COBOL Technical Lead Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital transformation, the demand for COBOL technical leads is steadily escalating.

As technology advances, the need for skilled individuals who can guide, develop, and safeguard our COBOL systems is significantly amplified.

But, let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a COBOL technical lead?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring candidate striving to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A recruitment manager crafting the portrait of an ideal COBOL technical lead,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of COBOL systems,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we bring you a flexible COBOL technical lead job description template, devised for effortless posting on job boards or career portals.

Let’s dive straight into it.

COBOL Technical Lead Duties and Responsibilities

COBOL Technical Leads manage and oversee COBOL development teams, utilizing their expertise in COBOL programming and project management to guide the development process and meet project requirements.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing the COBOL development team on various projects
• Developing and implementing COBOL software according to business requirements
• Ensuring timely delivery of projects without compromising on the quality and performance
• Designing, coding, testing, debugging, and documenting COBOL programs
• Performing code reviews and optimizing COBOL applications for maximum speed and scalability
• Identifying and fixing program errors, preparing detailed specifications, and troubleshooting software issues
• Maintaining the security and integrity of the application software
• Ensuring proper documentation of software design and coding
• Training and mentoring junior team members in COBOL programming
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest industry trends in COBOL development
• Providing technical expertise and recommendations in assessing new project strategies

 

COBOL Technical Lead Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a seasoned COBOL Technical Lead to drive design, development, and implementation of COBOL-based software solutions.

Your responsibilities will include analyzing user requirements, defining system functionality, and writing code in COBOL.

Familiarity with the software development life cycle (SDLC) and an ability to coordinate a team through all phases from system analysis to testing and deployment will be key to success in this role.

As a COBOL Technical Lead, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and fully performing software that adheres to coding standards and technical design.

 

Responsibilities

• Lead the full software development life cycle (SDLC)
• Create flowcharts, layouts, and documentation to identify requirements and solutions
• Write well-designed, testable code in COBOL
• Produce specifications and determine operational feasibility
• Integrate software components into a fully functional software system
• Develop software verification plans and quality assurance procedures
• Document and maintain software functionality
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems
• Deploy programs and evaluate user feedback
• Adhere to project plans and industry standards
• Ensure software is updated with the latest features

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a COBOL Technical Lead or COBOL developer
• Experience with mainframe programming and batch processing
• Excellent knowledge of relational databases, SQL and JCL
• Experience with test-driven development
• Proficiency in software engineering tools
• Ability to document requirements and specifications
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: COBOL Technical Lead
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Software Development Manager or Head of Technology.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $100,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a COBOL Technical Lead Do?

A COBOL Technical Lead typically works in a corporate IT setting, providing direction and guidance for a team of COBOL developers.

The lead is an expert in COBOL programming language and mainframe systems.

They are responsible for the design, coding, testing, debugging, and maintenance of COBOL-based applications and systems.

They work closely with other technical leads, developers, and business stakeholders to understand and analyze requirements, translate these requirements into technical specifications and lead the team in implementing these specifications.

A COBOL Technical Lead is also responsible for reviewing and optimizing COBOL code written by team members, ensuring that it meets the standards of quality and efficiency.

They may also be required to troubleshoot and fix complex issues that arise in COBOL applications.

In addition to technical responsibilities, a COBOL Technical Lead also has managerial duties such as planning and scheduling project timelines, assigning tasks to team members, providing training and mentoring to junior developers, and reporting on project progress to senior management.

Their goal is to ensure that the COBOL applications developed by their team meet the business needs, are delivered on time, and are of high quality.

 

COBOL Technical Lead Qualifications and Skills

A COBOL Technical Lead should possess a combination of technical skills, leadership qualities, and industry experience to effectively lead development teams and projects, including:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in COBOL programming language and understanding of its applications in various business scenarios.
• Strong leadership skills to effectively lead and mentor a team of developers, promoting a productive and harmonious work environment.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities to identify and rectify issues that may arise during the development, testing, and maintenance processes.
• Advanced analytical skills to understand project requirements and to design and implement solutions that align with business objectives.
• Exceptional communication skills to liaise with stakeholders, present complex information in a simple and understandable manner, and facilitate clear and effective communication within the team.
• Experience with database systems such as DB2 or SQL and proficiency in JCL and VSAM.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects concurrently, and meet strict deadlines, demonstrating superior time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of software development methodologies and familiarity with software development lifecycle (SDLC).

