COBOL Experts in Dusseldorf
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Meet FRATCH Experts in Dusseldorf, who have recently used COBOL
Olaf K.
Last position:
CIO Advisor・IT Strategy・Tech/IT Due Diligence・Enterprise Architecture・IT Governance・AI Transformation・ex-BCG Platinion at Kiese IT
- -- ENGLISH Version (Deutsche Version unten) ---
Experience
- Ex-BCG Platinion: 14 years as Manager & Chief IT Architect, leading large-scale IT transformations in complex group structures
- 20+ years of C-level consulting across AI/IT strategy, enterprise architecture, IT organization, transformation, M&A due diligence, project recovery, and interim management
- IT leadership experience with cross-functional, intercultural teams of up to 100+ people
- Hands-on background in software engineering, IT architecture, and project management
- Fortune Europe 500 focus; numerous international projects; SME and start-up experience
Core services:
- IT strategy, enterprise architecture (EAM), target architectures and roadmaps
- PE/M&A/carve-out IT/tech due diligence, asset valuation, cost estimation
- GenAI transformation, process automation, and AI governance
- IT reorganization, target operating model (TOM), agile transformation
- IT governance, development and ITSM process optimization (BizDevOps, SAFe)
- Review and recovery of critical large-scale IT programs
- Planning and steering of transformation programs and IT project portfolios
- IT vendor and platform selection (RfI / RfP)
- Coaching & Interim management
Industries (selection): Insurance, financial services & banking, energy & utilities, telecommunications, retail & consumer goods, logistics, media, industry & engineering, healthcare, professional services
Projects (selection):
M&A Buy-side IT/Tech Due Diligence of an Acquisition in the Energy Sector (Utility, Smart Home) — AI-augmented with Anthropic Claude
AI Initiative for LLM-Based Optimisation and Automation of Sales and Billing Processes
Interim management Enterprise Architecture & group target architecture/roadmap development (METRO)
Reorganization: Design and introduction of agile IT target operating model at international wholesale group (METRO)
Design and implementation of agile BizDevOps target operating model (E.ON Grid Solutions)
Platform/vendor selection for renewal of core insurance solution of start-up (ELEMENT Insurance)
Establishment of project assurance capability and review/recovery of critical transformation projects (ERGO)
Enterprise architecture management and development of divisional/solution architectures (Deutsche Post DHL)
Strategic pricing architecture decisions in digital sales application landscape (E.ON Energie)
IT due diligence: Architecture evaluation and monetary valuation of IT assets (ProSiebenSAT.1 Media)
Interim management of group-wide security/compliance programme (ERGO)
Enabling an application landscape for different sales organizations and product structures (E.ON Energie)
Realignment of business/IT strategy and InsurTech platform selection (RfI, RfP) (nexible, ERGO Digital Ventures)
Stabilization/optimization of an agile/SAFe business/IT DevOps landscape transformation (Lufthansa AirPlus)
Process optimization and design/management of digitization and robotics introduction in power plants (RWE Nuclear)
BSS target architecture development for fixed/mobile networks convergence (Deutsche Telekom)
Optimization of IT organization model and methodology in application development and testing (Deutsche Telekom)
Evaluation of fulfillment of a general contractor agreement for run-off/migration of contract portfolios (ERGO)
-- DEUTSCHE Version (English version above) ---
Experience
- Ex-BCG Platinion: 14 years of strategy and implementation of large-scale IT transformations in complex corporate structures (Manager & Chief IT Architect)
- 20+ years of C-level-adjacent IT consulting: IT strategy, enterprise architecture, IT organization, transformation, due diligence, project recovery, and interim management
- IT leadership responsibility for cross-functional, intercultural teams of up to 100+ people
- Solid hands-on experience in software development, IT architecture, and project management
- Focus on Fortune Europe 500, numerous international projects; SME and start-up experience
Industries: insurance · financial services & banking · energy · telecommunications · retail & consumer goods · industry & engineering · logistics · media · healthcare
Services (focus areas):
- IT strategy, enterprise architecture (EAM), IT landscape target visions and roadmaps
- M&A/carve-out IT/tech due diligence, asset valuation, and cost estimation
- GenAI transformation, process automation, and AI governance
- IT reorganization, target operating model (TOM), agile transformation
- IT governance, development and ITSM processes (BizDevOps, SAFe)
- Review and recovery of critical large-scale IT projects
- Planning/steering of transformation programs and IT project portfolios
- IT service provider/platform selection (RfI, RfP)
- IT project management (agile, classic, hybrid)
- Coaching & interim management
Projects (selection):
- M&A buyer-side IT/tech due diligence of an acquisition in the energy sector (utility, smart home) — AI-augmented with Anthropic Claude
- AI initiative for LLM-supported optimization and automation of sales and billing processes
- Interim management of Enterprise Architecture and development of group target architecture in wholesale (METRO)
- Reorganization: design and introduction of an agile IT target operating model (TOM) at an international wholesale group (METRO)
- IT reorganization: introduction of an agile BizDevOps target operating model (TOM) at an energy group (E.ON Grid Solutions)
- Platform selection / vendor selection for renewal of the core insurance solution of a B2B2C start-up (ELEMENT Insurance)
- Process optimization, digitalization, and introduction of robotics in power plants (RWE Nuclear)
- Assessment of fulfillment of a general contractor agreement for run-off/migration of life insurance portfolios (ERGO)
- Business/IT strategy and InsurTech platform selection for a digital insurer/start-up (nexible, ERGO Digital Ventures)
- Enabling an energy application landscape for multiple sales units (E.ON Energie)
- Strategic architecture decisions in price management of a digital sales application landscape at an energy group (E.ON Energie)
- Stabilization/optimization of an agile DevOps IT transformation in business travel and payment management (Lufthansa AirPlus)
- Interim management in a group-wide security and compliance program of a global insurer (ERGO)
- Building project assurance capability as well as review and optimization/recovery of critical IT projects in an insurance group (ERGO)
- Building enterprise architecture management and development of domain and solution architectures for a logistics group (Deutsche Post DHL)
- M&A IT due diligence – evaluation and valuation of IT assets in the media sector (ProSiebenSAT.1 Media)
- Development of BSS target architecture and roadmap for fixed/mobile convergence (Deutsche Telekom)
- Optimization of IT governance/organization and methodology in application development and testing at a telecommunications group (Deutsche Telekom)
Andreas G.
