At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Mainframe engineering team to support and optimise CICS software in a banking environment.
- Company: Work with a global consultancy delivering critical services to a leading banking client.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, competitive day rates, and the chance to work on high-impact projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, enhance your skills, and contribute to vital banking operations.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in CICS support, strong knowledge of z/OS tools, and problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: This is a contract role with a duration of 6 months+, starting ASAP.
Contract Role: CICS System Programmer - Banking Project - Inside IR35
Location: UK (Remote) or Denmark (Hybrid - 10 days/month onsite)
Day Rate: £400-£600 (Inside IR35, via umbrella)
Duration: 6 months+
Start: ASAP
Client: Global Consultancy, End Client in the Banking Sector
Salt is working with a global consultancy delivering critical infrastructure and platform services to a leading banking client. We are recruiting a CICS System Programmer to join their Mainframe engineering team, responsible for maintaining a large-scale z/OS environment used for 24/7 operations. This is a specialist role for an experienced CICS contractor who can support both BAU and transformation activity across high-availability platforms.
Key Responsibilities:- Install, configure, and support CICS software (v5.6) across large data-sharing SysPlex environments
- Perform software upgrades, system tuning, and performance optimisation
- Support cloning, sunsetting, and management of CICS regions
- Participate in incident and problem resolution, including diagnostics and dump analysis
- Collaborate with global teams and vendors to ensure platform stability
- Contribute to automation initiatives and document operational best practices
- Minimum 10 years' experience supporting or customising CICS in Mainframe environments
- Minimum 5 years' experience with CICSplex and CICS Explorer
- Strong working knowledge of: Omegamon, Fault Analyzer, IPCS, RACF and SMF 110 records
- SDSF, RMF, and other core z/OS tools
- Experience automating CICS events using CICSplex RTA or similar tools
- Comfortable working in ITIL-aligned, production-critical environments
- Strong problem-solving capability across both infrastructure and application layers
- Cobol, REXX, Assembler, or PL/1
- Experience supporting MQ or DB2 in CICS environments
- Prior background in banking or financial services projects
- UK-based contractors: Remote only. Inside IR35 - umbrella engagement required
- Denmark-based contractors: Hybrid model - 10 working days/month onsite at client office
Background checks will be conducted post-onboarding.
Rates depend on experience and client requirements.
Mainframe CICS System Programmer - Banking employer: Salt
Contact Detail:
Salt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mainframe CICS System Programmer - Banking
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience with CICS in your conversations. Given that the role requires a minimum of 10 years, be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented or customised CICS.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, such as Omegamon and Fault Analyzer. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency with these tools during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the banking sector who have experience with CICS. Engaging in relevant forums or LinkedIn groups can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving capabilities in detail. Since the role involves incident resolution and diagnostics, having concrete examples ready will showcase your ability to handle critical situations effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Mainframe CICS System Programmer - Banking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with CICS and mainframe environments. Focus on relevant projects, especially those involving CICS software installation, configuration, and support.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities and essential skills mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your past experience to demonstrate your expertise in CICS and related tools.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of Omegamon, Fault Analyzer, and other core z/OS tools. Mention any experience you have with automation initiatives and problem-solving in production-critical environments.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a technical role like this.
How to prepare for a job interview at Salt
✨Showcase Your CICS Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience with CICS, especially your familiarity with version 5.6 and large data-sharing SysPlex environments. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you installed, configured, or supported CICS software.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves incident and problem resolution, come equipped with examples of how you've tackled complex issues in previous roles. Discuss your approach to diagnostics and dump analysis, as well as any tools you used.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Banking Sector Challenges
Understanding the unique challenges faced by the banking sector can set you apart. Research common issues related to high-availability platforms and be ready to discuss how your skills can help address these challenges.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
As the role requires collaboration with global teams and vendors, think of examples that demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team. Be ready to discuss how you’ve contributed to automation initiatives and documented best practices in past roles.