Mainframe Systems Programmer / Vendor Manager

Project Description:

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 current systems, 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.

Working hours: US EST hours. 8am to 5pm EST

6am - 3pm (Mexico City Time)

Responsibilities:

• Manage, plan, direct, organize, and control outsourcing providers’ activities with respect to the enterprise mainframe environment.
• Monitor all mainframe activities looking for problems and potential improvements.
• Review actions taken by the mainframe outsourcing provider to ensure they were completed successfully.
• Review, approve, and coordinate upcoming changes and software releases with the mainframe outsourcing provider.
• Develop and provide ad hoc performance and tracking reports.
• Research new technologies and features to determine applicability to the organization.
• Provide first-line support for mainframe infrastructure to all internal organizations.
• Participate in all mainframe incidents to coordinate and direct activities as well as to provide guidance to the outsourcing provider and other 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.

Mandatory Skills & Requirements:

• Must have at least 10 years of systems programmer experience.
• 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 the development of Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Proven track record with understanding and managing vendors with respect to SLAs, SRMs, and vendor commitments to hold the vendor accountable while looking out for the company's 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’s degree in Business or Information Systems required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Must have proven technical/thought leadership experience in IT and a track record of out-of-the-box thinking.
• 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.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication 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.
• 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 SLAs are maintained, solutions are delivered, and relationships are fostered for mutual benefit.
• Experience in establishing best practices, procedures, and enforcing governance.
• Strong track record of collaborating and partnering to obtain common results.
• Azure Cloud