Mainframe Modernization Lead

Job Title: Mainframe Modernization Lead / Senior Technical Lead | IBM Mainframe, COBOL, CICS, DB2, Cloud & DevOps Role: Mainframe Modernization Lead / Senior Technical Lead Location: Toronto, ON Work Model: Hybrid (2 days per week in-person at Toronto office preferred) Experience Required: 10+ Years Skills Required

• Solution and Functional Architect (SAFA)
• Banking and Financial Technology
• Obtaining Stakeholder Commitment Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Modernization Lead to drive the transformation of legacy mainframe applications into modern, scalable, cloud-enabled solutions. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in IBM Mainframe technologies, application modernization strategies, API enablement, cloud integration, DevOps practices, and enterprise architecture. The role involves assessing legacy applications, defining modernization roadmaps, leading migration initiatives, and collaborating with business and technology stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions while ensuring operational stability and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Modernization Strategy

• Define and execute enterprise mainframe modernization roadmaps.
• Assess existing COBOL, PL/I, JCL, CICS, DB2, and VSAM applications.
• Identify opportunities for rehosting, replatforming, refactoring, or replacing legacy solutions.
• Develop target architecture aligned with business objectives. Technical Leadership
• Lead modernization projects from assessment through implementation.
• Provide technical guidance to development, testing, and infrastructure teams.
• Establish modernization standards, architecture patterns, and best practices.
• Mentor developers and engineers on modern technologies and modernization approaches. Application Transformation
• Modernize monolithic applications into modular and service-based architectures.
• Enable APIs and microservices for mainframe assets.
• Integrate mainframe applications with distributed and cloud platforms.
• Support data transformation and migration initiatives. DevOps & Automation
• Implement CI/CD pipelines for mainframe and hybrid environments.
• Promote Infrastructure as Code and automation practices.
• Drive adoption of Git, GitHub, GitHub Copilot, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and related tooling.
• Improve software delivery speed and quality through DevSecOps practices. Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with business partners, architects, security teams, and vendors.
• Present modernization recommendations to leadership.
• Provide project estimates, risk assessments, and status reporting. Required Qualifications Technical Skills
• 8+ years of IBM Mainframe experience.
• Strong expertise in:
• COBOL
• PL/I
• JCL
• CICS
• DB2
• VSAM
• TSO/ISPF
• z/OS
• Experience with mainframe modernization tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of REST APIs, microservices, and event-driven architectures.
• Experience with Git, GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS. Leadership Skills
• Experience leading cross-functional technology teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with IBM Z modernization initiatives.
• Knowledge of OpenShift, Kubernetes, Docker, and containerization.
• Experience with API Connect, MQ, Kafka, or Event Streaming.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot.
• Azure, AWS, or IBM certifications.