Technology Architect

Project Description

The mainframe support team has a requirement to re-acquire a software resource as the present contract expires. We need to ensure to maintain and upgrade mainframe software and program product support continuity (day to day operations). The Resource will be responsible for the day-to-day KTLO activities as well as provide planning, configuration and software currency activities of the Z16 and DR Mainframe which was installed this past spring. We have a business requirement to pivot and acquire our own hardware as a result of the end of the DR contract with Kyndryl in order to prevent mission critical services from running without a disaster recovery plan. As an outcome of this DR business decision, we installed a 2nd Z16 mainframe. In addition, there are also modernization efforts to reduce software costs with some products running on the mainframe (Software Optimization).

The Resource will provide support for the mission critical services across all OPS clusters and ministries. While Cloud is the future of service delivery for midrange IT, there is still requirement to support and modernize the mainframe environments. There is a limited number of Mainframe platform skillsets available in this niche marketplace. Currently There is no capacity within the current full‑time team to assume these responsibilities. Recent retirements have reduced the number of staff with the specialized expertise required to support critical IBM mainframe system software, hardware, and multiple ISV products. The remaining FTEs are fully allocated to existing KTLO, operational, and project commitments, with no ability to absorb additional workload. This work requires deep, senior‑level mainframe knowledge—skills that are highly specialized and increasingly difficult to recruit or develop internally. No internal candidates possess the technical breadth or experience needed to perform this role effectively. As a result, fee‑for‑service (FFS) resources are required to ensure continuity of service and maintain the stability of core mainframe platforms that support essential government applications.

Job Description

Deliverables:

The Resources will act as a subject matter experts on a variety of Mainframe software maintenance and Mainframe hardware installation and migration activities such as:

• Enabling and supporting the day to day operations of the Government of Ontario's Mainframe software support to maintain KTLO activities and project work relating to the planning, installation, maintenance, upgrades of software products in support for post GDC Mainframe migration activities as well as the most recent Mainframe acquisition for Disaster recovery at our CO-LO site.
• Ensure Mainframe Operating system support continuity (day to day operations) and projects as listed in the operational plan.
• Support the Software Optimization efforts under the Datacenter Transformation project.

Key Responsibilities:

These positions will provide Operational Support for sustaining the day to day operations of Mainframe Software and program products.

• Plan, configure and support installation of new Mainframe hardware platform.
• Provide migration support for Mainframe software, networking components.
• Provide decommissioning support for Mainframe software and program products.
• Daily operational changes, Incident/problem management.
• Provide on call/standby support when required.
• Closure of tickets in a timely manner, Keeping clients/management up to date on ticket status.
• Must adhere to Service Level Agreement (SLA) metrics, device maintenance.
• Providing technical MOP for all changes, ability to provide acquire system captures and articulate/document capture and point or root cause.
• Ability to work on Mainframe DR Hardware installation project activities along with all keep the lights on (KTLO) activities such as O/S, and maintenance upgrades.

Deliverables / Responsibilities

Evaluation Breakdown

1. Enterprise Tier 4 Mainframe Infrastructure experience - 30%

Parameters:

• 10+ years experience providing oversight to support mainframe infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing refresh and transition activities, as well as team resources associated with the migration.
• Demonstrated experience with replacement of large enterprise complex services and hardware at large critical locations.
• Demonstrated experience and in-depth knowledge of modern Data Centre service models combined with a solid background in contemporary Data Centre approaches.

2. Recent Experience - 10%

Parameters:

• Within 3 years

3. Documentation and Communication Skills - 15%

Parameters:

• Demonstrated experience with assisting transition and refresh.
• Demonstrated experience in change management activities.
• Demonstrated ability for strong documentation and writing skills.

4. Description of the most recent experience and demonstration of the resources knowledge with Mainframe Software in a support role and Project Management - 15%

• Parameters:
• Demonstrated knowledge and operational support experience with Mainframe in a large scale environment similar as the Government of Ontario.
• 10+ years demonstrated experience in complex projects related to data center uplifts and hardware/software migrations.