Senior Mainframe Storage and Backup Administrator

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Storage and Backup Administrator to oversee, manage, and optimize enterprise-level mainframe storage and backup environments. This role requires deep technical expertise in IBM DS8000 series storage systems, GDPS replication technologies, virtual tape (TS7700/TS7780), backup and recovery solutions, and mainframe data protection strategies. The ideal candidate will ensure stability, high availability, performance, and resilience across all storage and backup platforms supporting mission‑critical business workloads.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Storage Administration

• Manage and maintain IBM DS8000/DS8950F storage arrays and related components.
• Configure and support GDPS Metro Mirror, Global Mirror, and GDPS HyperSwap environments.
• Administer TS7700/TS7780 Virtual Tape Systems including Grid and Clustering.
• Implement and manage Safeguarded Copy and other data protection features.
• Support enhanced-format datasets and DFP segment management.
• Perform storage provisioning, allocation, tuning, and troubleshooting for z/OS environments.

Backup & Recovery

• Design, implement, and maintain backup and recovery strategies for mainframe systems.
• Manage backup schedules, retention policies, and virtual tape environments.
• Conduct routine recovery validations, DR drills, and failover/failback simulations.
• Support business continuity initiatives and CoLO or multi‑DC migrations.

Performance & Capacity Management

• Conduct capacity planning for disk, tape, and replication environments.
• Analyze performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements.
• Generate regular reporting on consumption, growth, and performance trends.

Tools & Automation

• Administer CA Disk (DMS), CA Allocate, CA View/Deliver, and CA Vantage.
• Automate operational tasks and reporting using REXX, JCL, or other scripting tools.

Operational Support

• Provide 24/7 support as part of an on‑call rotation, including off‑business hours and weekend production changes.
• Collaborate with system programmers, application teams, and disaster recovery teams.

Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, SOPs, and recovery guides.
• Mentor junior team members and assist in cross‑training across the team.

Required Qualifications

• Combined minimum of 9 years’ higher education and/or related work experience
• Strong knowledge of IBM DS8000/DS8950F, GDPS replication solutions, and TS7700/TS7780 virtual tape systems.
• Expertise with CA storage products: CA Disk, CA Allocate, CA View/Deliver, CA Vantage.
• Deep understanding of DFSMS, VSAM RLS, SMS constructs, DFP, enhanced-format datasets, and z/OS storage architecture.
• Proven experience with backup/recovery planning and execution.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on experience in mainframe storage administration in large-scale environments.

• Experience with Active-Active mainframe architectures.
• Prior involvement in multi‑data center migrations or CoLO transitions.
• Familiarity with z/OS, JES2, REXX, and automation frameworks.
• IBM or Broadcom certifications in Storage, GDPS, or Tape Technologies.

Soft Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong collaboration across teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and lead knowledge‑transfer efforts.
• High attention to detail and discipline in documentation.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, high‑availability environments.

We support our team members with generous benefits. 

• Competitive compensation 
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits 
• 401(k) match at 5% 
• Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements 
• Banking Officers start with 25 days PTO plus 12 paid holidays  
• 40 hours paid volunteer hours per year 
• Much more. For details, see: M&T Benefits Overview