Mainframe Senior Systems Programmer

About the role

Data Centre Services (DCS) is seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer to join the Mainframe Technical Services team. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and expert system programming support across the z/OS platform, ensuring high availability, performance and service stability. The contract runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with an exercisable option of two 12-month extensions.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentoring within the Mainframe Technical Services team
• Deliver expert system programming support for z/OS and associated products, ensuring high availability, performance and service stability
• Lead the diagnosis and resolution of complex incidents and problems, working with internal teams, vendors and service providers
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, standards and documentation to support consistent and reliable service delivery
• Provide strategic technical advice to DCS management on mainframe technologies, industry trends, and infrastructure planning
• Support the planning, design and implementation of projects and system changes affecting the mainframe environment
• Participate in 24/7 on-call support and out-of-hours activities where required to maintain critical services
• Support knowledge transfer and capability uplift within the DCS team

Essential skills and experience

• Ability to operate with a high level of autonomy, taking responsibility for complex technical outcomes and service reliability
• Advanced system programming and infrastructure management experience across the z/OS platform and related technologies
• Specialist expertise in incident resolution, problem analysis, performance management and capacity planning
• Ability to provide guidance on standards, tools, automation and operational practices that improve service delivery
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills to support collaboration across technical teams and service providers
• Ability to plan and prioritise work effectively while operating in dynamic operational environments
• Awareness of industry developments, vendor capabilities and emerging mainframe technologies
• Demonstrated contribution to continual service improvement, innovation and operational efficiency within a mainframe environment
• Experience mentoring colleagues and supporting knowledge management and skill development across a team