Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a small team to develop in-house applications for retail operations.
- Company: Boots, a leading retailer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous discounts, flexible benefits, and 24/7 support services.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in software development with Cobol and IBM z/OS experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a great opportunity for you to join a small development team working on in‑house applications for the likes of forecasting and replenishment and other in‑store activities. Reporting into the Development Manager, you’ll work closely across functional teams, including contractors and offshore teams to agree on requirements, prepare and implement documentation and provide ad‑hoc coding where required.
Key responsibilities:
- Working with colleagues across functional teams to agree on requirements and designs
- Producing detailed design documentation
- Supervising offshore work – both development and testing
- Identifying test cases and creating test data
- Preparation of implementation documentation
- Supporting implementations (out of hours cover may be required)
- Analysing existing code to understand functionality
- Analysing scheduler information (applications, jobs, JCL etc) to understand data flows and interdependencies
- Ad‑hoc coding and testing of programmes when required
What you’ll need to have (our must‑haves):
- 10+ years of proven software development experience using Cobol, TSO/ISPF, JCL, DB2, SQL
- Experience working on IBM z/OS
- Strong understanding of various software testing methodologies
- Excellent ability to explain technical concepts to appropriate audiences in non‑technical terms
- Extensive experience maintaining and supporting software solutions
- Experience working with offshore development and test teams
- Experience working with the full software development lifecycle
- Hands‑on experience of source control such as Git
- Understanding of Project Management, SDLC, ITIL and Data Security & Compliance and other frameworks
- Ability to research alternative technical solutions, build and test them and recommend their adoption
It would be great if you also have:
- Experience with DL1/IMS technology
- Knowledge of Easytrieve Plus
- Knowledge of Assembler
- Experience working on legacy systems
- Experience of ensuring stability of legacy systems during modernisation
- Understanding of Retail and Supply Chain systems
- Experience managing small teams of developers
Rewards designed for you:
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Generous employee discounts
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
- Flexible benefits scheme including option to buy additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and much more
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme
There’s lots more in our benefits and discounts, MyBoosts – there to give you that little lift in your everyday.
A bit about us: At Boots, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we’re committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.
What’s next:
If you apply, our team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application or to arrange next steps. Where a role is advertised as full‑time, we are open to discussing part‑time and job share options during the application process. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you to be at your best. Boots is a Ban the Box employer and will consider the suitability of applicants with criminal convictions on a case‑by‑case basis. We hope to hear from you soon. Be brilliant with Boots.
Mainframe Software Engineer employer: BOOTS
Contact Detail:
BOOTS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mainframe Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Mainframe Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your Cobol, JCL, and DB2 skills, and be ready to discuss your experience with offshore teams. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it’ll impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've improved programme efficiency or tackled challenges in past projects. This will highlight your hands-on experience and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you might find additional roles that fit your skills perfectly!
We think you need these skills to ace Mainframe Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mainframe Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Cobol, JCL, and DB2, and don’t forget to mention any work with offshore teams. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, be sure to showcase your 10+ years of software development experience. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of the software development lifecycle and your ability to explain technical concepts in simple terms. This will help us see your fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon where possible and focus on communicating your skills and experiences effectively. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Boots!
How to prepare for a job interview at BOOTS
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Cobol, TSO/ISPF, JCL, DB2, and SQL skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects, especially in relation to IBM z/OS. The more specific examples you can provide, the better!
✨Understand the Full Software Development Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the full software development lifecycle and be prepared to discuss your experience with it. Highlight any roles where you’ve worked closely with offshore teams or managed small groups of developers, as this will show your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that may require you to explain complex concepts in simple terms. Practice explaining your previous work and how you’ve tackled challenges, especially around software testing methodologies and maintaining legacy systems.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've researched alternative technical solutions in the past. Share specific instances where you improved programme run-time efficiency or reduced complexity, as this demonstrates your analytical thinking and innovation.