Mainframe specialist

Blue Pearl Hq; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A technology consulting firm in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Mainframe Specialist to support Mainframe operations. The successful candidate will provide recommendations on solutions, assist in daily operations, and contribute to strategic planning. Ideal applicants will have strong technical expertise in IBM Mainframe systems, effective communication skills, and relevant certifications. This role is essential for aligning solutions with business needs and ensuring operational readiness.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with IBM Mainframe environments (z/OS or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of Mainframe hardware, operating systems, and networking protocols.
• Hands-on experience with IBM storage technologies including Tape and DASD.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert recommendations for Mainframe solutions and support solution architecture design.
• Assist in developing and maintaining Mainframe technology roadmaps alongside the client's Mainframe team.
• Support the ongoing operations and maintenance of the Mainframe environment.

Skills

IBM Mainframe environments

Mainframe hardware

Networking protocols

IBM storage technologies

Disaster Recovery planning

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

IBM Certified System Programmer – z/OS

ITIL Foundation

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Mainframe Specialist to join our team and support our client’s Mainframe operations. This role is ideal for a candidate who brings strong technical expertise in mainframe systems, operations, and architecture, with the ability to consult and align solutions with business needs. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting daily operations, advising on best practices, and contributing to strategic planning, maintenance, and disaster recovery readiness.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert recommendations for Mainframe solutions and support solution architecture design.
• Assist in developing and maintaining Mainframe technology roadmaps alongside the client's Mainframe team.
• Align technical mainframe activities with the client’s strategic business objectives and requirements.
• Provide recommendations and guidance on Mainframe Disaster Recovery processes and related reporting.
• Support the ongoing operations and maintenance of the Mainframe environment, including incident resolution and performance tuning.
• Collaborate with IBM and internal teams on PSP (Preventive Service Planning) maintenance and vendor support calls.

Scope Of Services

• Support mainframe maintenance and operational activities based on agreed standards and methodologies.
• Assist in the monitoring of Mainframe hardware and related components.
• Perform day-to-day operating system support tasks.
• Provide support for networking (OSA and TCP/IP), IBM storage hardware (Tape and DASD), and disaster recovery operations.
• Offer consulting services to optimize system performance, enhance security, and support client IT service delivery objectives.

Requirements

• Proven experience working with IBM Mainframe environments (z/OS or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of Mainframe hardware, operating systems, and networking protocols.
• Hands-on experience with IBM storage technologies including Tape and DASD.
• Knowledge of Disaster Recovery planning and execution within a mainframe environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Certifications (advantageous)

• IBM Certified System Programmer – z/OS
• ITIL Foundation
• Any relevant Mainframe and storage-related certifications