National Clinical Data Services Organisation - Xist4
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National Clinical Data Services Organisation

Sourcing a Data Infrastructure and Applications Engineer to Support Mission-Critical Operational Systems



The Challenge

Our client, a national clinical data services organisation responsible for supporting life-saving operational workflows across the UK, was modernising its internal digital platforms. The organisation managed several mission-critical databases that supported donor information, laboratory systems, logistics operations, and time-sensitive clinical processes used daily across hospitals and clinical teams.

To improve system resilience and prepare for a phased cloud modernisation programme, the organisation required a Data Infrastructure and Applications Engineer with strong experience in SQL Server administration, data integrity, incident response, and hybrid on-premise and cloud environments. The role combined operational support with project delivery, including upgrades, environment stabilisation, and supplier coordination.

The hiring challenge was significant. The organisation needed an engineer comfortable working in environments where uptime is critical, data accuracy is essential, and stakeholders span clinical, operational, and digital teams. Many engineers capable of supporting this mix of legacy systems and modernisation had moved towards pure cloud engineering roles, making the targeted skill set harder to source.

The Solution

Xist4 conducted a focused technical search supported by our Recruitment Insight Audit Report, providing the client with detailed evidence on the availability of engineers experienced in both operational database support and modernisation initiatives.

Key actions included:

  • Success Profile Definition: Worked with the Head of Digital Operations to refine the technical competencies required across SQL Server 2016+, T-SQL, SSRS, replication, clustering, PowerShell scripting, and ITIL-aligned processes.

  • Recruitment Insight Audit: Mapped over 100 engineers within healthcare technology, diagnostics, laboratory informatics, blood services, clinical data platforms, and regulated operational environments.

  • Targeted Sourcing: Focused outreach on engineers with experience supporting critical data systems where accuracy, security, and continuity were essential.

  • Structured Screening: Assessed candidates on incident response capability, database optimisation, supplier management, and experience supporting applications that underpin 24/7 operational workflows.

  • Weekly Insight Reporting: Provided continuous feedback on market conditions, salary expectations, candidate motivations, and likely hiring timeframes.

The Result

Within six weeks, Xist4 delivered a shortlisted cohort of engineers with strong operational SQL Server expertise, experience supporting clinical or regulated environments, and the capability to manage both day-to-day incidents and planned technical improvements.

The appointed candidate had extensive experience managing SQL Server estates supporting high-volume, safety-critical systems. Within their first months, they improved monitoring, reduced recurring incidents through structured root-cause analysis, and supported a programme of database upgrades that enhanced stability and performance.

This engagement showed how Xist4’s combination of deep talent mapping and technical recruitment expertise enables organisations delivering critical national services to secure the specialist engineering talent necessary to maintain reliability, support operations, and progress modernisation programmes safely.

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