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 - Able to diagnose complex data and performance issues
- Attention to detail - 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
- Subsidised canteen