 

COBOL Technical Lead Experience Requirements

COBOL Technical Leads should typically have at least 5 to 7 years of professional experience in software development or IT-related roles, with a significant portion of this experience specifically in COBOL or related legacy systems.

During these years, they should have gained a deep understanding of COBOL programming and system analysis, and should have had exposure to different phases of the software development life cycle, including designing, coding, testing, and maintenance.

Prior experience in entry to mid-level roles such as COBOL Developer, Systems Analyst, or Software Developer is often expected.

This is where they would have developed and honed their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of business processes and requirements.

In addition to technical skills, potential COBOL Technical Leads should have experience in project management or team leadership.

Such experience could come from roles like Project Lead or Team Leader, where they would have had the opportunity to manage a team, assign tasks, monitor project progress, and coordinate with stakeholders.

Experience with other technologies and languages such as Java, DB2, or JCL can be an added advantage, as modern COBOL environments often integrate with these.

Moreover, some organizations may prefer candidates with experience in specific industries like finance or insurance, as COBOL is heavily used in these sectors.

Finally, an understanding of agile methodologies and experience in migrating COBOL systems to newer platforms can be beneficial for those looking to progress into a COBOL Technical Lead role.

 

COBOL Technical Lead Education and Training Requirements

A COBOL Technical Lead typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

They need a strong foundation in COBOL programming language, and they are often expected to have several years of experience in COBOL development and coding.

Knowledge in other programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python can also be beneficial.

For more complex roles, companies may require a master’s degree in computer science or a related field.

This advanced degree indicates a higher level of understanding of computer systems and programming languages, as well as the ability to lead projects and teams.

Additionally, certifications in COBOL or related technologies can be advantageous and could enhance career prospects.

COBOL Technical Leads are also expected to continuously update their skills and knowledge to keep up with the fast-paced changes in the technology industry.

Some employers may also require knowledge or experience in specific sectors, such as finance or insurance, where COBOL is commonly used.

 

COBOL Technical Lead Salary Expectations

The average salary for a COBOL Technical Lead is $110,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary greatly depending on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of the project or system they are overseeing, and the region or country in which they are employed.

 

COBOL Technical Lead Job Description FAQs

What skills does a COBOL Technical Lead need?

A COBOL Technical Lead should have a strong background in COBOL programming, mainframe technologies, and databases.

They should have experience in systems design, analysis, and debugging.

Strong leadership skills are crucial as they will be managing a team of developers.

They should also possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

 

Do COBOL Technical Leads need a degree?

Most COBOL Technical Leads will have a degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

However, some employers may consider candidates with significant work experience in lieu of a degree.

It’s also beneficial for a COBOL Technical Lead to have advanced training or certification in COBOL programming and mainframe technologies.

 

What should you look for in a COBOL Technical Lead resume?

When reviewing a COBOL Technical Lead resume, look for a strong background in COBOL programming and systems analysis.

They should have experience in mainframe technologies and databases.

Other valuable skills include project management and team leadership.

Look for demonstrated success in managing programming projects and leading teams of developers.

 

What qualities make a good COBOL Technical Lead?

A good COBOL Technical Lead possesses strong analytical skills and a knack for problem-solving.

They should be able to think critically and make decisions quickly, even in high-pressure situations.

Excellent leadership skills are crucial as they will be directing and mentoring a team of developers.

They should also be detail-oriented and have a strong understanding of COBOL programming and mainframe technologies.

 

What are the daily duties of a COBOL Technical Lead?

A COBOL Technical Lead typically starts their day by reviewing any updates or issues related to the projects they’re overseeing.

They often meet with their team to discuss the progress of current projects and provide guidance.

They spend a significant portion of their day coding and troubleshooting COBOL programs.

They also liaise with other departments or clients to ensure the software being developed meets the necessary requirements.

They end their day by updating project statuses and planning for the next day’s tasks.

 

Is it difficult to hire a COBOL Technical Lead?

Given the specific skill set required, finding a suitable COBOL Technical Lead can be challenging.

While COBOL is a legacy language, there is still a demand for experts who can maintain and upgrade existing systems.

Providing competitive compensation and opportunities for ongoing learning can help attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve just pulled back the curtain on the real intricacies of being a COBOL Technical Lead.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing legacy systems.

It’s about maintaining the backbone of our digital infrastructure, one COBOL command at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive COBOL Technical Lead job description template and insightful examples, you’re ready to step up to the plate.

But, why halt your momentum?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your passport to creating finely-tuned job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each COBOL command is a critical component of the greater digital framework.

Let’s uphold that framework. Together.

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