Data Services and Research Organisation (Bath)

Sourcing a Data Platforms and Applications Engineer to Stabilise Core Systems and Build Towards Cloud Readiness

The Challenge

Our client was a national data services and research organisation whose information systems were used daily by internal teams, external research partners, and operational support staff. Reliability was not optional. When the databases that underpinned those systems had problems, the impact was felt across multiple organisations, not just internally.

The business was modernising its digital estate and needed a Data Platforms and Applications Engineer to keep the existing infrastructure stable while that work progressed. The role required SQL Server administration, database optimisation, incident management, and experience working in hybrid on-premise and cloud environments. Crucially, the engineer also needed to coordinate effectively with third-party suppliers on upgrades and service issues, which added a layer of complexity beyond pure technical delivery.

Finding the right person was harder than it should have been. Engineers with operational SQL Server depth and hybrid environment experience have largely moved towards cloud-only roles. The pool of candidates motivated by systems reliability and technical ownership in established environments, rather than greenfield cloud builds, is smaller than it was and shrinking. The client needed a partner who understood that market and could identify people who would see this kind of role as the right challenge rather than a step backwards.

The Solution

Xist4 ran a targeted technical search, starting with a structured review of the available talent market before outreach began.

• Worked with the Head of Digital Platforms to define the core technical profile: SQL Server 2016 and above, T-SQL scripting, SSRS, database clustering and replication, and ITIL-aligned operational support.
• Identified more than 120 engineers with hybrid database and application support experience across research bodies, membership organisations, digital service providers, and regulated SMEs, covering salary expectations, availability, and candidate motivations.
• Focused outreach on engineers with backgrounds in managing complex datasets, supporting internal and partner-facing platforms, and coordinating with third-party vendors to resolve service issues and plan upgrades.
• Assessed candidates on real-world troubleshooting, performance tuning, incident response, upgrade planning, and practical experience managing supplier relationships through technical problems.
• Delivered weekly market intelligence on candidate motivations, hybrid working expectations, and compensation trends to support offer alignment and keep the hiring panel informed throughout.

The Result

Within six and a half weeks, Xist4 presented a shortlist of engineers with strong SQL Server administration experience, application support capability, and a track record of working effectively in hybrid operational environments.

The appointed candidate brought significant experience managing multi-application SQL Server estates and supporting both internal and external users. After joining, they strengthened monitoring coverage, reduced incident recurrence through more structured root-cause analysis, and contributed to a clear roadmap for database upgrades and cloud readiness. For an organisation whose systems support research partners as well as internal teams, having a single technical owner driving that work with credibility and reliability was exactly what the hire was meant to deliver.