Implementation Manager (Mainframe Product Migration Programme)
Our key client is looking for an Implementation Manager (Mainframe Product Migration Programme) for a 6 month+ contract on a remote working basis.
Implementation Manager (Mainframe Product Migration Programme)
6 months+ contract
Remote working Inside IR35 - Umbrella
BPSS will be conducted for on boarding
Role purpose: Plan, coordinate, and execute the end-to-end implementation of a mainframe product migration into production, ensuring a controlled, compliant, and low-risk cutover. Own the integrated deployment/cutover plan, readiness, and go/no-go governance across technology, operations, business, and third parties.
Key responsibilities
* Create and maintain the integrated implementation (deployment/cutover) strategy and plan covering scope, approach (big bang/phased), timeline, dependencies, and critical path.
* Lead cutover planning: detailed runbooks, rehearsal plans, roles/responsibilities, communications, checkpoints, and contingency/rollback.
* Coordinate release and change management activities (CAB submissions, implementation approvals, change records, stakeholder signoffs).
* Drive environment and operational readiness: capacity, access, monitoring, scheduling/batch windows, support model, service transition.
* Manage data migration implementation activities with clear sequencing, validation steps, reconciliation, and operational controls.
* Orchestrate dress rehearsals / mock cutovers, capture lessons learned and harden runbooks.
* Lead implementation governance: readiness reviews, RAID management, decision logs, and executive reporting.
* Coordinate hyper care/post-go-live: incident triage, defect backlog prioritisation, stabilisation metrics, and handover to BAU.
* Ensure alignment with risk/compliance/audit requirements (evidence packs, approvals, segregation of duties where required).
* Manage third parties/vendors involved in deployment (e.g., infrastructure, platform, data, app support, schedulers).
Deliverables (typical)
* Implementation strategy and Integrated Cutover Plan
* Detailed cutover runbooks (minute-by-minute where needed)
* Rehearsal plans and rehearsal outcomes/actions log
* Change/CAB artefacts and approval pack
* Readiness criteria, go/no-go checklist, and decision log
* Hypercare plan, support model, and BAU handover pack
* Implementation closure report and lessons learned Required experience
* Proven Implementation/Cutover/Deployment Management on mainframe or large-scale legacy migrations.
* Strong understanding of z/OS production operations constraints: batch cycles (JCL), scheduling (e.g., Control-M/CA-7), DB2/IMS considerations, CICS regions, interface dependencies, and resilience/DR practices.
* Experience running dress rehearsals, coordinating cross-team cutovers, and leading go/no-go forums.
* Working knowledge of ITIL-aligned change, release, and incident management in regulated environments.
Skills & behaviours
* Excellent planning and dependency management; strong "get it done" execution bias.
* Clear, calm leadership during high-pressure cutover windows.
* Strong stakeholder management across technology, operations, business, risk/compliance, and suppliers.
* Crisp written communication: executive updates, RAID, and runbook clarity. Tools / methods (describe as "experience with")
* Planning: MS Project/Smartsheet/Jira/Confluence
* Change/ITSM: ServiceNow (or equivalent
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