Z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer

• Upgrading, maintaining and supporting the z/OS operating system
• Upgrading, maintaining and supporting ISV products particularly from vendors: IBM and Computer Associates (CA)
• Working closely with the other Engineering teams to ensure the systems that are built are stable, available, up to date and running as effectively and efficiently as possible
• Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs: DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM, LPAR configuration in HMC, Security administration using RACF or equivalent
• Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery with: DFSMShsm policies and recall management, FDR/ABR for high-speed backups, FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near-instant restores
• Optimizing system throughput and response times utilizing: RMF and SMF report analysis, OMEGAMON or BMC MainView dashboards, WLM classification and tuning
• Configuring and supporting mainframe connectivity: VTAM and SNA definitions, TCP/IP stack on z/OS, OSA adapter and Coupling Facility communication
• Executing OS and product upgrades with industry-standard utilities: SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management, z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance, Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting

• Multiple years of z/OS systems programming experience
• Very strong Parallel Sysplex skills
• z/OS, TSO/ISPF, USS, SDSF, JCL, RACF
• Installation of several different IBM and CA products
• Extensive experience of installing many IBM and CA products
• Deep mastery of z/OS architecture, including IPL procedures, JES2/JES3 configurations, Sysplex management, SMF data collection, and parmlib customization
• Proficient in writing and debugging system-level routines and automation: Assembler for exits and control blocks, REXX for scripting and batch utilities, JCL for job submission, parameterization, and workflow control
• Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs: DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM, LPAR configuration in HMC, Security administration using RACF or equivalent
• Analytical troubleshooting of abends, storage hangs, and performance anomalies using: Dump analysis with IPCS, SLIP and trace tools, System logs and console messages
• Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery with: DFSMShsm policies and recall management, FDR/ABR for high-speed backups, FlashCopy or virtual tape replication for near-instant restores
• Performance Monitoring
• Networking Knowledge
• Executing OS and product upgrades with industry-standard utilities: SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management, z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance, Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting
• Project Management & Hardware Refresh
• Planning and leading hardware refreshes, feature activations, and migrations with minimal downtime, including IPL scheduling, vendor coordination, and change-control governance
• Producing clear system diagrams, runbooks, and upgrade plans, while collaborating with application teams, storage, networking, and security groups
• Documentation and Communication
• Should have ideally worked in a Bank or organisations with large installations
• Should be confident, able to work independently and start contributing from day one
• Must have excellent problem-solving skills and be a true team player
• Will need to provide off hours support for the implementation of software changes, when required
• Staying current on IBM Redbooks, z/OS release notes, firmware updates, and attending vendor training (IBM, Broadcom, BMC) or industry conferences

Comprehensive, locally competitive benefits package