Mainframe Transformation & Vendor Strategy Consultant

We're seeking a senior consultant with deep experience in mainframe services and infrastructure modernization to lead a mainframe renewal and transformation initiative for a large enterprise client. This role ensures commercial, technical, and contractual alignment between the client and their incumbent mainframe provider as the engagement transitions toward a managed mainframe services model.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience in mainframe operations, outsourcing, and modernization, hands-on familiarity with ISV licensing and vendor contracts, and the ability to lead complex commercial negotiations. This role sits at the intersection of technical advisory, vendor management, and contract strategy, requiring both deep domain expertise and strong negotiation skill.

This is a contract opportunity, approximately 6 months in duration.

Additional Details

• Remote position, candidate must currently reside in Canada
• Rate paid in CAD
• Independent contractors are welcome
• No third-party vendors or agencies please

What You'll Be Doing

• Drive the mainframe infrastructure renewal and transition strategy toward a managed mainframe services model
• Review and triage ISV software licensing agreements to identify gaps, risks, and optimization opportunities
• Partner with client stakeholders to define business drivers, modernization objectives, and success criteria
• Evaluate the incumbent provider's solution design, pricing, SLAs, and delivery model
• Rewrite and restructure contract documents, SOWs, and service schedules to reflect updated scope and objectives
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations with the incumbent provider to achieve improved outcomes

What They're Looking For

• Strong experience in mainframe operations, mainframe outsourcing, managed mainframe services, or mainframe modernization
• Hands-on work with ISV licensing, software contracts, and vendor management
• Proven ability to negotiate complex IT services agreements, including infrastructure, managed services, outsourcing, or renewal cycles
• Consulting or advisory experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of ITSM frameworks a plus
• Experience with mainframe optimization, capacity planning, or cost modeling a plus
• Background in pricing analysis, licensing transformation, or large-scale infrastructure transitions a plus