z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer

NTT DATA; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology services company based in Sheffield is seeking an experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer to work on significant projects within one of the largest environments globally. Responsibilities include upgrading the z/OS operating system and ISV products, managing hardware resources, and ensuring data integrity. The ideal candidate will possess multiple years of experience in z/OS systems programming and strong skills in tools like SMP/E and z/OSMF. A collaborative spirit and excellent troubleshooting skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Multiple years of z/OS systems programming experience.
• Installation of different IBM and CA products.
• Extensive experience with IBM and CA products.

Responsibilities

• Upgrade and support the z/OS operating system.
• Manage hardware and logical resources across LPARs.
• Ensure data integrity and swift recovery.

Skills

z/OS systems programming

Parallel Sysplex skills

TSO/ISPF

USS

SDSF

JCL

RACF

Analytical troubleshooting

Problem-solving skills

Tools

SMP/E

z/OSMF

IPCS

Broadcom tools

IBM tools

BMC tools

Job description

NTT DATA are seeking an experienced z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer to work on major projects, in one of the largest z/OS Mainframe environments globally. The role involves upgrading and supporting the z/OS operating system and ISV products, mainly from IBM and Computer Associates (CA).

Key Responsibilities

• Upgrading, maintaining and supporting the z/OS operating system
• Upgrading, maintaining and supporting ISV products particularly from vendors: IBM and Computer Associates (CA)
• Working closely with the other Engineering teams to ensure the systems that are built are stable, available, up to date and running as effectively and efficiently as possible
• Managing hardware and logical resources across LPARs:
  • DASD and tape allocation via HCD/HCM
  • LPAR configuration in HMC
  • Security administration using RACF or equivalent
• Ensuring data integrity and swift recovery:
  • DFSMShsm policies and recall management
  • FDR/ABR for high‑speed backups
  • FlashCopy or virtual‑tape replication for near‑instant restores
• Optimizing system throughput and response times utilizing:
  • RMF and SMF report analysis
  • OMEGAMON or BMC MainView dashboards
  • WLM classification and tuning
• Configuring and supporting mainframe connectivity:
  • VTAM and SNA definitions
  • TCP/IP stack on z/OS
  • OSA adapter and Coupling Facility communication
• Executing OS and product upgrades with industry‑standard utilities:
  • SMP/E for PTF, APAR, and deliverable management
  • z/OSMF workflows for streamlined maintenance
  • Broadcom (e.g., Topaz), IBM, and BMC tooling for fix management and compliance reporting
  • System logs and console messages
• Performance Monitoring
• Networking Knowledge
• Project Management & Hardware Refresh:
  • Planning and leading hardware refreshes, feature activations, and migrations with minimal downtime, including IPL scheduling, vendor coordination, and change‑control governance.
  • Producing clear system diagrams, runbooks, and upgrade plans, while collaborating with application teams, storage, networking, and security groups.
• Documentation and Communication
• Will need to provide off hours support for the implementation of software changes, when required
• Staying current on IBM Redbooks, z/OS release notes, firmware updates, and attending vendor training (IBM, Broadcom, BMC) or industry conferences.

Qualifications

• Multiple years of z/OS systems programming experience
• Very strong Parallel Sysplex skills
• Proficiency in z/OS, TSO/ISPF, USS, SDSF, JCL, RACF
• Installation of several different IBM and CA products
• Extensive experience of installing many IBM and CA products
• Deep mastery of z/OS architecture, including IPL procedures, JES2/JES3 configurations, Sysplex management, SMF data collection, and parmlib customization.
• Proficient in writing and debugging system-level routines and automation:
  • Assembler for exits and control blocks
  • REXX for scripting and batch utilities
  • JCL for job submission, parameterization, and workflow control
• Analytical troubleshooting of abends, storage hangs, and performance anomalies using:
  • Dump analysis with IPCS
• Should have ideally worked in a Bank or organisations with large installations
• Should be confident, able to work independently and start contributing from day one
• Must have excellent problem-solving skills and be a true team player