Mainframe Architect

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Mainframe Architect to guide the design and modernization of mainframe solutions for high-profile clients. The role demands deep technical expertise in mainframe database systems, leadership in project execution, and the ability to communicate complex solutions effectively. With responsibilities for crafting tailored architectures and mentoring teams, this position offers a chance to drive significant technological innovations within enterprise environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mainframe architecture and database technologies.
• Deep expertise in IBM DB2, IMS Database, and others.
• Strong knowledge in z/OS, JCL, CICS, COBOL, SQL.

Responsibilities

• Define, design, and implement scalable mainframe database solutions.
• Lead modernization initiatives integrating mainframe into hybrid environments.
• Optimize database performance and ensure security compliance.

Skills

Database performance tuning

Stakeholder management

Complex problem analysis

Education

Advanced certification in mainframe technologies

Job description

Job Description

Mainframe Architect

Salary: Upwards from £120,000 per annum + performance-related bonus

Location: London-based (hybrid), with flexibility for occasional travel to client sites.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Architect to lead the design, implementation, and modernisation of mission-critical mainframe solutions for high-profile clients. This role is pivotal in bridging business requirements with cutting-edge technology, ensuring seamless integration, scalability, and performance across complex enterprise environments.

As a Mainframe Architect, you will be responsible for crafting tailored mainframe database architectures, working closely with stakeholders to define solutions that align with both client needs and industry best practices. You will oversee the technical execution of projects from inception to delivery, ensuring efficiency, security, and performance optimization. This is a strategic leadership role that requires both deep technical expertise and the ability to communicate complex solutions to technical and non-technical stakeholders alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, design, and implement high-performance, scalable mainframe database solutions.
• Lead modernization initiatives, integrating mainframe databases into hybrid cloud environments.
• Collaborate with clients, governance teams, delivery teams, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Optimize database performance, capacity management, tuning, and high availability strategies.
• Develop and present technical roadmaps, demonstrating the value of database modernization efforts.
• Ensure security compliance and best practices for enterprise-level mainframe environments.

Required Experience

• Proven experience in mainframe architecture and database technologies.
• Deep expertise in one or more mainframe database systems, including IBM DB2, IMS Database, Cincom Supra, Software AG Adabas, or Broadcom Datacom.
• Strong knowledge of z/OS, JCL, JES, RACF/ACF2, CICS, COBOL, PL/1, SQL, and Natural.
• Proven experience in database performance tuning, high availability strategies, and capacity management.
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems, propose solutions, and implement best practices.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to convey technical insights to diverse audiences.

Experience

• Knowledge of hybrid cloud architectures and database modernization techniques.
• Advanced certifications in mainframe and cloud technologies.
• Experience in Agile methodologies (Kanban, SAFe, Scrum).
• Understanding of enterprise-level IT architectures and best practices.

If you are a Mainframe Architect with a consulting mindset and leadership ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.

Reference: AMC/JWH/MFAL1