Mainframe Systems Manager - Remote

Job Title: Mainframe Systems Manager

Location: Remote

Project description

• This position will require the incumbent to draw upon their past systems programmers and management experience.
• The primary responsibility will be the management of mainframe outsourcing providers as well as other vendors while providing support and leadership for mainframe technologies.
• Will provide oversight of efforts to troubleshoot issues, optimize current system, capacity planning, communications, storage administration, coding and make sure all software is up to latest release and technology levels.
• In addition, the incumbent will provide guidance to the application development staff for mainframe systems topics and issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage, plan, direct, organize and control outsourcing provider’s activities with respect to the client mainframe.
• Monitor all mainframe activities looking for problems and potential improvements.
• Review actions taken by mainframe outsourcing provider to ensure they were completely successfully.
• Review, approve, and coordinate with mainframe outsourcing provider upcoming changes and software releases.
• Develop and provide ad hoc performance and tracking reports.
• Research new technologies and features to determine applicability to JM.
• Provide first line of support for mainframe infrastructure to all JM organizations.
• Participate in all mainframe incidents to coordinate and direct activities as well as to provide guidance to outsourcing provider and other JM support groups.
• Develop new mainframe utilities when required.
• Recognize the need for and develop processes and jobs to further streamline operations.
• Install new software products as required.
• Be the general go-to person when there are mainframe problems or questions

Skills Must have

• This candidate must have at least 10 years of systems programmer experience.
• Candidate must have a strong background in analyzing, documenting, installing, developing and maintaining operating system software including utility software and system software languages while providing technical support to users concerning system software and utilities.
• Experience with managing mainframe outsourcing agreements and managed service providers to include development of SOW’s.
• Proven track record with understanding and managing vendors with respect to SLA’s, SRM’s and vendor commitments to hold the vendor accountable while looking out for the companies interests.
• Knowledge of and ability to articulate/document mainframe best practices with the ability to lead vendors to the successful implementation of those best practices.
• A strong, working knowledge of ITIL principles with emphasis on problem/incident/change management and experience with managing vendors towards the implementation of those principles while leading the vendor to successful results.
• Bachelor degree in Business or Information Systems required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Must have proven technical/thought leadership experience in IT and track record of out-of-the-box thinking.
• Candidate must have a passion for mainframe technologies.
• Technically aware and keeps up to date on current technology trends (in particular as related to the mainframe platform).
• Proven experience with effective delivery within IT.
• Candidate must be highly accountable, drives for results and ability to collaborate with groups across ITS and with vendors.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills required. Ability to work independently and to maintain effective working relationships with vendors, and multiple staff levels.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and creative problem-solving techniques in a highly complex environment using leading-edge technology and or/integrating diverse technology applications.
• Ability to assist in the development of department strategic roadmaps providing vision and thought leadership in key technology areas.
• Experience managing a high-volume workload.
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to present and translate highly technical capabilities to business leaders in a way to gain understanding and to conceptualize business value (speaking without using technology-speak, developing management presentations, writing and documenting business and technical documentation, developing process diagrams).
• Management of vendors to ensure SLA’s are maintained, solutions are delivered and relationships are fostered to benefit the client.
• Experience in establishing best practices, procedures and enforcing governance.
• Strong track record of collaborating and partnering to obtain common results.

Nice to have

• Agile Methodologies