Mainframe Program Manager

Job Summary:

Mainframe Program Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage cross-functional mainframe teams including developers, system programmers, and support staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews, training plans, and career development for team members.

Program & Project Oversight

• Manage end-to-end delivery of mainframe-related programs and modernization initiatives.
• Collaborate with PMO, business stakeholders, and IT leadership to align projects with strategic goals.
• Ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards across all initiatives.

Technical Oversight

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimization of mainframe systems (e.g., IBM z/OS, COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS).
• Drive modernization efforts including API integration, DevOps adoption, and cloud connectivity.
• Ensure system availability, performance, and security in compliance with enterprise standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for mainframe-related matters across business units.
• Translate business requirements into technical solutions and roadmaps.
• Provide regular updates to executive leadership on program status, risks, and opportunities.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to IT governance, audit, and compliance requirements.
• Manage vendor relationships and service level agreements (SLAs) for mainframe services.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in mainframe environments, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience managing large-scale programs and cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in IBM mainframe technologies (z/OS, COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, RACF).
• Familiarity with modernization tools and practices (e.g., API gateways, DevOps pipelines, hybrid cloud).
• Strong understanding of ITIL, Agile, and Waterfall methodologies.

Soft Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications such as ITIL, PMP
• Experience in regulated industries (e.g., banking, insurance, healthcare).