Product Manager* Mainframe Modernization

at  Software AG

Locations in Germany: Darmstadt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg Leipzig, Marburg, Munich, Nuremberg, Saarbrücken Stuttgart
Software AG customers, large enterprises and government organizations around the world, have developed business-critical enterprise applications based on IBM z/OS COBOL. In order to bring these business applications into the future, it is a key objective to modernize these systems and to offer a cost-effective operation.
Software AG is planning to launch a new product that will modernize COBOL z/OS applications leveraging Java technologies on z/OS.
Be you, join us.
For this purpose, we are looking for an experienced Product Manager* COBOL Mainframe Modernization that will drive the product strategy and adoption in the market.
This job requires a high-level of technical credibility, a customer-centric mindset and a passion for being a thought-leader.

Essential Functions

• Support customers globally in IBM z/OS COBOL optimization and modernization projects leveraging Java technologies within a multi stakeholder environment (e.g., presales, professional services, partner).
• Assist customers in Proof of Concepts (PoC) to validate the product capabilities and value propositions.
• Understand complex customer issues and recommend technical solutions.
• Collect, review and manage customer requirements and translate them into ranked feature backlogs.
• Improve demo environment to showcase product capabilities.
• Create content and market awareness through multiple channels (e.g., Webinars, events, social media, Blogs, communities/user groups) working closely with product marketing. Be a credible though-leader in the IBM Z market and community.
• Enable internal stakeholder, e.g., presales, professional services, support.
• Collaborate closely within a cross-functional, international team (e.g., product management, engineering, solution architects) to drive the product strategy and roadmap.
• Observe and fully understand relevant mainframe modernization market trends and the competitive landscape.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field. Advanced degree or relevant professional certifications/badges (e.g., IBM, Interskill).
• Longstanding experience in architecting, developing and modernizing large-scale COBOL z/OS applications.
• Proven experience in mainframe databases (Db2, VSAM, IMS, Adabas), transaction monitors (CICS), batch processing (JCL, job scheduling solutions, Sort, Files, etc.), development tools (e.g., ISPF, IBM Developer for z/OS, IBM Open Editor/VSC), COBOL debugging and source code management on z/OS
• Experience with z/OS middleware (MQ, CTG, z/OS Connect) and IMS transaction monitor and database is a plus.
• Several years’ experience in developing full-stack Java enterprise-class applications on IBM z/OS – with a strong focus on databases, performance, test automation and technical troubleshooting skills.
• Understanding of IBM mainframe software billing/licensing models.
• Ability to work in a highly agile environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written) in English to convey technical concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Customer-focused mindset: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical mindset to structure and solve complex tasks.
• Self-learning and self-driving attitude delivering results according to goals and measurements.
• Experience in enabling and mentoring stakeholders.
• Occasional international travel may be required but would be less than 20%.

What’s in it for you?

• Earn competitive total compensation and receive comprehensive country-specific medical and other benefits.
• Enjoy time and location flexibility with our Hybrid Working Model, which allows a remote workshare of up to 60%.Work anywhere in your country or abroad for up to 10 days per year.
• Set yourself up for success in your new role by upgrading your home office space using your one-time hybrid work payment.
• Lean on the Employee Assistance Program for support during some of life’s most common but difficult challenges.

At Software AG we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and fairness where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, compensate, develop, promote, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
To all recruitment agencies: Software AG does not entertain unsolicited CVs without prior approval from Software AG’s Talent Acquisition Team. Kindly refrain from sending CVs to our job’s alias, Software AG employees, or any other organizational location without explicit consent. Software AG assumes no responsibility for any fees associated with unsolicited CVs.

• Support customers globally in IBM z/OS COBOL optimization and modernization projects leveraging Java technologies within a multi stakeholder environment (e.g., presales, professional services, partner).
• Assist customers in Proof of Concepts (PoC) to validate the product capabilities and value propositions.
• Understand complex customer issues and recommend technical solutions.
• Collect, review and manage customer requirements and translate them into ranked feature backlogs.
• Improve demo environment to showcase product capabilities.
• Create content and market awareness through multiple channels (e.g., Webinars, events, social media, Blogs, communities/user groups) working closely with product marketing. Be a credible though-leader in the IBM Z market and community.
• Enable internal stakeholder, e.g., presales, professional services, support.
• Collaborate closely within a cross-functional, international team (e.g., product management, engineering, solution architects) to drive the product strategy and roadmap.
• Observe and fully understand relevant mainframe modernization market trends and the competitive landscape