Mainframe Architect

One of our clients is seeking a Mainframe Architect. This position will require the incumbent to draw upon their past systems programming 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 the current system, capacity planning, communications, storage administration, coding, and make sure all software is up to the latest release and technology levels.  In addition, the incumbent will provide guidance to the application development staff for mainframe systems topics and issues. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Mainframe Architect

Remote

Responsibilities

• Manage, plan, direct, organize, and control outsourcing provider’s activities with respect to the JM Family mainframe.
• Monitor all mainframe activities looking for problems and potential improvements.
• Review actions taken by the 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

Required Skills

• 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 JM Family.
• Experience in establishing best practices, procedures, and enforcing governance.
• Strong track record of collaborating and partnering to obtain common results. 

Manage Service Liaison  

• 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. 
• 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 
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills required. Ability to work independently and to maintain effective working relationships with vendors, and multiple staff levels. 
• Management of vendors to ensure SLA’s are maintained, solutions are delivered and relationships are fostered to benefit JM Family.