Lead Mainframe Network Infrastructure Services Engineer (hybrid or remote)

• About Us

   

  The world isn’t standing still, and neither is Allstate.  We’re moving quickly, looking across our businesses and brands and taking bold steps to better serve customers’ evolving needs.  That’s why now is an exciting time to join our team.  You’ll have opportunities to take risks, challenge the status quo and shape the future for the greater good.

   

  You’ll do all this in an environment of excellence and the highest ethical standards – a place where values such as integrity, inclusive diversity and accountability are paramount.  We empower every employee to lead, drive change and give back where they work and live.  Our people are our greatest strength, and we work as one team in service of our customers and communities.

   

  Allstate operate a very flexible hybrid working policy that will allow you to design your working week in collaboration with your manager with a blend of remote and office working for NI based employees as well as condensed working patterns (4 day week/9 day fortnight).  Employees based in GB will be employed on a permanent remote working contract.

   

  Join our team and you’ll find challenge and reward in a culture of innovation, support and balance. 

   

   

  Location

   

  Belfast / Derry / Londonderry / Strabane / remote, UK

   

   

  Your role in the team

   

  The Lead Infrastructure Engineer – Mainframe Network: is the IBM and 3rd party software product technical resource for those software systems. This position incorporates some functions and responsibilities of a Software Architect and Software Specialist. Under general direction of the Expert Infrastructure Engineer, the Lead Infrastructure Engineer will evaluate, design, implement, and maintain IBM software, third party software, management systems, computer applications, operating systems and direct software services.

   

   

  Responsibilities include (but aren't limited to):

   

  • Primary responsibility for maintaining the VTAM & TCP/IP subsystems in a z/OS 2 and JES2 software environment.
  • Install and/or participate with software management and installation.  This would include installation and maintenance utilizing the IBM SMP/E product. It also includes migration with testing and integration.
  • Implement and verifies backup and recovery procedures. This would include Business Recovery concerns and associated testing.
  • Reviews new features and other changes related to system software and advises Technical/Development/Operations groups of issues relevant to reporting, programming, and performance, identifying the need for software upgrades and patches, as appropriate.
  • Creates, maintains, and upgrades software systems for development and production environments.
  • Monitors system software access, performance, and resource utilization.
  • Provides technical leadership to developers on the use of software management system, development and integration tools, and deployment strategies, to include application tuning and guidance in effective use of software features.
  • Act as a liaison between other IT Infrastructure teams, application programmers and vendors to report and resolve software problems. 
  • Work with other IT staff to ensure that changes do not adversely affect production operations. 
  • Assists with the analysis, design, programming, and implementation of other technologies and applications that will interface with system software.
  • Analyzes requirements and recommends policies, procedures, and standards for software systems.
  • Develops and modifies technical documentation to support operations and training.
  • Performs other duties as assigned including special projects.
  • Develop/maintain/monitor proper software use and security authorization policies.
  • Ability to provide 24/7/365 software support. This would include on-call support during off-hours.

   

   

  So, what are the essential criteria to apply?

   

  • All candidates must evidence an existing right to work in the UK
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience with mainframe network software management specific to VTAM & TCP/IP sub-system and associated software products. 
  • Ability to install and customize IBM and third-party vendor software using SMP/E or vendor provided installation.
  • Expert knowledge with Disaster Recovery Best Practices, OSA Adapters, IP, VTAM & SSL Traces, AT/TLS, XCOM & z/OS Connect, CL Super Session.
  • Must have fluent working experience using TSO, ISPF, SDSF, IPTRACE, NETSTAT & z/OSMF, RACF commands for managing digital certificates & keyrings, IP Routing, IP subnet structures, VIPA, DVIPA and hyper-sockets,
  • Working knowledge of z/OS UNIX system service environment

   

   

  We also have some desirable criteria

   

  • Knowledge of DR GDPS mirroring & associated networking requirements
  • Knowledge of z/OS, CICS, DB2, IMS, JES2 & REXX
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to problem solve independently
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

   

   

  What we offer

   

  As Digital DNA’s Workplace of the Year 2020 winners, we offer a generous benefits package that includes flexible annual leave entitlement, dental and healthcare insurance, an attractive pension package and discounts on gym memberships, public transport and parking.

   

  Allstate invests heavily in your development, as an employee you will have access to multiple world-class learning platforms and courses from our award-winning in-house Learning & Development team.

   

  We pride ourselves in providing clear career paths and opportunities for internal mobility allowing you to further develop within the organisation.

   

  We encourage a better work life balance and you’ll have the opportunity to apply for various flexible working arrangements.

   

   

  Closing Date:  Tuesday 16^th November 2021

   

   

  Apply Here: https://bit.ly/3q3fEOK 

   

  Statement on Fair Employment and Equal Opportunities

   

  Allstate NI wishes to ensure equal opportunity is given to all job applicants.  This company will not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender (including gender reassignment status), sexual orientation, religious belief, political opinion, marital status, age or disability.

   

  We are an equal opportunities employer.  We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as women are currently under-represented in our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from women.  All appointments will be made on merit.

   

  Applicants should note Allstate NI complete AccessNI background checks on all candidates offered a position.