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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer Lead - **Company:** NTT DATA - **Location:** UK (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Unix, Cyber Security, Disaster Recovery, IBM Parallel Sysplex, IBM System/360, Job Control Language (JCL), IBM Mainframe, Rexx (Programming Language), Mainframes, Performance Tuning, IBM Resource Access Control Facility, Broadcom, SAS (Software), System Programming, System Software, Z/OS, Tso/ispf, Cloud Platform System, System Availability, HybridCloud, Omegamon - **Published:** August 6, 2026 - **Apply:** https://careers-inc.nttdata.com/talentcommunity/apply/1416575600/?locale=en_US ## About the Role The ideal candidate will be a senior technical leader with deep expertise in z/OS systems programming, Parallel Sysplex environments, and enterprise-scale infrastructure management. The individual will lead system modernization initiatives, mentor technical teams, drive operational excellence, and serve as the highest level of escalation for complex platform-related issues. The successful candidate should possess outstanding problem-solving capabilities, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to influence technical decision-making across multiple teams. Experience within large banking or highly regulated organizations is strongly preferred., * Typically 15+ years of hands-on experience in IBM z/OS Systems Programming. * Minimum 5+ years of experience leading Mainframe Infrastructure or Systems Programming teams. * Proven experience supporting large-scale enterprise, banking, or financial services environments. * Extensive experience in installation, customization, upgrade, maintenance, and support of IBM and Broadcom (CA) mainframe products. * Strong expertise in Parallel Sysplex, high availability, disaster recovery, and enterprise mainframe architecture. * Extensive experience leading technical teams and large-scale mainframe initiatives. * Expert knowledge of: + z/OS + SMP/E + TSO/ISPF + UNIX System Services (USS) + SDSF + JCL + RACF * Advanced expertise in Parallel Sysplex architecture, implementation, and administration. * Extensive experience installing and supporting multiple IBM and Broadcom (CA) products. * Deep understanding of z/OS system internals, performance tuning, and problem determination. * Experience in enterprise change management and production support environments. * Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills. * Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making abilities. * Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. * Experience working in highly regulated environments such as Banking or Financial Services., * ACF2 Security Administration * GDPS * RACF Security Architecture * Assembler * REXX * OMEGAMON * RMF * SMF * SAS Experience with Mainframe Automation and Infrastructure as Code initiatives. Exposure to hybrid cloud integration and modernization programs involving IBM Z. Experience leading enterprise-wide platform transformation projects. IBM Mainframe or IBM Z certifications. Knowledge of audit, regulatory, and compliance frameworks applicable to financial services organizations., * IBM z/OS * SMP/E * TSO/ISPF * USS (UNIX System Services) * SDSF * JCL * RACF * Parallel Sysplex * IBM System Software Products * Broadcom (CA) System Software Products * Mainframe Architecture & Infrastructure Leadership, * RACF Security Administration * Assembler * REXX * OMEGAMON * RMF * SMF * SAS * Mainframe Automation Tools * Capacity Planning & Performance Management ## Description We are seeking an experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer Lead to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the enterprise IBM Z platform. This role is responsible for the architecture, installation, upgrade, maintenance, and support of z/OS and associated IBM and Broadcom (CA) system software products across complex, mission-critical environments., * Lead the design, implementation, enhancement, and support of enterprise z/OS infrastructure environments. * Provide technical leadership for z/OS operating system upgrades, maintenance, and system software lifecycle management. * Architect and manage large-scale Parallel Sysplex environments ensuring high availability, resilience, and performance. * Oversee installation, configuration, customization, and support of IBM and Broadcom (CA) products. * Establish best practices, standards, and governance for mainframe infrastructure operations. * Lead strategic initiatives involving platform modernization, automation, performance optimization, and capacity management. * Drive root cause analysis and resolution of critical production incidents and platform-related problems. * Act as the highest-level technical escalation point for complex infrastructure issues. * Collaborate with enterprise architecture, security, application, and operations teams to deliver technical solutions. * Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and business continuity requirements. * Review infrastructure designs and provide recommendations for scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency. * Mentor and coach junior and senior systems programmers, fostering technical growth within the team. * Manage vendor relationships and coordinate software upgrades, patches, and product evaluations. * Ensure adherence to security, risk, audit, and compliance requirements. * Lead and support production implementations during planned maintenance windows, including off-hours activities when required., * Provide technical leadership and ownership of the enterprise mainframe platform. * Drive platform stability, availability, security, and performance improvements. * Establish infrastructure roadmaps and contribute to long-term technology strategy. * Lead system software upgrades, migrations, and modernization initiatives. * Ensure compliance with organizational policies, audit requirements, and regulatory standards. * Mentor and develop team members while promoting a collaborative and high-performance culture. * Participate in incident management and provide executive-level communication during critical situations. * Support global operational requirements, including after-hours and weekend maintenance activities. * Foster continuous improvement through automation, standardization, and operational excellence. * Partner with business, technology, and vendor stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes. ## Related Videos - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Node and Package Security](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2138-wearedevelopers-live-node-and-package-security) - [".Net is too slow" was not an option](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100176-net-is-too-slow-was-not-an-option) - [Coffee with Developers - Robby Russell](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/917-coffee-with-developers-robby-russell) - [The Time Paradox: Building Timezone-Safe Python/Django Applications](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1915-the-time-paradox-building-timezone-safe-python-django-applications) - [Building with IBM Bob](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100275-building-with-ibm-bob) - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) ## Related Articles - [10 Highest Paying Programming Languages 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/150-10-highest-paying-programming-languages-2025) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Software Developer Salary in Switzerland [2023]](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/215-software-developer-salary-in-switzerland-2023) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers)