z/OS Systems Programming Manager

GDH; Birmingham (AL); Remote; USD 90,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

GDH is seeking a Z/OS Systems Programming Manager to lead mainframe systems programming, network engineering, and infrastructure operations. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on expertise in z/OS environments and may be performed remotely.

Responsibilities include directing daily operations, budgeting, disaster recovery, system design and upgrades, governance, audits, and collaboration with vendors and stakeholders to ensure reliable, scalable infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant IT experience.
• 5+ years hands-on as a z/OS Systems Programmer.
• Experience leading teams and managing budgets.
• Eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations for systems programming and network teams.
• Design, implement, and troubleshoot enterprise z/OS environments.
• Oversee disaster recovery planning and business continuity.
• Manage budgets related to personnel, software, networking, disaster recovery, and technology resources.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver reliable infrastructure services.
• Ensure adherence to SLAs and governance processes.

Skills

Leadership

System administration

Mainframe knowledge

Networking

Disaster recovery

Budget management

Change management

Audits & risk management

Tools

z/OS software

Mainframe environments

Job description

Role Summary

The z/OS Systems Programming Manager leads mainframe systems programming, network engineering, and infrastructure operations while providing hands-on technical expertise within z/OS environments. This role combines technical leadership, team management, systems administration, operational planning, and disaster recovery responsibilities and may be performed remotely.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations for systems programming and network engineering teams, including workload planning, scheduling, and technical guidance.
• Support team development through training, certification, knowledge sharing, and professional development initiatives.
• Manage budgets related to personnel, software, networking, disaster recovery, and technology resources.
• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise z/OS mainframe environments.
• Oversee system architecture, operating systems, databases, third-party software, and network infrastructure.
• Coordinate system maintenance, software upgrades, enhancements, and technology lifecycle activities.
• Oversee backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilities for systems, databases, and applications.
• Support data center infrastructure, technical services, systems administration, and technology procurement activities.
• Monitor system capacity and performance and provide recommendations for infrastructure improvements and future technology needs.
• Develop and maintain operational schedules, including monitoring activities, maintenance windows, upgrades, and on-call coverage.
• Lead disaster recovery planning, testing, documentation, and recovery activities.
• Support adherence to contractual requirements, service-level agreements, operational standards, and applicable governance processes.
• Participate in audits, assessments, risk management activities, and mitigation planning.
• Collaborate with technical teams, stakeholders, vendors, and partners to deliver reliable infrastructure services.
• Provide reporting on system performance, network performance, service levels, and disaster recovery readiness.
• Support established change management, problem management, and risk management processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and practical experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer.
• Experience installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting z/OS mainframe environments.
• 5+ years of experience in a technical lead, project lead, supervisory, or management role.
• Experience analyzing and resolving complex system software, infrastructure, and network issues.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting enterprise data center environments, hosting services, and infrastructure operations.
• Experience working within managed services or outsourced IT environments.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise mainframe technologies and subsystems.
• Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining z/OS software and related technologies.
• Experience supporting 24/7 operational environments, including on-call responsibilities.
• Experience with disaster recovery planning, testing, and recovery operations.
• Experience supporting contract-based enterprise technology environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio.
• This position requires eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance. In accordance with federal law, U.S. citizenship is required.

Publishing Pay Range: $65.00 – $70.00 hourly

This is a fully remote role and can be performed from any approved location within the United States.