Mainframe Technical Lead
CR3
Salary up to £57,000
Location: Remote with 1 day per month in Manchester or Skelmersdale office
Closing Date 28th August
Want to change the world? Choose a career that makes a difference
**At The Co-operative Bank we’re proud to be different. We’re proud of **our values and ethics, and our unique, customer-led Ethical Policy that shapes everything we do.
Born out of the co-operative movement over 150 years ago, you could say that doing the right thing has always been our thing. We don’t just help people with their money, but help people fight for justice and the causes they care about. We put people at the heart of every decision we make and there’s never been a more important time for our Bank to stand up for the causes that matter most to our customers, colleagues and partner organisations.
Join us and help us continue to make progress in environmental and societal change, all with the UK’s original ethical bank.
We promote a hybrid working environment, which means you will work at our office in Manchester roughly once a week and then remotely from home. To enable you to work from home, you will need have a suitable office set up which includes a desk and a chair in a location which is free from the interruptions of day-to-day life.
The role:
As a Mainframe Technical Lead you’ll be working at the heart of our Core Banking platform, providing leadership and direction in the embedding and ongoing continuous improvement, efficiency and effectiveness of Ops Analyst process and procedures. You’ll also be performing Mainframe technical testing activity, including environment & batch build, test strategies and preparing components and schedules for deployment to Live.
You’d also be responsible for providing expert advice and guidance to Projects and colleagues as well as protecting service and route to live with quality testing & delivery. If you think you’ve got what it takes to shape and support the future success of the Mainframe, maximising efficiencies and functionality in new and upgraded software, then we’d love to hear from you!
Key Accountabilities:
- Mainframe Testing & Deployment: Manage JCL changes, batch testing, and code deployments across all test phases
- Environment & Go-Live Support: Ensure stable environments and provide implementation support, including out-of-hours cover
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Liaise with IT, test teams, business units, and third parties to resolve issues
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and support testing teams across projects and programmes
- Risk & Quality Management: Deliver test strategies, track defects, and ensure QA and risk compliance
- Process Improvement: Identify constraints, enhance scheduling/reporting, and support future planning.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:
Technical Capabilities
- z/OS, TSO, ISPF, JCL, CICS
- CA-7, CA-11, TWS, MQ
- Strong knowledge of mainframe tools and scheduling systems
- Desirable - z/OS Connect, TWS, CICS Web Services, REXX and Connect Direct, Endevor
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in mainframe operations, testing, and support on major projects
- Strong grasp of SDLC, testing methodologies, and QA standards * Skilled in planning, risk management, analysis, and problem-solving
- Effective communicator with the ability to influence technical and non-technical audiences * Broad testing experience across functional, non-functional, and cross-platform environments
- Proficient in Jira, Quality Centre, Service Centre, and Microsoft Office * Demonstrated leadership of small to mid-sized teams
- Degree, IBM qualification, or equivalent experience * Self-starter with adaptability and a focus on quality delivery
- Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders as well as collaborate with business teams to define needs and provide recommendations * Act as a mainframe subject matter expert and advisor
- Work closely with IT Programme Managers, Delivery and Test Leads
What You Can Expect From Us:
- Flexible and home working options
- 27 days holiday rising to 30 with service, plus opportunity to buy 5 extra days
- Competitive pension with up to 10% employer contribution
- Income protection / life assurance
- Commitment from employers on continued learning & development
- Wellbeing support ‘Help@Hand’ offers mental health support, physiotherapy, GP’s for both you and your family.
- 2 paid days for volunteering per year
- ‘MyReward’ corporate discount for over 800 retailers and Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Family friendly policies and supportive working environment
- Colleague network groups committed to inclusion and diversity within our Bank.
We can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK at this time.
Our Bank is passionate and committed to continuing to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment where all colleagues can fulfil their potential.
At the beginning of the year, The Co-operative Bank officially became part of the Coventry Building Society Group. Together, we have shared values and an ethical approach towards our members, customers and colleagues.
If you require more information or this document in a different format, please contact careers@co-operativebank.co.uk
As a reputable employer regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all offers of employment for this role are subject to a series of background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks.
*Rated by Morningstar Sustainalytics in the Regional Banks sub-industry with a score of 11.2 as of 14 January 2025.