Automation and Batch Scheduling Analyst; Mainframe

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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