Functional Solution Architect (SAFA) – Banking Application Modernization

Job Title:
Mainframe Modernization Lead / Senior Technical Lead | IBM Mainframe, COBOL, CICS, DB2, Cloud & Dev Ops

Role: Mainframe Modernization Lead / Senior Technical Lead

Location: Toronto, ON

Work Model: Hybrid (2 days per week in-person at Toronto office preferred)

Experience

Required:

10+ Years

Skills Required

• Solution and Functional Architect (SAFA)

• Banking and Financial Technology

• Obtaining Stakeholder Commitment

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Modernization Lead to drive the transformation of legacy mainframe applications into modern, scalable, cloud-enabled solutions. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in IBM Mainframe technologies, application modernization strategies, API enablement, cloud integration, Dev Ops practices, and enterprise architecture.

The role involves assessing legacy applications, defining modernization roadmaps, leading migration initiatives, and collaborating with business and technology stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions while ensuring operational stability and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Modernization Strategy

• Define and execute enterprise mainframe modernization roadmaps.

• Assess existing COBOL, PL/I, JCL, CICS, DB2, and VSAM applications.

• Identify opportunities for rehosting, replatforming, refactoring, or replacing legacy solutions.

• Develop target architecture aligned with business objectives.

Technical Leadership

• Lead modernization projects from assessment through implementation.

• Provide technical guidance to development, testing, and infrastructure teams.

• Establish modernization standards, architecture patterns, and best practices.

• Mentor developers and engineers on modern technologies and modernization approaches.

Application Transformation

• Modernize monolithic applications into modular and service-based architectures.

• Enable APIs and microservices for mainframe assets.

• Integrate mainframe applications with distributed and cloud platforms.

• Support data transformation and migration initiatives.

Dev Ops & Automation

• Implement CI/CD pipelines for mainframe and hybrid environments.

• Promote Infrastructure as Code and automation practices.

• Drive adoption of Git, Git Hub, Git Hub Copilot, Jenkins, Azure Dev Ops, and related tooling.

• Improve software delivery speed and quality through Dev Sec Ops  practices.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with business partners, architects, security teams, and vendors.

• Present modernization recommendations to leadership.

• Provide project estimates, risk assessments, and status reporting.

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

• 8+ years of IBM Mainframe experience.

• Strong expertise in:

• COBOL

• PL/I

• JCL

• CICS

• DB2

• VSAM

• TSO/ISPF

• z/OS

• Experience with mainframe modernization tools and methodologies.

• Knowledge of REST APIs, microservices, and event-driven architectures.

• Experience with Git, Git Hub, CI/CD pipelines, and Dev Ops practices.

• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS.

Leadership Skills

• Experience leading cross-functional technology teams.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with IBM Z modernization initiatives.

• Knowledge of Open Shift, Kubernetes, Docker, and containerization.

• Experience with API Connect, MQ, Kafka, or Event Streaming.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as Git Hub Copilot.

• Azure, AWS, or IBM certifications.