Program Director– Mainframe Optimization & Delivery

Ensono

9d•$135,000 - $205,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Director leads strategic client engagements focused on mainframe optimization, program delivery, and pre-sales solutioning. The role combines technical expertise with consultative leadership to help clients modernize legacy environments, improve operational efficiency, and achieve transformational outcomes. The Program Director serves as a trusted client advisor and works closely with Sales, Solution Architects, delivery teams, vendors, and client stakeholders to shape solutions, define roadmaps, and ensure successful execution. The role oversees end-to-end delivery across multiple concurrent projects and programs, including planning, governance, resource forecasting, financial performance, stakeholder communication, scope management, and reporting. It also supports pre-sales activities, develops client relationships and business opportunities, drives continuous improvement across mainframe environments, and mentors junior consultants. Ensono encourages remote work most of the time when the Associate is not required to be on a client site; Associates may work from home or Ensono offices.

Requirements

10 or more years of experience in technology consulting, program management, or enterprise IT delivery.
Deep understanding of mainframe technologies and operations, including z/OS, scheduling tools, and tape management.
Proven experience leading large-scale optimization or transformation programs.
Strong background in client engagement, solutioning, and pre-sales support.
Proficiency with project and program management tools such as Jira, Asana, MS Project, and Smartsheet.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

PMP or Agile certification; PMP certification is specifically listed as a bonus qualification.
Experience in managed services or hybrid IT environments.
Strategic thinking and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Comfort working in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Ability to build trust and long-term client relationships.
Familiarity with cloud integration and modernization strategies for legacy systems.
Familiarity with operational aspects of delivering complex hosting and IP services.
A combination of consulting and operational experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Program Director and technical advisor to clients on mainframe optimization, modernization, and transformation initiatives.
Lead end-to-end program delivery, including planning, execution, governance, and stakeholder management across concurrent engagements.
Provide project and program management for delivery of projects.
Support pre-sales through solution design, scoping, proposal development, client presentations, and definition of program governance and executable delivery structures.
Develop and maintain program plans, timelines, budgets, resource allocations, and forecasts using project management tools.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on installation, testing, and implementation of mainframe systems and software.
Drive continuous improvement in mainframe environments through automation, cost optimization, and performance tuning.
Translate technical concepts into business value for non-technical stakeholders.
Conduct post-project reviews and apply lessons learned to future engagements.
Mentor junior consultants and contribute to internal knowledge sharing and thought leadership.
Ensure compliance with technical standards, industry best practices, and client-specific requirements.
Supervise groups of projects and align program execution with long-term business objectives.
Build strong client relationships and establish trusted-advisor status.
Confirm client business requirements, objectives, success criteria, and deliverables.
Maintain clear communication across Ensono, client stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers.
Advocate for customers by coordinating Ensono technical, build, and implementation teams.
Work with project teams to develop plans aligned to contracted deliverables and provide guidance, direction, and issue resolution.
Identify and manage cross-functional programs involving multiple Ensono departments and client teams, regardless of location.
Incorporate resource planning and forecasting into program plans and oversee adherence to approved plans.
Build and manage program P&L models, including non-recurring revenue, monthly recurring revenue, capital expenditures, and program costs.
Analyze revenue, profitability, and financial performance of major projects and help resolve billing and accounts receivable issues.
Identify, track, and maintain milestones and deliverables across programs and related projects.
Set clear delivery expectations and ensure consistent adherence to them.
Monitor scope and manage variances or scope creep through change-control processes.
Reinforce adherence to change-management protocols.
Lead status meetings on deliverables, priorities, issues, risks, and concerns.
Produce and maintain monthly and quarterly reporting on deliverable status and program performance.
Coordinate monthly and quarterly client and Ensono stakeholder meetings.
Identify and develop new business opportunities within existing client programs.

Benefits

Unlimited paid days off.
Three health plan options.
401(k) with company match.
Dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life, and AD&D coverage, and flexible spending accounts.
Family Forming Benefit, including fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy reimbursement.
Paid childbearing and paternal leave.
Education reimbursement, student loan assistance, or 529 college funding.
Sabbatical leave.
Wellness program.
Flexible work schedule.
Annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, depending on eligibility.
Equity grant under the Associate Equity Appreciation Program, depending on eligibility.