Program Director Mainframe Optimization
Job Summary
The Program Director will lead strategic client engagements focusing on mainframe optimization, modernization, and large-scale program delivery. This role serves as a trusted technical advisor, bridging complex legacy environment challenges with high-impact business transformation solutions. The candidate will collaborate across cross-functional teams to shape technical roadmaps, manage budgets, and ensure successful execution of client projects.
Responsibilities
- Lead mainframe optimization and modernization programs
- Manage end-to-end delivery, governance, and stakeholder relations
- Support pre-sales, solution design, and proposal development
- Drive continuous improvement via automation and performance tuning
Required Skills
- 10+ years in IT consulting or program management
- Expert knowledge of mainframe (z/OS, tape, scheduling)
- Proficiency in Jira, Asana, MS Project, Smartsheet
- Strong pre-sales and technical solutioning background
Job Details
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a Program Director and technical advisor to clients, providing strategic guidance on mainframe optimization, modernization, and transformation initiatives.
- Lead end-to-end program delivery, including planning, execution, governance, and stakeholder management across multiple concurrent engagements.
- Provide Project/Program Management for delivery of projects.
- Support pre-sales activities by contributing to solution design, scoping, proposal development, and client presentations.
- Develop and maintain program plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations using tools such as Jira, Asana, MS Project, and Smartsheet.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless delivery of technical solutions, including installation, testing, and implementation of mainframe systems and software.
- Drive continuous improvement across mainframe environments (z/OS, tape management, scheduling, security, monitoring, etc.) through automation, cost optimization, and performance tuning.
- Translate complex technical concepts into business value for non-technical stakeholders.
- Conduct post-project reviews and implement lessons learned to improve future engagements.
- Mentor junior consultants and contribute to internal knowledge sharing and thought leadership.
- Ensure compliance with technical standards, industry best practices, and client-specific requirements.
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in technology consulting, program management, or enterprise IT delivery.
- Deep understanding of mainframe technologies and operations (z/OS, scheduling tools, tape management, etc.).
- Proven experience leading large-scale optimization or transformation programs.
- Strong background in client engagement, solutioning, and pre-sales support.
- Proficiency with project and program management tools (Jira, Asana, MS Project, Smartsheet).
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (PMP or Agile certification is a plus).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in managed services or hybrid IT environments.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
- Skilled at building trust and long-term relationships with clients.
- Familiarity with cloud integration and modernization strategies for legacy systems.