At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise mainframe storage operations for a major enterprise environment.
- Company: Join a leading technology delivery consultancy with a focus on stability and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, remote work flexibility, and potential for long-term contracts.
- Other info: Enjoy structured support and exceptional project continuity over a multi-year roadmap.
- Why this job: Be part of an elite team ensuring data integrity and service continuity in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in mainframe storage operations and strong problem-solving skills.
Location: Remote (UK-Based Client)
Day Rate: £450 - £500 (Inside IR35)
Contract Length: 6 Months Initial (Project roadmap explicitly extendable up to 36 months)
Start Date: ASAP
The Opportunity: Long-Term Enterprise Stability
For mainframe infrastructure professionals, true contract longevity and remote flexibility can be hard to find in a single package. This program delivers both. We are partnering directly with a major technology delivery consultancy to scale an elite operational squad supporting one of the largest enterprise mainframe environments in the UK. We are seeking experienced Mainframe Storage Administrators to take ownership of day-to-day operational management, ensuring flawless data availability, integrity, capacity, and service continuity across critical z/OS platforms. This program bypasses standard unstable contracting cycles, offering an initial 6-month term with a clear runway for rolling extensions up to 3 years.
Key Responsibilities:
- Storage Operations: Administer and maintain the enterprise storage environment, managing storage pools, allocating/initializing DASD volumes, and configuring systems like IBM DS8K.
- Backup & Disaster Recovery: Execute business-critical backup and restore operations, maintain catalog integrity, and actively support DR operations (including failover execution and DR testing).
- Monitoring & Optimization: Track storage subsystem utilization, resolve capacity constraints, manage performance risks, and provide data-driven recommendations for proactive capacity planning.
- SAN & Connectivity: Oversee the operational management and availability of mainframe-to-storage connectivity, including FICON/SAN switching environments.
- Incident & Change Support: Respond swiftly to storage-related incidents, perform root cause analysis, and safely implement approved infrastructure changes with minimal impact on live operations.
Essential Requirements:
- Proven hands-on track record in mainframe storage operations within a live z/OS environment.
- Deep expertise in storage capacity management, volume allocation (DASD), and data integrity controls.
- Comprehensive experience executing and managing complex backup, recovery, and catalog maintenance processes.
- Strong background working within structured, operational Business-As-Usual (BAU) service environments.
Desirable:
- Direct experience with enterprise storage hardware platforms (e.g., IBM DS8K) and SAN/FICON connectivity.
- Familiarity with disaster recovery orchestration and replication tools (e.g., GDPS or equivalent).
- Experience operating within strictly regulated, contractual service delivery frameworks.
Why Apply Through This Program?
Joining this environment via a structured delivery partner gives you a distinct advantage. Instead of operating as an isolated contractor navigating corporate bureaucracy alone, you are embedded within a coordinated, highly visible infrastructure unit. This model ensures faster onboarding, streamlined compliance processing, and exceptional project continuity over a multi-year roadmap.
Mainframe Storage Administrator (z/OS) in Leeds employer: TopTek Talent
As a Mainframe Storage Administrator with our esteemed technology delivery consultancy, you will enjoy the benefits of long-term contract stability and the flexibility of remote work. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, allowing you to thrive in a supportive environment while managing one of the largest enterprise mainframe infrastructures in the UK. With a clear pathway for contract extensions and a focus on operational excellence, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mainframe Storage Administrator (z/OS) in Leeds
✨Get Involved in IT Consulting Communities
Join popular online forums and communities specifically for IT consultants, like Spiceworks or TechRepublic. This is a fab way to connect with potential clients and stay updated on industry trends that could lead to freelance gigs.
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We think you need these skills to ace Mainframe Storage Administrator (z/OS) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Toolbox:Let’s be real: in IT consulting, your skills and tools can make or break the project. Make sure your CV includes a solid list of the technologies you’ve worked with and any specific programming languages you're fluent in. If you’ve got experience with project management tools, like JIRA or Trello, shout about that too! It shows you're not just a tech head, but you can manage the chaos too.
Your Portfolio is Your Best Mate:As a freelancer, your portfolio is your calling card. Make it shine! Include case studies of projects you’ve worked on that highlight your problem-solving skills and the impact of your work. Make sure to detail the challenges faced and how you overcame them—clients love to see tangible results. A well-structured portfolio is your best chance to impress!
Tailor Your Approach:Unlike full-time applications, freelance gigs need that personal touch. Write a cover letter that doesn't just highlight your skills but also your understanding of TopTek Talent and what they’re looking for. Explain how your unique approach can solve their challenges. This kind of personalisation shows you care and sets you apart from the cookie-cutter applications.
Be Clear on Your Rates and Availability:When applying for freelance roles, clarity is key! Include your rates and availability upfront in your application to avoid any confusion later. This honesty will save both you and TopTek Talent time, and it shows you’re serious about doing business. We believe it’s best to be transparent right from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at TopTek Talent
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
In IT consulting, they’ll want to see how you tackle real-life client issues. Prepare to discuss specific case studies from your freelance experience where you've demonstrated your problem-solving prowess. Come armed with examples that highlight the strategies you used and the results achieved.
✨Pitch Your Portfolio Like a Pro
As a freelancer, your portfolio is your calling card. Make sure it’s not just a collection of past projects but a narrative of your journey. Be ready to discuss how each project reflects your capability and how you can bring value to TopTek Talent. Tailor this pitch to highlight projects that align closely with what they seek.
✨Brush Up on the Latest Tech Trends
IT consulting is all about staying ahead of the game. Make sure you’re familiar with the latest tools and technologies that are shaping the industry. You might get asked about a specific platform or software, so having fresh knowledge will give you the edge over other candidates.
✨Be Prepared for Hypothetical Scenarios
Expect some hypothetical or situational questions that assess how you'd handle various client scenarios. Practice thinking on your feet and responding to questions about project challenges or client interactions. This shows your adaptability and readiness for the freelance lifestyle, which works differently from traditional employment.
