Mainframe Project – Program Lead, Switzerland (on-site) – International Client

Job role: Mainframe Project – Program Lead.

Minimum experience: 10 years.

Studies required: Bachelor.

Language: English (C1) (Mandatory).

Location: Switzerland (on-site).

DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking an experienced Program Lead with a strong Mainframe technical background to lead a large-scale software replacement initiative for a Business Unit in Switzerland. This role requires a senior delivery leader with over 15 years of experience managing complex transformation programmes within legacy IT environments.

The position is on-site in Switzerland (CH) and requires a proven ability to drive execution across cross-functional and geographically distributed teams, while coordinating multiple vendors and stakeholders. The Program Lead will own the end-to-end delivery lifecycle, including scoping, planning, requirements definition, testing, deployment, and service transition.

This role demands strong governance, financial oversight, and alignment with strategic objectives, ensuring delivery within scope, budget, and timeline. The ideal candidate combines technical depth in Mainframe systems with excellent leadership, communication, and program management capabilities.

Tasks:

· Lead and manage the full program delivery lifecycle, from initiation through to deployment and service transition.

· Define program scope, objectives, and delivery roadmap aligned with business strategy.

· Coordinate and oversee multi-vendor and cross-functional teams across different locations.

· Ensure delivery within agreed timelines, budget, and quality standards.

· Establish and maintain strong program governance frameworks.

· Monitor and report progress through status reports, KPIs, and RAID logs (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies).

· Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks, issues, and dependencias.

· Drive requirements definition, testing strategies, and deployment planning.

· Ensure effective stakeholder communication at all levels, including senior leadership.

· Manage financial performance and ensure cost control and budget adherence.

· Promote continuous improvement of delivery practices and processes.

· Ensure smooth service transition and achievement of measurable business outcomes.

Specific Expertise:

· Minimum 10+ years of experience (preferably 15+) in program/delivery leadership roles.

· Strong technical knowledge of Mainframe environments.

· Proven experience delivering large-scale transformation programs involving legacy systems.

· Demonstrated ability to manage complex IT landscapes and multiple suppliers.

· Expertise in project and program governance frameworks and reporting standards.

· Strong knowledge of software delivery lifecycle methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).

· Experience working in international and cross-functional environments.

· Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.

· Fluent in English (mandatory).

· Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

Language:

· English (C1).

Location:

· Switzerland (on-site).

Rate:

· 400-420€/day.