Job Title: IBM I Programmer- RPG & Synon

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Position Status: New Role

Reporting to: Senior Software Development Manager

Location: Remote (Canadian Eastern Standard 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, hobby, hardware, gift 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 by Deloitte. Additionally, we 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.

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced IBM I Programmer with expertise in RPG, RPG/ILE, SQL/400 and Synon 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.

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.

Knowledge and Skills:

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

• 10+ years exposure in RPG, RPG/ILE, SQL/400 stored procedures, and query development.

• Experience working with Synon/2E (CA 2E).

• Strong ability to learn quickly and effectively support existing technologies such as Synon.

• 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.

• Exposure to Initial Program Loads (IPL) within an iSeries environment, including handling Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs), would be an advantage.

• Experience working with Halcyon, iTera HA (High Availability), and BRMS (Backup, Recovery & Media Services) would be considered an asset.

• Experience working in the retail industry would be a plus.

What we offer:

• A competitive compensation program, including base salary, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and a matching group retirement savings plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave to support your well-being and work-life balance.
• A generous Lee Valley employee discount.
• A supportive, family-oriented environment that encourages learning, growth, and long-term development.

Salary Range: $ 90,000- $105,000

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, colour, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and family status, or disability.

Our Approach to Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

We believe that hiring decisions should be grounded in human judgment, thoughtful evaluation, and meaningful dialogue.

At Lee Valley, we do not use artificial intelligence tools to screen, rank, or make automated decisions about candidates. All applications are reviewed by members of our hiring team, and selection decisions are made through human assessment and professional judgment.

We are committed to a fair, transparent, and equitable recruitment process where candidates are evaluated based on their experience, skills, and potential — not by automated systems.

Accommodation Requests

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

How to Apply:

Please visit our careers page at https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/careers

We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.