Mainframe Modernization Senior Manager

Accenture•Detroit, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Manager in our Mainframe Modernization practice, you will lead high-impact transformation programs that modernize clients’ mission-critical legacy mainframe environments. You will combine deep mainframe expertise with executive-level client engagement, strategic vision, and people leadership to guide cross-functional teams from assessment through go-live. This is a senior leadership role with direct accountability for delivery quality, client relationships, and practice growth.

Requirements

Minimum 8+ years of consulting experience including leadership of mainframe modernization or large-scale legacy transformation programs.
Minimum 8+ years of experience with mainframe technologies and modernization strategies (rehosting, reengineering, refactoring, re-platforming).
Minimum 8+ years of experience working with Mainframe Migration and Modernization partners and vendor ecosystems.
Demonstrated experience with microservices architecture, DevOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines as modernization targets.
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent minimum 12 years’ work experience. (Associate’s Degree requires minimum 6 years’ work experience.)

Nice To Haves

Strong leadership track record with demonstrated success managing large, geographically distributed teams on complex transformation programs.
In-depth knowledge of legacy mainframe platforms (IBM z/OS, CICS, DB2, COBOL, IMS) and their modernization pathways.
Hands-on familiarity with major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) as modernization destinations.
Experience with DevOps toolchains (CI/CD, automated testing, infrastructure-as-code) in a modernization context.
IBM, AWS, Azure, or GCP certifications relevant to mainframe modernization.
PMP, SAFe, or equivalent program management certification.

Responsibilities

Define the strategic direction for mainframe modernization programs in collaboration with client executives and internal stakeholders.
Develop comprehensive transformation roadmaps—covering rehosting, reengineering, refactoring, re-platforming, and hybrid approaches—that align with client business objectives and risk appetite.
Stay ahead of industry trends in mainframe modernization, cloud migration, and emerging technologies, applying new thinking to continuously elevate practice capabilities.
Build and sustain trusted advisor relationships with C-level and senior client stakeholders across the engagement lifecycle.
Provide expert counsel on modernization strategies, clearly articulating business value, technical trade-offs, and risk.
Represent the practice in business development activities, contributing to proposals, client workshops, and industry events.
Lead cross-functional teams—architects, developers, QA, and business analysts—in executing mainframe modernization projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
Establish and own the program governance framework, including reporting cadences, escalation paths, and change management protocols.
Identify and proactively mitigate risks across technical, operational, and organizational dimensions.
Ensure compliance with applicable security, regulatory, and data governance requirements throughout transformation programs.
Partner with technical architects to design modernization solutions tailored to clients’ unique environments and constraints.
Evaluate existing mainframe ecosystems, identify optimization opportunities, and propose migration architectures leveraging modern cloud-native patterns and DevOps practices.
Oversee quality assurance and validation processes to confirm that modernized systems meet performance, reliability, and functional requirements.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of modernization professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and innovation.
Define talent and capability development priorities for the practice, identifying skill gaps and sponsoring targeted growth initiatives.
Communicate complex technical and program status to both technical and non-technical audiences with clarity and confidence.