Mainframe Extraction Specialist

Location

Gauteng, Johannesburg-OnSite

Job Type

Contract – Full-Time hours

Primary Industry

Banking and Finance

Job Description

The Mainframe Extraction Specialist is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining processes to extract data from mainframe systems efficiently and securely. This role involves working closely with business and technical teams to ensure that data extraction meets business requirements and complies with security protocols. The specialist ensures data integrity and quality throughout the extraction lifecycle and supports ongoing improvements to extraction methodologies.

Key Job Duties

• Define/run extracts: assure completeness and logs
• Develop, test, and implement data extraction routines from mainframe environments using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Analyse business requirements to translate them into effective data extraction processes.
• Maintain and optimise existing extraction jobs to improve performance and accuracy.
• Identify and resolve issues related to data extraction, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• Collaborate with data analysts, database administrators, and other stakeholders to validate and verify extracted data.
• Ensure compliance with organisational data security policies and regulatory requirements during extraction activities.
• Document extraction processes, schedules, and technical specifications clearly and comprehensively.
• Assist in the migration of data extraction processes to new platforms or tools as required.
• Provide support and troubleshooting for extraction-related incidents and queries.
• Stay updated with industry best practises and emerging technologies related to mainframe data extraction.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in mainframe environments, particularly in data extraction roles within banking or finance sectors.
• Strong knowledge of mainframe technologies such as COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and relevant scripting languages.
• Experience with data extraction tools and techniques, including but not limited to FTP, batch jobs, and ETL processes.
• Understanding of data warehousing concepts and integration with mainframe data sources.
• Familiarity with data security standards and regulatory compliance applicable to financial data.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple extraction processes simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

Education

• A tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Relevant certifications in mainframe technologies or data management are advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum of three years’ experience working as a Mainframe Extraction Specialist or similar role.
• Experience within the banking and finance industry is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of delivering reliable and efficient data extraction solutions in complex mainframe environments.

Knowledge and Skills

• JCL, DB2, VSAM, Connect:Direct/SFTP
• In-depth understanding of mainframe data structures and file systems.
• Proficiency in job control language (JCL) and batch processing techniques.
• Strong knowledge of database management systems such as DB2 and VSAM.
• Experience with ETL processes and associated tools.
• Ability to interpret and implement business requirements into technical solutions.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Capacity to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of data governance and confidentiality principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in IBM mainframe technologies or equivalent.
• Experience with modern automation tools relevant to mainframe environments.
• Familiarity with Agile or DevOps methodologies in a mainframe context.
• Knowledge of cloud integration relating to mainframe data extraction.

Working Conditions

• The role is based in Johannesburg with full-time working hours.
• Contract duration is subject to project requirements with potential for extension.
• The position requires working in an office environment with occasional remote working options, depending on organisational policies.
• The role may require adherence to strict security protocols due to the sensitivity of banking data.
• Occasional extended hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines or resolve critical issues.