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- Tasks: Join a global team to maintain and enhance mainframe systems for a leading bank.
- Company: Ampstek is a dynamic tech company focused on innovative solutions in banking.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and technical excellence.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in mainframe CICS software; strong problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to upskill junior programmers and lead initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Greetings From Ampstek
Location: UK
Duration: 6 Months
As a CICS System Programmer, the candidate will be part of a Global team responsible for building, configuring, and maintaining the Bank’s mainframe systems availability, efficiency, and resilience, underpinned by the architectural principle of cloned infrastructure, system configurations, applications.
Key Responsibilities:- Perform mainframe CICS software upgrades coupled with administration and tuning to support mainframe environments. Current version is CICS 5.6.
- Provide high degree of technical support (24*7) to reduce the likelihood of significant service outage or disaster.
- Analyse new versions of CICS for functionality improving systems performance and reduce cost.
- Tracking and analyzing performance and resource utilization of CICS systems.
- Recommend changes, upgrades, and enhancements based on the technical analysis.
- Perform problem diagnostics and resolutions as well.
- Participate in incident and problem management activities related to applications and CICS.
- Encourage and ensure collaboration across functional users and vendors to provide guidance and manage different tasks with a “can-do” attitude.
- Execute project and internal initiative responsibilities as assigned or delegated.
- Walking ahead by being enthusiastic and responsible for strengthening and developing system skills.
- Develop and maintain operational documentation, best practices, and run books for the operational platform.
- Upskill junior systems programmers.
- Have 10+ years of experience of installing and/or customizing mainframe CICS software in Large Data sharing environments.
- Have 5+ years of experience with CICSplex and CICS Explorer to manage CICS systems.
- Solid understanding of resource definitions and its dependencies.
- CF structures and its practical use in a business environment.
- Experience with Omegamon and Fault Analyzer along with basic dump analysis skills on IPCS.
- Experience in cloning and sunsetting CICS regions.
- Basic understanding of CICS security with RACF.
- Exposure to working with SMF 110 records and its practical application in terms of problem determination.
- Strong problem determination skills in both system and application areas.
- Proficient in working with high availability environment along with alignment to process (ITIL).
- Experience working with and maintaining other vendor tools for CICS as well as exposure to common z/OS tools like SDSF RMF etc.
- Experience with automating CICS events via CICSplex RTA and/or system automation tools on z/OS.
Contact Detail:
Ampstek Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CICS System Programmer (Mainframe)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest CICS versions and features, especially CICS 5.6, as this knowledge will be crucial during interviews. Being able to discuss specific functionalities and improvements can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mainframe community, particularly those who work with CICS. Engaging in forums or LinkedIn groups can provide insights into current trends and challenges, which you can reference in conversations with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your problem determination skills through real-world scenarios. Think of examples where you've successfully diagnosed and resolved issues in a high-availability environment, as this will showcase your expertise effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience with automation tools and processes, especially in relation to CICSplex RTA. Employers are keen on candidates who can streamline operations, so be ready to discuss how you've implemented such solutions in past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace CICS System Programmer (Mainframe)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience with CICS software, mainframe systems, and any specific skills mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to ensure your application stands out.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that explains why you are a great fit for the CICS System Programmer role. Mention your 10+ years of experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Technical Skills: In your application, emphasise your technical skills related to CICS, such as your experience with CICSplex, Omegamon, and RACF. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to improve system performance.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ampstek
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a CICS System Programmer, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive knowledge of mainframe systems. Be prepared to discuss your experience with CICS software upgrades, performance analysis, and problem resolution. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented changes or enhancements.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-time situations. Think about past incidents you've managed, how you diagnosed issues, and the steps you took to resolve them. This will showcase your ability to handle high-pressure environments effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams and vendors. Share examples of how you've encouraged teamwork and maintained a positive attitude while managing tasks, as this reflects your ability to fit into their culture.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Learning
With technology constantly evolving, it's important to show your commitment to upskilling. Talk about any recent training, certifications, or self-study you've undertaken related to CICS or mainframe technologies. This will illustrate your proactive approach to professional development.
