This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Program Director – Mainframe Optimization & Delivery (ISV migrations and software swaps) based in the United States.
This is a senior client-facing leadership role at the intersection of mainframe modernization, enterprise program delivery, and strategic advisory services. You will guide large-scale transformation initiatives that optimize legacy mainframe environments, drive ISV migrations, and enable software modernization across complex enterprise landscapes. Acting as both a trusted advisor and program leader, you will help clients reduce operational complexity, improve performance, and unlock long-term cost efficiency. The role combines deep technical fluency with strong consultative leadership, requiring the ability to translate infrastructure-level decisions into clear business outcomes. You will also play a key role in shaping solution strategy during pre-sales and early engagement phases. Operating in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, you will collaborate closely with engineering, architecture, and sales teams to deliver high-impact outcomes.
Accountabilities:
- Lead end-to-end delivery of complex mainframe optimization and modernization programs, including ISV migrations, software swaps, planning, execution, governance, and stakeholder alignment.
- Act as a strategic advisor to enterprise clients, guiding decisions on mainframe transformation, workload optimization, and legacy system modernization.
- Support pre-sales engagements by contributing to solution design, scoping, proposal development, and client presentations.
- Develop and manage detailed program plans, budgets, timelines, and resource allocations using tools such as Jira, Asana, MS Project, or Smartsheet.
- Oversee coordination of cross-functional delivery teams responsible for installation, testing, integration, and implementation of mainframe systems.
- Drive optimization initiatives across mainframe environments (z/OS, scheduling, tape management, monitoring, security) with a focus on automation, performance, and cost efficiency.
- Translate complex technical architectures into clear business value for executive and non-technical stakeholders.
- Conduct post-engagement reviews and implement continuous improvement practices across delivery programs.
- Mentor and guide junior consultants, contributing to internal capability building and knowledge sharing.
- Ensure adherence to technical standards, governance frameworks, and client-specific compliance requirements.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in enterprise IT, technology consulting, program management, or large-scale delivery leadership roles.
- Deep expertise in mainframe environments, including z/OS, scheduling tools, tape management, security, and operational infrastructure.
- Proven experience leading large-scale transformation, optimization, or migration programs within complex enterprise environments.
- Strong background in client-facing consulting, solution design, and pre-sales support.
- Hands-on proficiency with program management tools such as Jira, Asana, MS Project, or Smartsheet.
- Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior decision-makers.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple concurrent initiatives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in legacy system modernization contexts.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (PMP or Agile certification is a plus).
- Experience in managed services, hybrid IT environments, or infrastructure transformation is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with cloud integration strategies and modernization approaches for legacy systems is a plus.
Benefits
- Competitive annual base salary ranging from $155,000 to $210,000, depending on experience and location
- Eligibility for annual performance-based bonus and equity participation program
- Unlimited paid time off and flexible scheduling options (based on role/location eligibility)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage through multiple plan options
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid parental leave, maternity/paternity leave, and sabbatical opportunities
- Wellness programs and fitness-related benefits
- Education reimbursement, student loan assistance, and 529 college savings support
- Fertility and family planning support benefits
- Disability, life, AD&D insurance, and flexible spending accounts
- Remote-friendly work environment with hybrid flexibility depending on client needs
- Inclusive culture focused on collaboration, learning, and professional growth.