Mainframe DBA Manager (DB2 for z/OS)

Mainframe DBA Manager (DB2 for z/OS)

Remote position

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe DBA Lead to provide technical leadership for enterprise DB2 for z/OS database environments. The role is responsible for ensuring database availability, performance, recoverability, security, and scalability while driving complex database initiatives, upgrades, performance engineering, and modernization projects.

Key Responsibilities

DB2 Administration & Engineering

• Lead the administration and support of enterprise DB2 for z/OS environments.
• Provide technical ownership for DB2 subsystems across Development, Test, UAT, DR, and Production.
• Define and maintain database standards, best practices, and engineering procedures.
• Ensure high availability and resiliency of mission-critical databases.

Database Architecture & Design

• Review and approve database designs and physical database structures.
• Design tablespaces, partitioning strategies, indexing standards, and storage designs.
• Provide architectural guidance for large-scale application implementations.
• Drive database modernization and optimization initiatives. [interviewguy.com], [torchora.com]

Performance Engineering & Optimization

• Lead database performance tuning initiatives.
• Analyse:
• SQL performance
• Access paths
• Buffer pools
• Dynamic SQL
• Distributed workloads
• Locking and concurrency issues
• Identify bottlenecks and implement performance improvements.
• Establish performance baselines and capacity planning recommendations. [maintec.com], [ibm.com]

Database Utilities & Maintenance

• Manage and optimise DB2 utilities including:
• REORG
• RUNSTATS
• COPY
• LOAD
• UNLOAD
• RECOVER
• REBUILD INDEX
• Ensure maintenance activities are properly scheduled and executed.
• Automate routine DBA activities where possible. [torchora.com], [maintec.com]

Backup, Recovery & Disaster Recovery

• Define and validate backup and recovery strategies.
• Lead database recovery testing and resilience exercises.
• Support Disaster Recovery (DR) planning and execution.
• Ensure database environments achieve agreed RTO and RPO objectives.
• Review recovery procedures and runbooks regularly. [maintec.com], [interviewguy.com]

Installation, Migration & Upgrade Leadership

• Lead DB2 version upgrades and subsystem migrations.
• Coordinate software maintenance and PTF implementation activities.
• Review vendor recommendations and software currency requirements.
• Support refresh programmes and infrastructure roadmap initiatives. [MF Refresh...1stJune26 | PowerPoint]

Incident, Problem & Change Management

• Act as L3/L4 technical escalation point for DB2 issues
• Lead troubleshooting of complex production incidents.
• Perform root cause analysis and define permanent fixes.
• Participate in CAB reviews and change governance activities.
• Drive preventative actions and operational improvements. [maintec.com]

Security & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with enterprise security standards.
• Support RACF integration and database access controls.
• Assist with audits, compliance reviews, and remediation activities.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory and governance requirements. [maintec.com], [interviewguy.com]

Technical Leadership & Mentoring

• Provide technical guidance to DBA teams and junior DBAs.
• Lead design reviews, troubleshooting workshops, and performance reviews.
• Define engineering standards and operational best practices.
• Support knowledge transfer and capability development programs.
• Serve as the primary technical SME for DB2-related initiatives.

Cross-Platform Integration

• Collaborate with:
• z/OS Engineering
• CICS Engineering
• IMS Engineering
• MQ Engineering
• Storage Teams
• Security Teams
• Application Development Teams
• Support integration and modernization initiatives involving DB2.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Extensive experience with DB2 for z/OS Database Administration.
• Strong knowledge of:
• DB2 Subsystems
• Data Sharing
• Buffer Pools
• Database Design
• Tablespaces
• Indexes
• DB2 Catalog
• Expertise in:
• SQL Performance Tuning
• Access Path Analysis
• Capacity Planning
• Backup & Recovery
• Database Utilities
• Strong knowledge of:
• z/OS
• JCL
• SDSF
• TSO/ISPF
• JES2
• Experience with:
• SMP/E
• DB2 Upgrades
• Database Encryption
• Audit & Compliance Controls. [maintec.com], [ibm.com], [torchora.com]

Preferred Technical Skills

• DB2 Data Sharing / Parallel Sysplex.
• BMC DB2 Toolsets.
• DB2 Automation Frameworks.
• REXX scripting.
• Knowledge of IMS, CICS, MQ integrations.
• Experience supporting cloud connectivity and modernization initiatives.

Soft Skills

• Strong technical leadership capability.
• Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead major incidents and critical projects.
• Strong documentation and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• IBM DB2 for z/OS Certification.
• ITIL Foundation Certification.
• Experience within Banking, Insurance, BFSI, or highly regulated industries.
• Experience leading large-scale DB2 transformation programs.

Experience

Mainframe DBA Lead (JL8)

• 12–20+ years of Mainframe experience.
• 8–16+ years of DB2 for z/OS DBA experience.
• Proven experience leading:
• DB2 Upgrades & Migrations
• Database Performance Optimisation Projects
• Data Sharing Environments
• Recovery and DR Exercises
• Major Incident Resolution
• Technical Governance and Standards