Automation and Batch Scheduling Analyst (Mainframe)

18 month FTC

FGH Business Centre, 66-70 Vicar Ln, Bradford BD1 5AJ

Hybrid flexibility: 2 office days per week

About The Role

The Mainframe Automation & Batch Scheduling Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and supporting automation scripts and batch processing solutions in an IBM z/OS environment. The role focuses on REXX and CLIST scripting, workload scheduling using TWS/OPC, JCL management, and effective use of core IBM utilities to ensure reliable, efficient batch operations.

Automation & Scripting

• Develop, enhance, and maintain REXX scripts for system automation, operational controls, and data manipulation.
• Create and support CLIST programs to automate ISPF, TSO, and operational tasks.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation routines for performance and reliability.

Workload Scheduling

• Design, implement, and maintain batch schedules using TWS / OPC (Tivoli Workload Scheduler / Operations Planning and Control).
• Monitor scheduled jobs, resolve scheduling conflicts, and manage job dependencies.
• Participate in schedule migrations, upgrades, and production support activities.

Batch Processing

• Write, modify, and review JCL for batch jobs, ensuring adherence to standards and best practices.
• Diagnose and resolve JCL errors, abends, and performance issues.
• Support batch cycle execution including daily, weekly, and month‑end processing.

Data & System Utilities

• Utilize IBM utilities such as IEBGENER, IEBCOPY, and IDCAMS for data set creation, copying, backup, recovery, and maintenance.
• Perform file management tasks including VSAM operations and dataset housekeeping.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with operational procedures.

Support & Collaboration

• Provide Level 2/3 production support for batch and scheduling‑related incidents.
• Collaborate with application developers, operations teams, and infrastructure support.
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ways of Working

• Comfortable working in agile, waterfall, or hybrid delivery models.
• Able to manage priorities across reactive support work and planned enhancements.
• Values knowledge sharing, documentation, and collaborative problem‑solving.

About You

• Able to commute to Bradford city centre minimum of 2 days per week.
• Strong hands‑on experience with REXX scripting.
• Proficiency in CLIST programming.
• Solid expertise in TWS / OPC scheduling.
• In‑depth knowledge of JCL.
• Practical experience with IEBGENER, IEBCOPY, and IDCAMS.
• Knowledge of CICS.
• Familiarity with z/OS, TSO/ISPF environment.
• Analytical thinking and ability to diagnose complex data and performance issues.
• Attention to detail; ability to set high standards for data accuracy and integrity.
• Ownership & accountability; takes responsibility for systems and outcomes.
• Collaboration; works effectively across engineering and business teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset; actively seeks better ways to work and improve platforms.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and annual bonus scheme.
• 37 days holiday including bank holidays.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Paid paternity and maternity leave.
• Incredible staff discounts.
• Sub‑sidised canteen.

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