Manager / Lead RPG Programmer - IT Department & IBM system Modernization
About the Company
We are a well-established, family-owned organization with a strong history of reliability and long-term stability. Our business depends on proven IBM i (AS/400) systems that run core operations every day. At the same time, we are making thoughtful investments to modernize our technology, improve maintainability, and better integrate with modern platforms.
To lead this effort, we are seeking a Manager / Lead RPG Programmer to take charge of the IT department and lead the upgrade of our RPG applications to the latest standards, working collaboratively with an experienced third-party IT provider.
Role Overview
As Manager / Lead Programmer, you will have overall responsibility for the IT department while serving as the technical leader for our IBM i and RPG environment. You will manage people, systems, and priorities, with a primary focus on upgrading, modernizing, and future-proofing our RPG applications. This position would require a majority on-site presence both initially and throughout the modernization process.
This role combines hands-on technical leadership with vendor coordination. You will guide a small internal staff, oversee external modernization efforts, and ensure that RPG upgrades are completed safely, cleanly, and in alignment with long-term business goals. The ideal candidate should be at least at a junior level and have experience with later RPG programming and IBM systems.
Key Responsibilities
IT Department Leadership
· Lead and manage the IT department, including developer and network staff
· Set technical direction, priorities, and development standards
· Ensure reliable operation of all production systems
· Oversee change management, production support, and issue resolution
· Maintain clear documentation, standards, and operational procedures
RPG Upgrade & Modernization Leadership (Primary Focus)
· Lead the upgrade of existing RPG applications to current RPG free-format standards
· Oversee refactoring of legacy RPG II/III/400 code to improve readability, maintainability, and performance
· Drive adoption of modern RPG practices including modular design, service programs, and SQL
· Ensure DB2/400 and embedded or standalone SQL are used appropriately as part of modernization
· Validate that upgraded code meets quality, performance, and maintainability expectations
Third-Party IT Provider Collaboration
· Act as the primary liaison between the business, internal IT staff, and the third-party IT provider
· Work closely with external partners to plan, schedule, and execute RPG upgrades and modernization initiatives
· Review technical approaches, coding standards, and deliverables from the third-party provider
· Ensure knowledge transfer, documentation, and alignment with internal support capabilities
· Balance outsourced work with internal ownership to ensure long-term sustainability
Business Partnership & Strategy
· Collaborate with business leaders to understand system needs and operational priorities
· Translate business requirements into practical technical solutions
· Help define and execute a long-term roadmap for IBM i and RPG modernization
· Ensure modernization efforts improve system stability, scalability, and supportability
Required Qualifications
· Proven experience leading RPG development and managing technical teams
· Strong hands-on background with IBM i / AS/400 systems
· Extensive experience with RPG 400 / RPG ILE, including free-format RPG
· Solid knowledge of CL programming, DB2/400, and SQL
· Experience upgrading or modernizing legacy RPG applications
· Demonstrated ability to manage and collaborate with third-party IT vendors
· Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Experience
· Experience leading RPG modernization or platform upgrade initiatives
· Familiarity with IBM i modernization tools and best practices
· Experience integrating IBM i applications with modern systems using APIs or web services
· Exposure to ERP systems, reporting, automation, or data warehousing
· Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent professional experience
Why Join Us
· A long-term leadership role with real ownership and authority
· A clear mandate to modernize RPG systems, supported by management
· A stable environment where thoughtful upgrades matter more than quick fixes
· The opportunity to combine technical leadership with departmental management
· Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Mohenis Services, Inc. is an executive, family owned consulting company providing back office support to the linen rental supply and commercial laundry sector who provide linen and textile rental services to the hospitality, healthcare, and restaurant industries.
Our company is dedicated to resource conservation, recycling, and social responsibility. Part of the quality service programs we offer our customers is the knowledge that we are helping them achieve their business goals while reducing their impact on the environment. We are local! However our active participation in local, state, and national organizations means we stay current and at the forefront of industry trends thus our customers receive great value provided by industry experts. Service means that the Customer has what they need when they need it.
Mohenis Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.