About the Role
As a Mainframe Service Manager, you will make an impact by leading the development, enhancement, and production support of business-critical applications on the IBM z/OS mainframe platform. You will be a valued member of the application services team and will work collaboratively with client stakeholders, onsite and offshore delivery teams, and technical partners to deliver reliable, compliant, and customer-focused solutions for the banking industry.
In this role, you will
· Review, interpret, and clarify functional and technical requirements and applicable project standards.
· Analyse functional specifications, assess downstream impacts, raise questions, and coordinate resolutions with stakeholders.
· Design, develop, test, and maintain mainframe solutions using COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, stored procedures, interfaces, and services.
· Lead work from requirements gathering through production implementation while maintaining quality, security, and compliance standards.
· Coordinate onsite and offshore activities, review deliverables, and support the implementation of approved changes.
· Investigate production job failures and abends, identify root causes, implement durable fixes, and recommend operational improvements.
· Identify delivery or operational risks, escalate them appropriately, and partner with managers and stakeholders on resolution.
· Provide technical and team leadership while remaining a hands-on, independent contributor.
Work Model: Hybrid
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position based in Chicago, Illinois. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.
Please note that Cognizant cannot provide visa sponsorship now or in the future.
What you need to have to be considered
· 9+ years of hands-on mainframe application development and support experience.
· Strong experience with COBOL, JCL, DB2, and VSAM on the IBM z/OS platform.
· Experience across analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, implementation, and production support.
· Demonstrated ability to work independently and serve as a technical or team lead.
· Experience analyzing job failures, troubleshooting production issues, and implementing corrective actions.
· Banking or financial services domain knowledge.
· Strong communication, stakeholder-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
· Ability to participate in a rotating support schedule when required.
These will help you stand out
· Experience with CICS and IBM MQ.
· Experience coordinating distributed onsite and offshore delivery teams.
· A track record of making sound design and coding decisions that prioritize customer experience, operational resilience, and maintainability.
· Interest in emerging technologies and modern engineering practices that support banking technology transformation.
We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.
Applications will be accepted until November 16th, 2026
Salary and Other Compensation
The annual salary for this position is $70,100 - $130,500, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors.
In addition to salary, this role is eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, subject to individual and company performance.
Benefits
Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to eligibility requirements:
· Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
· Paid Parental Leave.
· Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage.
· Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO).
· Employee Stock Purchase Plan (where applicable).
· Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
· 401k Package.
· Wellbeing and Mental Health Programs.
· Tuition Reimbursement and Learning Resources.
· Career Development and Certification Opportunities.
Things to know before you apply
- Work authorization: Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
- Accommodations: If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
- AI in hiring: We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help us screen and assess applications more efficiently. Our team performs additional human review and ultimately decides who moves forward in our hiring process.
- Open position: Unless otherwise stated, this job posting is for an open position on our team.
- Language proficiency: We ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
- Inclusion: Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
