Define and execute the long-term engineering strategy for IBM zSystems, encompassing platform modernization, automation frameworks, and the adoption of AIOps and AI-enabled operations capabilities
Build, develop, and retain a high-performing organization of platform engineers, systems administrators, and operations specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
Own enterprise platform reliability, operational resilience, and system availability for mission-critical transaction processing, including SLA governance and incident management
Lead security-by-design principles, compliance engineering, and vulnerability remediation across all mainframe platforms and tooling
Champion integration initiatives connecting mainframe systems with cloud platforms, APIs, and modern application architectures to support broader enterprise modernization goals
Manage strategic vendor relationships, including IBM and automation platform providers, and exercise stewardship over technology budgets and investment priorities
Drive cross-functional collaboration with architecture, security, application, and business teams to ensure the platform supports and accelerates enterprise objectives
Serve as an executive-level advocate for the mainframe platform, translating complex engineering strategy into business value narratives for senior leadership and board-level audiences when required

10+ years of enterprise platform engineering experience, with meaningful exposure to IBM zSystems (z/OS) or comparable mission-critical environments such as HP NonStop or large-scale Unix/Linux systems
6+ years of progressive leadership experience managing engineering teams through transformation, including direct reports, contractors, and matrixed organizations in complex enterprise settings
At least 5+ years of technical literacy across z/OS architecture, mainframe operational concepts, and security frameworks (RACF, ACF2, or TopSecret) to set realistic expectations, evaluate your team's work, and engage credibly with subject matter experts
A demonstrated track record of delivering large-scale platform modernization, infrastructure automation, or technology transformation programs, on time, within budget, and with measurable business impact
Executive-level communication and influencing skills, with the ability to navigate competing stakeholder priorities and build alignment across technology and business leadership
Experience owning significant technology budgets and managing strategic vendor relationships, including contract negotiation and long-term roadmap alignment

Lead Director – Mainframe Systems Engineering

Key skills