IMS System Programmer

At Broadridge, we've built a culture where the highest goal is to empower others to accomplish more. If you’re passionate about developing your career, while helping others along the way, come join the Broadridge team.

IMS System Programmer/DBA

An IMS System Programmer is tasked with the deployment, configuration, maintenance, and optimization of IBM's Information Management System (IMS). This role ensures high availability, performance, and reliability of IMS systems to meet organizational demands.

Also, responsible for implementing, maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting IMS databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and optimal performance by managing database backups, recovery procedures, capacity planning, user access controls, and performance tuning within the specific IMS system environment. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Installation and Configuration

• Install and configure IMS software and subsystems, including Database Manager (DB) and Transaction Manager (TM). 

• Set up and tune IMS Data Communications (DC) and IMS Connect for optimal performance.

• Implement software upgrades and patches, ensuring adherence to change management protocols.

• Customize and optimize system parameters to align with organizational SLAs.

System Maintenance and Optimization

• Conduct performance monitoring using tools like IMS Performance Analyzer,  MainView for IMS, Omegamon XE for IMS

• Analyze IMS logs and traces to identify performance bottlenecks and implement tuning measures.

• Segment Data Compression (HDC) Utilities for IMS Full function

• Diagnose and resolve IMS database and transaction processing issues, including deadlocks and resource contention.

Database Management

• Administer IMS Full Function, including HALDB .

• Ensure data integrity through IMS DBRC and backup/recovery procedures.

• Implement and manage IMS database reorganization and image copy utilities.

• Configure and enforce IMS security using the z/OS security facility, RACF, to manage user access to IMS databases by defining user profiles and assigning appropriate permissions  and/or  IMS Security Exit routines.

• Perform IMS DBDGEN, PSBGEN, ACBGEN and online change per application requests

Support and Troubleshooting

• Provide 24/7 on-call technical support for IMS-related issues escalated by end-users or application developers.

• Perform incident management, root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions for IMS intermittent or inefficiency issues.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of IMS configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.

• Participate in DR recovery

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to ensure integrated and seamless IMS operations.

• Interface with IMS software vendors and IBM support to resolve complex issues and implement best practices.

• Mentor and train junior IMS system programmers and other IT staff on IMS technologies and best practices.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of IMS architecture, including DB, TM, DC, and IMS Connect.

• Proficiency in system programming languages such as COBOL, PL/I, and Assembler.

• Strong analytical skills to diagnose and resolve complex IMS issues.

• Attention to detail for precise system configurations and data integrity maintenance.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with IT teams and providing technical support.

• 15+ years of experience in IMS system programming or database administration.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related experience.

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of IMS database management system, including its architecture, features, and functionalities. 

• Expertise in IMS utilities for data manipulation, backup, recovery, and performance tuning. 

• Knowledge of IMS commands and procedures for managing the database environment. 

• Familiarity with related mainframe technologies like z/OS, CICS, and SMP/E. 

System Programming Skills:

• Experience in IMS system programming tasks like installation, configuration, and maintenance. 

• Troubleshooting IMS related issues and performance bottlenecks. 

• Understanding of IMS security concepts and implementation 

• Knowledge of IMS performance monitoring and optimization techniques 

Soft Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities to diagnose complex IMS issues 

• Strong communication skills to collaborate with application developers and other IT teams 

• Ability to document procedures and technical knowledge effectively 

• Capability to work under pressure and manage on-call responsibilities 

Background Check Process

Broadridge requires employees to complete a background check that is completed by one of our service providers. We use this service to complete the following checks:

• Employment verification

• Education verification

• Credit inquiry

• Canadian criminal record check

Workplace Flexibility

We are committed to supporting flexible work arrangements, investing in technology or other resources to enable you to work from home effectively, wherever possible. 

At this time this is a hybrid role, and therefore you should have a basic home office set up, high-speed internet, and the ability to work without distractions during core business hours.

Accessibility & Accommodation

Broadridge is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace ensuring that equal employment opportunities are provided to all individuals, regardless of race, colour, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, age, disability, religious affiliation, or national origin or citizenship. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please notify our recruitment team.

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We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative, engaging, and inclusive environment and are committed to providing a workplace that empowers associates to be authentic and bring their best to work. We believe that associates do their best when they feel safe, understood, and valued, and we work diligently and collaboratively to ensure Broadridge is a company—and ultimately a community—that recognizes and celebrates everyone’s unique perspective.