Mainframe Systems Programmer (IMS)

Salary: £60,000 - 90,000 per year

Requirements:

• We need good understanding of IMS DB/DC, z/OS, JCL, mainframe utilities, and core mainframe concepts, with a willingness to develop applied technical skills through coaching and practical experience.
• We need the ability to investigate issues methodically, follow documented procedures, ask appropriate questions, and support incident resolution under guidance in a production environment.
• We need appreciation of change control, risk management, system stability, and operational resilience, with the ability to complete assigned tasks carefully and escalate concerns when needed.
• Exposure to Assembler or interest in learning how user exits are supported would be advantageous, but hands-on experience is not essential.
• Interest in developing skills in scripting, job automation, monitoring tools, and process improvement to support operational efficiency is valued.
• Basic awareness of the IMS Catalog and IMS Managed ACB concepts, or a willingness to learn these areas as part of the role, is valued.

Responsibilities:

• We build and maintain infrastructure platforms and products that support applications and data systems using hardware, software, networks, and cloud computing platforms as required.
• We ensure the reliability, availability, and scalability of systems, platforms, and technology through software engineering techniques, automation, and best practices in incident response.
• We develop, deliver, and maintain high-quality infrastructure solutions that meet business requirements and improve reliability, performance, availability, and ease of use.
• We monitor IT infrastructure and system performance to identify, address, and resolve issues, vulnerabilities, or outages, using data to reduce mean time to resolution.
• We develop and implement automated tasks and processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
• We implement secure configuration and measures to protect infrastructure against cyber-attacks, vulnerabilities, and other security threats.
• We collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, architects, and other engineers to define infrastructure requirements, devise solutions, and ensure seamless integration with business objectives.
• We stay informed of industry technology trends and innovations and contribute to our technology communities to support technical excellence and growth.
• We perform prescribed activities in a timely manner and to a high standard, continuously driving improvement.
• We lead and supervise a team where applicable, or act as an individual contributor and advisor where appropriate.
• We partner with other functions and business areas, take responsibility for end results, escalate policy or procedure breaches appropriately, and manage risk and controls in the work we own or contribute to.
• We make evaluative judgments, resolve problems using acquired technical experience, guide and persuade team members, and act as a contact point for stakeholders outside the immediate function.

Technologies:

• Cloud
• Hardware
• Support
• Security
• Incident Management
• Network

More:

We are Barclays, and this role is for an IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer based in our Knutsford office at Radbroke Hall. In this full-time role, we maintain and optimise IMS environments to support the performance, stability, and resilience of critical mainframe systems. We support high-availability operations, resolve multi-faceted incidents, and work across teams throughout the bank while contributing to ongoing modernisation and automation activities. We also expect colleagues to demonstrate our Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship, along with our Mindset to Empower, Challenge and Drive.

last updated 37 week of 2026