Mainframe Program Director

Location: Europe (Remote)

Contract: Freelance (+12 months)

THE COMPANY

Our client is a recruitment consultancy specializing in IT, Finance, HR, and Digital Technology. We are seeking a highly experienced Project Director / Program Director to lead a large-scale, business-critical transformation program with enterprise-wide impact.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of end-to-end program delivery, acting as the primary interface between the client, strategic suppliers, and the wider GTO organization.

The role requires proven experience managing transformation programs with budgets exceeding $40 million and teams of over 100 resources, together with strong expertise in Mainframe modernization, Mainframe Exit programs, and COBOL technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the end-to-end delivery of complex enterprise transformation programs.
• Drive Mainframe Exit and modernization initiatives involving legacy COBOL-based systems.
• Oversee program governance, financial performance, budgets, risks, issues, and dependencies.
• Coordinate large, multidisciplinary teams of more than 100 resources.
• Manage strategic suppliers and vendors in complex multi-vendor environments.
• Maintain strong relationships with senior executives and C-level stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment with business objectives, delivery milestones, and financial targets.
• Define and implement appropriate delivery methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, SAFe, or hybrid approaches.
• Provide executive reporting and support strategic decision-making.

REQUIREMENTS

• Extensive experience as a Project Director, Program Director, or Senior Program Manager.
• Mandatory experience with Mainframe environments and COBOL-based systems.
• Proven experience leading Mainframe transformation, migration, or modernization programs.
• Successful track record managing programs with budgets above $40 million.
• Experience leading delivery organizations of more than 100 professionals.
• Strong expertise in enterprise program governance, financial management, and risk management.
• Excellent supplier, vendor, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working directly with C-level executives.
• Strong knowledge of Waterfall, Agile, SAFe, and hybrid delivery methodologies.
• Fluent English.

NICE TO HAVE

• Previous experience delivering large-scale Mainframe Exit programs.
• German language skills.