At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate on enterprise z/OS mainframe systems, ensuring high performance and reliability.
- Company: Join NTT DATA, a global leader in tech services with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and flexible remote work options.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while advancing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in z/OS systems programming and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
At NTT DATA, we know that with the right people on board, anything is possible. The quality, integrity, and commitment of our employees are key factors in our company’s growth, market presence and our ability to help our clients stay a step ahead of the competition. By hiring the best people and helping them grow both professionally and personally, we ensure a bright future for NTT DATA and for the people who work here.
NTT DATA is currently looking for a z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer Lead remote for our growing team in the UK and rest of Europe.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer Lead to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the enterprise IBM Z platform. This role is responsible for the architecture, installation, upgrade, maintenance, and support of z/OS and associated IBM and Broadcom (CA) system software products across complex, mission-critical environments.
The ideal candidate will be a senior technical leader with deep expertise in z/OS systems programming, Parallel Sysplex environments, and enterprise-scale infrastructure management. The individual will lead system modernization initiatives, mentor technical teams, drive operational excellence, and serve as the highest level of escalation for complex platform-related issues.
The successful candidate should possess outstanding problem-solving capabilities, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to influence technical decision-making across multiple teams. Experience within large banking or highly regulated organizations is strongly preferred.
In this role, You will
- Lead the design, implementation, enhancement, and support of enterprise z/OS infrastructure environments.
- Provide technical leadership for z/OS operating system upgrades, maintenance, and system software lifecycle management.
- Architect and manage large-scale Parallel Sysplex environments ensuring high availability, resilience, and performance.
- Oversee installation, configuration, customization, and support of IBM and Broadcom (CA) products.
- Establish best practices, standards, and governance for mainframe infrastructure operations.
- Lead strategic initiatives involving platform modernization, automation, performance optimization, and capacity management.
- Drive root cause analysis and resolution of critical production incidents and platform-related problems.
- Act as the highest-level technical escalation point for complex infrastructure issues.
- Collaborate with enterprise architecture, security, application, and operations teams to deliver technical solutions.
- Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and business continuity requirements.
- Review infrastructure designs and provide recommendations for scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency.
- Mentor and coach junior and senior systems programmers, fostering technical growth within the team.
- Manage vendor relationships and coordinate software upgrades, patches, and product evaluations.
- Ensure adherence to security, risk, audit, and compliance requirements.
- Lead and support production implementations during planned maintenance windows, including off-hours activities when required.
Required Qualifications
- Typically 15+ years of hands-on experience in IBM z/OS Systems Programming.
- Minimum 5+ years of experience leading Mainframe Infrastructure or Systems Programming teams.
- Proven experience supporting large-scale enterprise, banking, or financial services environments.
- Extensive experience in installation, customization, upgrade, maintenance, and support of IBM and Broadcom (CA) mainframe products.
- Strong expertise in Parallel Sysplex, high availability, disaster recovery, and enterprise mainframe architecture.
- Extensive experience leading technical teams and large-scale mainframe initiatives.
- Expert knowledge of: z/OS, SMP/E, ETSO, ISPF, UNIX System Services (USS), SDSF, JCL, RACF.
- Advanced expertise in Parallel Sysplex architecture, implementation, and administration.
- Extensive experience installing and supporting multiple IBM and Broadcom (CA) products.
- Deep understanding of z/OS system internals, performance tuning, and problem determination.
- Experience in enterprise change management and production support environments.
- Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills.
- Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Experience working in highly regulated environments such as Banking or Financial Services.
Desired Qualifications
- Expertise in: ACF2 Security Administration, GDPS, RACF Security Architecture, Assembler, REXX, OMEGAMON, RMF, SMS, MFS, AS.
- Experience with Mainframe Automation and Infrastructure as Code initiatives.
- Exposure to hybrid cloud integration and modernization programs involving IBM Z.
- Experience leading enterprise-wide platform transformation projects.
- IBM Mainframe or IBM Z certifications.
- Knowledge of audit, regulatory, and compliance frameworks applicable to financial services organizations.
Job Expectations
- Provide technical leadership and ownership of the enterprise mainframe platform.
- Drive platform stability, availability, security, and performance improvements.
- Establish infrastructure roadmaps and contribute to long-term technology strategy.
- Lead system software upgrades, migrations, and modernization initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, audit requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Mentor and develop team members while promoting a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Participate in incident management and provide executive-level communication during critical situations.
- Support global operational requirements, including after-hours and weekend maintenance activities.
- Foster continuous improvement through automation, standardization, and operational excellence.
- Partner with business, technology, and vendor stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes.
Primary Skillset
- IBM z/OS, SMP/E, ETSO, ISPF, USS (UNIX System Services), SDSF, JCL, RACF, Parallel Sysplex, IBM System Software Products, Broadcom (CA) System Software Products, Mainframe Architecture & Infrastructure Leadership.
Secondary Skillset
- ACF2, GDPS, RACF Security Administration, Assembler, REXX, OMEGAMON, RMF, SMS, MFS, AS, Mainframe Automation Tools, Capacity Planning & Performance Management.
Benefits
Our people are the most critical component of our long-term success and their health and wellbeing are our priority. You will enjoy a comprehensive, locally competitive benefits package.
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30 billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centres and application services. Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centres as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.
Whenever possible, we hire locally to NTT DATA offices or client sites. This ensures we can provide timely and effective support tailored to each client’s needs. While many positions offer remote or hybrid work options, these arrangements are subject to change based on client requirements. For employees near an NTT DATA office or client site, in-office attendance may be required for meetings or events, depending on business needs. At NTT DATA, we are committed to staying flexible and meeting the evolving needs of both our clients and employees.
NTT DATA recruiters will never ask for payment or banking information and will only use @nttdata.com, @nttdatafed.com and @talent.nttdataservices.com email addresses. If you are requested to provide payment or disclose banking information, please submit a contact us form.
NTT DATA endeavors to make accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. NTT DATA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer Lead in London employer: NTT DATA
At NTT DATA, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages creativity in the rapidly evolving field of AI/ML security. Located in a vibrant tech hub, we offer competitive benefits and a dynamic workplace where your contributions directly impact the future of secure AI systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer Lead in London
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at NTT DATA or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to NTT DATA.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like NTT DATA.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like NTT DATA that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at NTT DATA.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at NTT DATA and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at NTT DATA
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If NTT DATA uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
