Mainframe IMS DBA

Mainframe IMS Database Administrator (IMS DBA) Our client is seeking an experienced Mainframe IMS DBA to play a key role in supporting and modernising a critical enterprise mainframe environment. This position involves managing IMS databases that underpin business-critical applications, ensuring high availability, performance, recoverability, and operational stability across development, testing, and production platforms. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in IMS database administration on z/OS, combined with hands-on experience supporting complex mainframe applications, resolving production issues, and contributing to transformation initiatives aimed at modernising legacy systems. Key Responsibilities Manage the day-to-day administration of IMS databases, including implementation, maintenance, monitoring, performance optimisation, backup strategies, and recovery processes. Perform database recovery activities, including forward recovery and point-in-time restoration using DBRC. Monitor production environments to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve database and application-related issues. Support IMS application workloads across multiple environments and ensure system reliability and operational efficiency. Analyse and resolve batch processing failures, abends, and application performance issues in collaboration with development and operations teams. Provide technical support for applications running within z/OS, IMS, CICS, COBOL, JCL, VSAM, TSO, and REXX environments. Participate in software maintenance, upgrade testing, and implementation activities to ensure platform stability. Assist with disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution to maintain business continuity requirements. Work closely with infrastructure providers and internal stakeholders on production support, change management, incident resolution, and release activities. Contribute to ongoing mainframe modernisation and transformation programmes by providing IMS and database expertise. Required Qualifications & Experience Minimum 7 years of experience working within IBM z/OS environments. Strong knowledge of z/OS utilities and tools, including TSO, SYSVIEW, SDSF, IDCAMS, IEBGENER, IEFBR14, and related utilities. At least 5 years of hands-on IMS Database Administration experience supporting enterprise-scale applications. Proven experience administering IMS databases, DBRC, recovery procedures, database tuning, and production support. Demonstrated expertise performing IMS database recoveries, including forward recovery and point-in-time recovery. Extensive experience supporting COBOL batch and online applications within IMS and CICS environments. Strong understanding of complex JCL, VSAM datasets, and TSO-based operations. Experience working with REXX scripting, IMS HALDB technology, and IMS Catalog administration. Ability to diagnose and resolve complex production incidents in a fast-paced operational environment. Preferred Experience Previous experience supporting Government agencies or public-sector technology environments. Exposure to the Oil & Gas industry and understanding of its operational systems and regulatory requirements. Experience contributing to large-scale mainframe modernization or transformation initiatives. Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and business teams. What Success Looks Like The ideal candidate will be a hands-on technical specialist capable of independently administering complex IMS database environments, ensuring system resilience, supporting mission-critical applications, and driving operational excellence while contributing to the organisation's long-term mainframe transformation strategy.