Manager, IBM i Systems & Application Development

SUMMARY:  Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Manager, IBM i Systems & Application Development oversees the administration, security, and operation of the agency’s IBM i environment and related applications, including UFS, SANDIS, system integrations, and third-party software. The position leads the development, implementation, and support of IBM i solutions; supervises assigned staff; ensures system security, availability, and continuity; and serves as the agency’s primary IBM i technical resource. The Manager collaborates with users, stakeholders, and vendors to implement enhancements, resolve technical issues, and maintain reliable, effective business systems.

ANNUAL RANGE:

• $128,778.42 - $199,777.34 annually

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimization of IBM i Systems, related applications, and processing environments to ensure data integrity, system reliability, and effective support of agency operations.
• Administer and maintain IBM i Systems, including backup and recovery processes, system configurations, and hardware/software security controls.
• Direct and support staff in daily production processing activities, including monitoring IBM i operations, scheduled workloads, and the distribution of system-generated reports and data processing outputs.
• Manage the Case Management System (SANDIS) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Uniform Fiscal System (UFS).
• Lead the analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and maintenance of custom IBM i applications, system integrations, programs, and job streams. Ensure solutions are delivered in a timely manner to support evolving business requirements, improve operational efficiency, and maintain the effectiveness of IBM i Systems, UFS, and SANDIS.
• Design application and custom programs, as well as processing procedures, to support end users.
• Perform all activities required for the implementation of automated computer systems utilizing CL and other programming languages and tools.
• Perform application enhancements in accordance with business requirements and approved change requests.
• Maximize the effective use of data within IBM i Systems, UFS, SANDIS, and eBilling systems through the use of various software applications.
• Perform daily monitoring and oversight of internal security, compliance, and system integrity to ensure the secure, reliable, and uninterrupted operation of IBM i Systems and related applications.
• Administer system security, system values, and access-control standards, including the creation, modification, auditing, and removal of user and group profiles.
• Monitor system operations, performance metrics, operator messages, security events, and capacity utilization to identify abnormal conditions and potential service disruptions.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and coordinate resolution of critical hardware, software, application, and performance-related issues impacting system availability or user productivity.
• Partner with CloudSafe (IBM Cloud Hosting Services) to establish and maintain explicit disaster recovery plans and procedures.
• Develop and recommend technology strategies, infrastructure improvements, and modernization initiatives that support agency objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions, vendor services, and system investments to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and security.
• Identify and remove unused data files to optimize system disk space.
• Identify large unused program objects, unnecessary files, and old spool files to reclaim disk space.
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs, warranties, and vendor support services as required.
• Maintain and document operating systems and related software; monitor the effects of programs and queries on system performance.
• Work closely with IBM Cloud Hosting Services for infrastructure upgrades and technology improvements as needed.
• Effectively supervise Computer Support Specialists and assign work priorities as appropriate.
• Conduct performance evaluation at least annually and provide timely performance feedback.
• Provide ongoing coaching, guidance, mentorship, and technical leadership.
• Ensure that all personnel assigned to the EDP unit have a thorough working knowledge of all systems and programs utilized by the agency.
• Ensure staff proficiency to support business continuity during temporary or extended absences of key personnel.
• Provide technical consultation and guidance to staff regarding system functionality, business processes, and problem resolution.
• Review staff work through periodic quality assurance reviews and performance monitoring.
• Evaluate staff performance for sound judgment, technical competency, compliance, accuracy, and quality standards.
• Ensure work activities comply with agency policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Promote employee engagement, teamwork, and staff development in alignment with the agency's mission statement and core values.
• Address employee concerns and grievances as appropriate and in accordance with agency policy.
• Implement corrective action and disciplinary measures when necessary, including recommendations for termination.
• Participate in recruitment activities, including interviewing and recommending candidates for employment.
• Provide orientation and training to Computer Support Specialists, System Administrators, and other designated staff to monitor IBM i Systems operations and distribute data processing products as required.
• Train and oversee designated staff in performing operational activities such as monitoring active jobs, managing output queues, supporting display stations and printers, and verifying completion of scheduled backup routines.
• Train and support designated staff in user account maintenance, permission administration, and resolution of routine system access and error message issues.
• Develop and deliver training programs, procedural documentation, and ongoing instruction to promote effective use of IBM i systems and related applications.
• Serve as liaison between Inland Regional Center, DDS Data Processing Headquarters, SANDIS representatives, and third-party software vendors.
• Coordinate and schedule upgrades, updates, software releases, and enhancements from DDS, SANDIS, and third-party software providers.
• Test software releases, system upgrades, enhancements, and updates to ensure proper functionality and successful implementation.
• Prepare monthly accomplishment reports for the unit and other reports as required.
• Provide monthly summaries and regular status reports.
• Attend meetings as needed or requested.
• Analyze and assess user and department data processing needs and recommend appropriate technology solutions.
• Collaborate with department teams to identify and address business and data processing needs and provide appropriate solutions.
• Develop and design custom programs, queries, automated reports, and data summaries based on user needs.
• Maintain effective interpersonal and professional working relationships.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing priorities, assignments, and interruptions.
• Foster collaboration across agency and departments.
• Comply with agency Personnel Policies, Procedures and Affirmative Action requirements.
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
• Comply with the administrative requirements of the agency.
• Use agency equipment responsibly and maintain a safe, organized work environment.
• Follow all agency safety policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as needed or assigned. Complete unit assignments on a rotational basis or as assigned.
• Keep manager informed of pending work, work in progress, and issues requiring attention.
• Continuously develop expertise in IBM i Systems technologies, UFS, SANDIS, network communications, and related information systems.
• Maintain proficiency with operating utilities, tools, and online systems supporting the agency's technology infrastructure.
• Utilize agency information systems in accordance with established security standards, protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Work flexible schedules as needed to meet agency operational requirements.
• Maintain a safe driving record.

The duties described above are intended to reflect the broad range of responsibilities associated with this position and are not intended to encompass every duty or responsibility that may be required in the performance of the role. Duties may be modified, expanded, or reassigned as agency needs evolve.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and Abilities: Demonstrated expertise in IBM i Systems administration, application development, and programming languages including RPG, CL, COBOL, and SQL. Knowledge of the OS/400 environment, DB2 databases, automated job scheduling, and system security principles.Ability to analyze and resolve technical issues, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in IBM i Systems administration, application development, and information technology management including at least three (3) years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Transportation Requirements: Possession of a valid driver's license, current automobile liability insurance meeting the minimum requirements prescribed by law, and access to reliable transportation; or the ability to secure independent transportation for work-related travel. Must maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Work Schedule: Scheduled hours and days of work may vary based on agency operational needs and business requirements.

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