At Sun Life, you are encouraged and challenged to be your best self, working with dynamic colleagues and inspiring leaders. Every day brings new opportunities to make a difference for clients globally. This role is within the Mainframe Database Services team, part of the Data Management Services department.
The team's primary objective is to provide Db2 for z/OS and IMS database administration support for various Canadian and US applications. This position also offers the chance to work on infrastructure projects and other related technologies. Sun Life is seeking a motivated individual to contribute to providing high-quality database administration support, as clients rely on mainframe databases for several key applications, a dependency expected to continue into the future.
Key Responsibilities
You will provide application-level database administration and support for Db2 for z/OS and IMS databases, executing and managing Db2 utilities. This includes performing SQL tuning and optimisation to enhance application query performance, and supporting IMS application DBA tasks such as DBD (Database Descriptor) changes and modifications.
Further responsibilities involve maintaining and executing IMS utilities like Database Image Copy, Database Recovery, and Database Reorganisation. You will create new database objects or modify existing ones as requested by clients, ensuring databases are available as per service level agreements, and meet integrity and recoverability standards. Proactive and reactive monitoring will be essential to ensure database performance meets client demands, alongside managing database storage allocation, space management, and growth monitoring.
You will execute database refresh and cloning activities for non-production environments and recommend ways to improve processes, exploit new database features or related tools, and reduce costs. Assisting with proper capacity planning, security setup, and audit requirements is also part of the role, as is supporting data archiving, data masking, and test data creation. Involvement in database design and recommendations for logical to physical model implementations will be expected. You will support developers on database topics such as SQL-queries, IMS DLI calls, and tools usage, and participate in an on-call rotation for Db2 for z/OS database support. Additionally, you will assist clients with connectivity, permission, and access issues, collaborate with infrastructure teams on cross-functional tasks, and document database configurations, procedures, and best practices. Evaluating functionality and features of newer versions of IMS and Db2 DBMS as part of a readiness programme is also a key task.
What You'll Need to Succeed
A degree in Computer Science or a Technology degree or diploma is required. You should have five or more years of knowledge in IMS and/or Db2 for z/OS administration, performance, and security. Five or more years of experience with RACF or ACF2 and JCL skills are essential, along with strong experience with Db2 utilities and IMS utilities.
Proven experience with SQL query tuning and performance optimisation is expected, as is proficiency in IMS application DBA tasks, including DBD maintenance. Experience with peripheral tools and technologies such as IBM HP IMS utilities, Broadcom Db2 tools, File Aid, CA-7, ZEKE, and REXX is valued. Knowledge of Mainframe programming languages, MQ, and/or Db2 Connect is beneficial, with scripting experience in REXX or Python being highly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage high-pressure workloads, coupled with strong problem-solving and analytical skills, is important. Flexibility to handle multiple concurrent tasks and shifting priorities is also key. Preferred qualifications include experience with Optim data masking and data archive tools, familiarity with insurance industry applications, and experience with data warehouse environments or mainframe modernisation initiatives. Proficiency with zDevOps tools, including Zowe, IBM Db2 Admin Foundation, and Ansible, is also an asset, as is experience with database automation and scripting, and an understanding of ITIL or similar service management frameworks. Please note, as a condition of this role, the successful candidate must obtain a Government of Canada Reliability Status security clearance through Sun Life.
Why Join Sun Life
Sun Life offers a flexible hybrid work model, including in-country work-from-home options, providing choice and flexibility. You can participate in pension, stock, and savings programmes designed to build and enhance your future financial security. The company fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement, supporting your professional growth.
Diversity and inclusion are core values at Sun Life, benefiting clients, communities, and colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may email thebrightside@sunlife.com for assistance. The base pay range for this position is 65,000 to 105,000. In addition to base pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, with payments being discretionary and subject to individual and company performance.
