John Thomas, Oracle database expert

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnthomasdba/

MY PUBLIC APEX APPS

Flight logger

condor.scottishgliding.com

 

A Database Designer with a proven track record of developing and implementing high-performance database solutions, I have expertise in SQL and PL/SQL, schema design, performance tuning, and team leadership. I’m seeking to leverage my experience to drive efficiency and innovation in database development.

Sky UK, Livingston - Database Designer

March 2019 - present

Responsibilities

·        Performant, consistent database schemas

·        PL/SQL objects for online and batch processing

Additional responsibilities and achievements

·        Tuned SQL performance

·        Mentored developers

·        Designed schemas for many system enhancements.  

·        Developed Apex applications

Baillie Gifford, Edinburgh - Database Administrator

February 2010 - March 2019

Responsibilities

·        Monitoring and backup of production database

·        Supported development in 100+ databases

·        Used ASH, ADDM, AWR to identify bottlenecks

·        Used Oracle Enterprise Manager to analyse performance

·        Applied Agile methods for implementation of upgrades

·        Enforced compliance with data security standards

Key achievements

·        Optimised application SQL using SQL Plan Baselines and indexes

·        Wrote SQL and PL/SQL scripts for monitoring database

·        Proposed and tested Edition-Based Redefinition for DevOps

·        Introduced use of git to version DBA scripts

·        Designed OEM template for overnight script deployments

·        Tested, scripted and executed version upgrade from 11.2.0.4 to 12.1.0.2 using Oracle Restart under ClusterWare

·        Applied GI and DB combo patches across estate

·        Implemented EMC App Sync cloning

·        Migrated standby to Data Guard broker

·        Configured RMAN incremental image backups

·        Led UKOUG Scotland conference organising committee

Menzies Distribution Limited, Edinburgh - Lead DBA

November 2006 – 2010

Responsibilities

·        Lead Database Administration and SAP Admin team

·        Managed 100+ databases


Key Achievements

·        Data Guard configuration for recovery of SAP ERP systems

·        Mentored developers on SQL and PL/SQL performance analysis

·        Problem diagnosis and capacity planning

·        Specified redesign of IBM SAN layout for performance

·        Managed database on Solaris and AIX platforms

ACE*COMM Solutions (UK) Ltd, Edinburgh - Oracle Technical Specialist

November 2002 – November 2006

Performed a senior role within the UK Solutions business. Deployed to Bangladesh, Australia, Germany and the United States of America.

·        Logical and physical database design of large-scale billing system

·        Wrote SQL for high-performance call loading, rating, tiered tariffing, pro-rated charging and call archiving functionality

·        Design of Virtual Private Database system for US Air Force

·        On-site optimisation of ACE*Comm products used in UK government contracts

·        Introduced Oracle Designer to the development lifecycle

·        Introduced Recovery Manager (RMAN) and Oracle Enterprise Manager

TelesensKSCL Ltd, Edinburgh - Oracle Technical Specialist 

July 1999 – June 2002

·        Provided development DBA support for 100-plus developers;

·        Designed, built and tested sharded database architecture

SKILLS

PL/SQL and SQL profiling;
10046 and 10053 trace analysis;
Performance testing;
bash shell scripting;
ASH Analytics, ADDM, AWR;
Analytic SQL;
Maria DB;

Google Cloud Platform Cloud Engineering

HIGHLIGHTS

Oracle User Group (Scotland) conference committee chair;
SQL & DB Performance tuning;

Shared Pool usage;
Y2K technical lead.

LANGUAGES/TOOLS

SQL;
PL/SQL;
SQL Developer and SQLcl;
Oracle Enterprise Manager;

Python;
Pascal;
FORTRAN;
COBOL;
6502 assembler;
IBM MVS JCL;
HTML;
XML;
MIT AppInventor.

Esprit Telecom, Reading — Contract Database Administrator, 1999;  

LGT Asset Management, City of London — Oracle Contractor, Technical Lead, 1997-1998;

MAT Transport Ltd, London — Oracle Development Manager, 1993-1997; 

EC Tempus, Brussels — Oracle Analyst/Programmer, 1992.

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London — Analyst/Programmer, Oracle & COBOL; 1989-1992.

EDUCATION

2025

Google Cloud Platform Associate Cloud Engineer

Cloud Skills Boost

2018

Oracle University Multi-tenant

Edinburgh

2017

Oracle University ASM Admin

Edinburgh

2008

SAP Administration

SAP Education, Feltham

2004

Maximum Availability workshop

Oracle UK, Edinburgh

2004

Steven Feuerstein PL/SQL review

Glasgow

2001

Oracle Dumps and Crashes

Oracle UK, Edinburgh

1986

B.Sc. Applied Physics

King's College, University of London

1983

Advanced Level Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry

St Mary’s High School, Blackpool

1982

Advanced Level General Studies

St Mary’s High School, Blackpool

1981

Ordinary Level Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, German

St Mary’s High School, Blackpool

INTERESTS

·        Chaired UKOUG Scotland conference committee 2015-2018

·        British Gliding Association Instructor

·        Former British Sub-Aqua Club Instructor

·        Skiing, hill-walking, swimming and technology.