IT Specialist

Title: IT Specialist-Host Availability Coordinator

Location: Mississauga, Canada

Employment Type: Full-Time

Role Summary

• The IT Specialist will act as the primary on-site interface between client and the client for mainframe host availability. This role supports the client's transition to self-managed operations by coordinating technical activities, facilitating support processes, and ensuring system availability through proactive engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and support host system availability.
• Recommend and schedule preventative maintenance activities.
• Review and adjust host maintenance strategies to optimize uptime.
• Coordinate IMAC (Install, Move, Add, Change) activities.
• Assist with problem management and communicate break/fix status (CSP cases).
• Host biweekly service meetings and track operational issues.
• Act as the client's advocate within client.
• Ensure smooth communication between client and client support teams.
• Escalate and follow up on client concerns.
• Support software and hardware problem resolution.
• Facilitate I/O configuration design and implementation.
• Provide guidance during host implementations and upgrades.
• Interface with SSRs and other client support groups.
• Coordinate SSR activity and ensure alignment with client schedules.
• Support client skill development on new mainframe technologies (e.g., ESP programs).
• Essential Skills
• Strong understanding of client Z systems and host environments.
• Experience with CAL role, CSP and client support processes.
• Excellent coordination and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while integrating with client and client teams.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in client-facing roles or service delivery environments.
• Familiarity with mainframe modernization initiatives.
• Knowledge of I/O configuration and system tuning.
• Exposure to Early Ship Programs (ESP) or similar enablement initiatives.
• Growth Path
• This role is designed to evolve as the client's operational maturity increases.
• Over time, the resource may:
• Take on deeper technical responsibilities.
• Support additional systems or services.
• Transition into a hybrid System Operational Services role under STSS.

Job Summary

• We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile IT Specialist to support and enhance the availability, performance, and modernization of Bank's Host and Hybrid Cloud environments. This role encompasses responsibilities across host hardware, host software, and hybrid cloud infrastructure, requiring deep technical expertise in mainframe systems, cloud integration, and enterprise middleware platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Host Hardware & Software Operations Support
• Coordinate Installation, Move, Add, and Change (IMAC) activities using change control procedures.
• Monitor and maintain system availability through proactive maintenance and problem management.
• Provide technical guidance in Z/OS, GDPS, and I/O configuration design and implementation.
• Host regular maintenance planning sessions (Mplans) and manage SSR activities.
• Communicate break/fix status and escalate issues to the Bank and client support teams.
• Advocate for Bank's needs and ensure all concerns are addressed and followed up.
• Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure Architecture
• Design and support infrastructure integrating System Z with Bank's cloud environment.
• Develop and tune z/OS Connect APIs based on performance, security, and availability requirements.
• Support application modernization using WebSphere Hybrid Edition on Red Hat OpenShift.
• Optimize WebSphere Liberty Profiles across z/OS and distributed platforms.
• Architect solutions using z/OS Container Extensions (zCX) and Cloud Pak for WebSphere Automation.
• Prepare for future AI integration in System Z processors.
• Client Advocacy & Collaboration
• Serve as the primary liaison between Bank's and client technical teams.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to improve systems management processes.
• Support skill development initiatives for Bank's teams on emerging mainframe technologies.
• Required Skills & Qualifications
• Proven experience in mainframe environments (hardware and software).
• Strong knowledge of z/OS, GDPS, WebSphere, OpenShift, and cloud integration.
• Expertise in system performance tuning, preventative maintenance, and automation.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to lead technical initiatives and collaborate across diverse teams.