Data Services and Research Organisation - Xist4
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Data Services and Research Organisation

Sourcing a Data Platforms and Applications Engineer to Stabilise Core Systems and Modernise Database Infrastructure



The Challenge

Our client, a national data services and research organisation, was modernising its digital estate to support rising demand for secure, reliable, and high-availability access to its information systems. The organisation managed multiple mission-critical applications used daily by internal teams, external partners, and operational support staff.

To strengthen service reliability and prepare for a phased cloud transition, the organisation needed a Data Platforms and Applications Engineer with experience in SQL Server administration, database optimisation, data integrity, incident management, and hybrid on-premise/cloud environments. The engineer would be responsible for maintaining key databases, supporting application services, resolving operational incidents, and collaborating with third-party suppliers on system upgrades and improvements.

The organisation faced a challenge common in the current market. Many engineers with SQL Server and operational database expertise had moved towards cloud-only roles, creating a skills gap for employers requiring hybrid experience. The client needed a partner who could identify candidates motivated by technical ownership, systems reliability, and meaningful organisational impact, rather than pure greenfield engineering roles.

The Solution

Xist4 delivered a targeted technical search supported by our Recruitment Insight Audit Report, giving the client clarity on available talent, salary expectations, and competitive hiring conditions within the UK database engineering market.

Key actions included:

  • Success Profile Definition: Worked with the Head of Digital Platforms to define essential competencies across SQL Server 2016+, T-SQL scripting, SSRS, database clustering and replication, and operational support.

  • Recruitment Insight Audit: Conducted a detailed market analysis identifying more than 120 professionals with hybrid database and application support experience across research bodies, membership organisations, digital service providers, and regulated SMEs.

  • Talent Mapping and Outreach: Targeted engineers with backgrounds in managing large, complex datasets, supporting internal platforms, and working within ITIL-aligned operational environments.

  • Structured Technical Assessment: Interviewed candidates on real-world troubleshooting, performance tuning, incident response, upgrade planning, and their experience working with third-party vendors to resolve service issues.

  • Ongoing Market Intelligence: Provided weekly insight updates on candidate motivations, market trends, and hybrid-working expectations to support offer alignment and stakeholder decision making.

The Result

Within six and a half weeks, Xist4 presented a shortlist of engineers with strong experience in SQL Server administration, application support, and database performance optimisation.

The appointed candidate brought significant experience managing operational SQL Server environments and supporting multi-application estates. After joining, they strengthened monitoring practices, reduced incident recurrence through improved root-cause analysis, and contributed to a structured roadmap for database upgrades and cloud readiness.

This engagement demonstrated how Xist4’s blend of recruitment intelligence and technical search expertise enables data-driven organisations to secure specialist engineering talent that improves stability, resilience, and the long-term reliability of core digital systems.

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