Role Summary :

We are seeking an experienced COBOL Developer/Architect at the Manager level with deep expertise in Mainframe technologies and legacy system modernization. The ideal candidate will possess strong hands-on experience in designing, developing, maintaining, and transforming enterprise-scale applications running on z/OS and IBM iSeries (AS/400) platforms. The role requires a combination of technical leadership, solution architecture, stakeholder management, delivery ownership, and mentoring capabilities. The candidate will work closely with business stakeholders, architects, engineering teams, and modernization programs to drive application enhancements, migration initiatives, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Technical Leadership :

- Lead the design, development, enhancement, and support of complex Mainframe applications.

- Define architecture and technical solutions for enterprise-scale systems running on Mainframe platforms.

- Provide technical direction and best practices for COBOL/RPG application development.

- Drive application modernization and transformation initiatives.

- Conduct architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical assessments.

- Ensure adherence to enterprise engineering standards, security guidelines, and compliance requirements.

2. Application Development & Support :

- Design, develop, and maintain applications using COBOL, RPG/RPGLE, CL Programs, JCL, SAS Programs, and REXX (preferred).

- Analyze and troubleshoot production issues across complex application landscapes.

- Perform impact analysis and effort estimation for enhancements and change requests.

- Support performance tuning, optimization, and reliability improvements.

3. Mainframe Platform Expertise :

- Work extensively with IBM z/OS, IBM iSeries / AS400, Batch Processing Frameworks, and Online Transaction Processing Systems.

- Understand and manage JCL, Utilities, Control Cards, Procedures (PROCs), Scheduling Tools, and Job Monitoring Frameworks.

4. Database & Data Management :

- Design and optimize solutions involving DB2, IMS DB, VSAM, Flat Files, and Sequential Files.

- Perform database performance analysis and tuning.

- Ensure data integrity, reconciliation, and recovery mechanisms.

5. Modernization & Innovation :

- Participate in Mainframe modernization initiatives.

- Evaluate opportunities for API Enablement, Service-Oriented Architectures, Cloud Integration, and Hybrid Architecture Solutions.

- Collaborate with teams working on Java, Python, and distributed systems.

- Leverage GenAI-assisted development and modernization tools where applicable.

6. Engineering Excellence :

- Drive adoption of modern engineering practices including Source Code Management, Branching Strategies, Code Reviews, CI/CD Pipelines, Automated Testing, and Release Management.

- Promote DevOps culture and continuous improvement initiatives.

7. People & Delivery Management :

- Lead and mentor teams of Mainframe developers and technical leads.

- Manage project delivery, planning, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and business stakeholders.

- Ensure timely delivery of high-quality solutions.

- Support hiring, capability building, and talent development initiatives.

Required Skills :

1. Core Technical Skills :

- Strong expertise in COBOL development and architecture.

- Extensive experience with IBM Mainframe (z/OS) and IBM iSeries / AS400 environment.

- Hands-on expertise in COBOL, RPG/RPGLE, JCL, CL, and SAS Programs.

- Strong understanding of batch processing, online systems, Mainframe utilities, and scheduling tools.

2. Database Skills :

- Proficiency in DB2, IMS, VSAM, and Flat File Processing.

- Experience in data modeling and performance optimization.

3. Architecture & Analysis :

- Requirement analysis and solution design.

- System integration design.

- Legacy application assessment.

- Technical documentation and architecture governance.