementing maintenance procedures
• designing changes to the database to meet new user needs or new innovations
• devising and implementing disaster recovery and archiving procedures
• producing training notes for users.

They are also responsible for making sure that users understand the need to comply with the Data Protection Act.

They work closely with systems analysts in making changes to the database. Overall systems design decisions are performed by systems analysts; detailed database design is performed by database operations managers.

An organisation’s information needs change, so knowledge of the latest technology to recommend improvements to the system is important. Database operations managers work closely with information technology (IT) managers on a day-to-day basis.

Skills and Interests

As a database operations manager, you should:

• be an expert in current computer hardware and software
• be prepared to keep up-to-date with changes in technology
• have a good understanding of wider business issues
• be able to explain technical matters to colleagues with technical and non-technical roles
• have good negotiating skills
• have a logical, analytical approach to the work
• have good communication skills
• enjoy solving problems
• be willing to travel.

Entry

There is no single route to becoming a database operations manager - the main requirements are having the right knowledge, skills and experience for the job. Qualifications are an important part of demonstrating these, and although a degree is often required, there are many other recognised academic and vocational qualifications.

Whilst the larger graduate recruiters may take trainees from any discipline, smaller employers generally require knowledge in specific computer languages, software packages or operating systems. Many employers will require a good honours degree. For others, experience in programming will help.

Many database operations managers move into this work from the business side of an organisation. However, they must have some experience in systems programming or systems design, and they often have a degree or higher national award, which can be in any subject. Experience can be just as important as qualifications for many jobs.

Training

The majority of training is on the job, supplemented by short internal or external courses as appropriate, and progress will be helped by taking additional manufacturers courses. Some IT companies offer specific certifications in their products.

Graduate Apprenticeships in IT may be available for people in England. These integrate study at degree or diploma level with structured work-based learning.

Many young people enter IT work directly through Modern Apprenticeships at Foundation and Advanced level, or Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. There are no set entry requirements but employers will want to be sure that applicants are motivated, enthusiastic and can benefit from the training.

Opportunities

Opportunities can arise within any organisation that makes use of computerised databases.

Specialist information technology bureaux, which provide a database service to clients, also employ database operations managers.

Managers can progress in their career by moving to another employer for a post with greater responsibility. Alternatively, they might transfer their skills to other areas of computing work, such as systems analysis, network management or general management.

Self-employment or freelance work is sometimes possible, and there are an increasing number of experienced database operations managers who do contract work.

Databases

Oracle8i/9i (DBA)

Curriculum is designed to give the Oracle Database Administrator (DBA) a firm foundation in basic administrative tasks and provide the necessary knowledge and skills to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot an Oracle8i database. Participants will learn about the concepts of relational databases and the SQL and PL/SQL programming languages, database administration strategies and procedures provided in Oracle8i, the critical skills for planning and implementing database backup and recovery strategies.

MCDBA

The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator is specifically for professional who implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. Individuals who derive database designs, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security and install and configure Microsoft SQL Server would benefit from this course.