About the Role
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. 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Skills
- 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
- ACF2
- GDPS
- RACF Security Administration
- Assembler
- REXX
- OMEGAMON
- RMF
- SMF
- SAS
- Mainframe Automation Tools
- Capacity Planning & Performance Management
Location
- UK/Europe: Fully remote possible
- Sheffield preferred
Work Type
- Fully remote possible
- Onsite (Sheffield preferred)
Experience Level
- 15+ years of hands-on experience in IBM z/OS Systems Programming
- 5+ years of experience leading Mainframe Infrastructure or Systems Programming teams
Salary/Compensations
- Competitive salary
Benefits
- Comprehensive, locally competitive benefits package
About the Company
- NTT DATA is a $30 billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100.
- We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation.
- We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services.
- Our consulting and Industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.
- As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries.
- We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners.
- NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.
- Whenever possible, we hire locally to NTT DATA offices or client sites.
- This ensures we can provide timely and effective support tailored to each client’s needs.
- While many positions offer remote or hybrid work options, these arrangements are subject to change based on client requirements.
- For employees near an NTT DATA office or client site, in-office attendance may be required for meetings or events, depending on business needs.
- At NTT DATA, we are committed to staying flexible and meeting the evolving needs of both our clients and employees.
- NTT DATA recruiters will never ask for payment or banking information and will only use @nttdata.com, @nttdatafed.com and @talent.nttdataservices.com email addresses.
- If you are requested to provide payment or disclose banking information, please submit a contact us form, https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us.
- NTT DATA endeavors to make https://us.nttdata.com accessible to any and all users.
- If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us.
- This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Equal Opportunity
- NTT DATA is an equal opportunity employer.
- Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
- For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here.
- If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.
- For Pay Transparency information, please click here.
