About the job

IBM I Programmer with Operational Experience

Job Title: IBM I Programmer

Job Type: Full-Time

Reporting to: Senior Software Development Manager

Location: Remote (Canadian Eastern time zone work hours)

About Lee Valley:

Since 1978, Lee Valley has recognized that for many, woodworking and gardening are more than just hobbies. Lee Valley Tools enjoys a proud history of providing high-quality woodworking, gardening, hobbies, hardware, gifts and seasonal merchandise to customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on providing quality products and renowned customer service.

Lee Valley has been honored with many prestigious awards, including being recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2023 by Deloitte and one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes in 2018. Additionally, we are ranked 1 for In-Store Experience in Ontario by Leger Marketing Inc.

A position at Lee Valley is more than just a job – we honor the time and dedication that our people give by providing sustained and meaningful employment while striving to provide an environment where learning and development are encouraged.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced IBM I Programmer with expertise in RPG, RPG/ILE and SQL/400 to join our dynamic IT team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about technology and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and has operational experience with the IBM i.

Key Responsibilities:

• Software Development: Lead projects through analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, training, and maintenance.
• Solution Design: Participate in the design, planning, and implementation of technology solutions that support company-wide initiatives.
• Engineering practices: Conduct code reviews and contribute to establishing the best practices and standards.
• Research: Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends.
• System Monitoring & Maintenance: Regularly monitor the performance of applications running on the IBM System i platform, ensuring optimal uptime and performance through proactive maintenance.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve application and system issues swiftly to minimize downtime and impact on business operations.
• System Upgrades & Patching: Plan and execute system upgrades, including applying patches and enhancements to improve security, performance, and functionality.
• Technical Documentation: Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for applications, operational processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Data Management: Assist in data migration, integration, and backup processes, ensuring data integrity and security throughout.
• Operational Efficiency: Evaluate existing processes and recommend tools, technologies, and practices to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including business analysts, project managers, and other IT staff to ensure seamless integration of IT solutions into business operations.
• User Support & Training: Provide training and support end-users on new applications and system updates, ensuring smooth adoption and usage.
• Compliance & Security: Ensure all applications adhere to company policies, compliance standards, and security protocols.
• On Call Support: Provide after-hours on-call support on a rotating basis.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of development and operational experience on IBM System i, specifically in maintaining and supporting production environments.

• 5+ years of hands-on technical working experience in executing Initial Program Loads (IPL) within an iSeries environment, including the ordering, receiving, and application of Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs).

• At least 2 years of experience working with Halcyon, iTera HA (High Availability) and BRMS (Backup, Recovery & Media Services).

• Proficiency in RPG, RPG/ILE, SQL/400, stored procedures, and query development.

• Strong problem-solving skills and excellent communication abilities.

• Solid business analysis skills and a customer service-oriented mindset.

• A university or college degree in a computer-related discipline.

• Extensive experience in diagnosing and resolving application and system issues swiftly to minimize downtime and impact on business operations.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation program including competitive base salary, a robust health and dental benefits packages as well as matching group retirement plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Lee Valley Employee Discount.
• A family-oriented environment that supports growth and development for all employees.

Diversity and Inclusion:

At Lee Valley, we are proud to celebrate and foster a diverse team of professionals. We take pride in nurturing an inclusive culture that empowers our people to be their authentic selves, celebrate their differences and love where they work. Our diverse community combined with our inclusive culture, is what sets us apart in the industry.

We encourage all candidates to apply for job opportunities with Lee Valley regardless of race, national origin, color, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and family status, or disability.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please do not hesitate to reach out.