Last position:
Senior Fullstack .NET (Core) & Angular Developer at IT Service Provider
- Supporting several agile teams in the new product development of an enterprise CRM and ERP application
- Web frontend development with Angular 17–21 (microfrontends, Domain-Driven Design, MDB-Bootstrap)
- Backend development with C# and .NET 7–10, MongoDB, MassTransit, RabbitMQ, Entity Framework Core, ElasticSearch (microservices, DDD)
- Technical feature design for assigned tasks
- Technical architecture design including forward-looking planning of AI-supported extension options
- Proof-of-concept implementation of AI-supported workflows with n8n and a locally hosted LLM (Ollama)
- Coordination with stakeholders and Product Owners, support with sprint planning
Result: Delivery of production-ready microservices and frontend modules in agile sprint cycles.
Environment: .NET 7–10 · Angular 17–21 · C# · TypeScript · OpenAPI · Microfrontends · DDD · Kubernetes · Docker · Helm · MS SQL Server · PostgreSQL · MongoDB · MassTransit · RabbitMQ · EF Core · ElasticSearch · Kibana · Azure DevOps · KeyCloak · n8n · Ollama
Alois G.
Last position:
Bank DZ Privatbank S.A.
- Various programming tasks as specified
- Work carried out from home office, meetings/tasks via email, phone and Microsoft Teams
- Version control via GIT
- Implementation with RDI, FreeSQL SQL
- Extension of automatic test environment creation as specified - adding automatic transfer of existing iSeries users and preparation as well as anonymization of test data
- Creation of trigger and service programs in SQLRPGLE, FreeRPG, ILE RPG and CLLE
- Development and implementation of the CallKredite project including additional extensions for other departments
- Conversion of RPG to Free-RPG and SQL as well as extension of existing modules as specified
- Migration to a new banking release
- Support for specialist segment / OIV
Jürgen S.
Last position:
IT Consultant / Analyst / Developer / Tester / Support at Automotive Manufacturer
- Analysis, software development/customization, and testing of various transaction and batch objects
- Conducting functional integration and regression tests on TEST and QA platforms under z/OS for later production implementation
- Hardware / Software / Tools: IBM MVS, z/OS, JES2/3, TSO-ISPF, JCL, DB2, SQL, SQL/PL, QMF, QMF for Workstations, SPUFI, FileAid, IMS-DB/DC, MFS, XPEDITER, COBOL, REXX, Windows 10, MS Office 365, MS Teams, batch job management via OPC, BETA92, RVS, BVB, ABL, DIALOGplus, PROBA, PRODPR (VW internal systems), JIRA, CONFLUENCE
Esmail S.
Last position:
Senior Load and Performance Tester at Deutsche Bahn (DB-Netz)
- Design, development, and execution of load and performance tests for the PRISMA project
- Use of Apache Jmeter, Gatling, Apache ActiveMQ, Jms/Tibco Ems, SikuliX, Jython, Amazon AWS, PAN-Client
- Methods: load tests, test automation
Dalia C.
Last position:
Oracle Developer at Freelance
- Design and implementation of an OCI-based data warehouse and ETL system to replace legacy mainframe applications
- Developed a database optimization strategy and planned the rapid conversion of JCL and COBOL routines to PL/SQL using AI
- Developed an Oracle Apex-based app for internal administrative processes in the public sector (office equipment, staff training)
- Implemented PL/SQL workflows for approval processes and created a responsive mobile version with JavaScript and CSS
- Used Azure DevOps for backlog management and documentation, and Git for version control
- Developed REST interfaces to CRM systems
- Replaced and reprogrammed Oracle Forms screens with Oracle Apex and updated to the latest Apex versions
- Designed a Git branching strategy and conducted code reviews
- Maintained and further developed an EDI-based data exchange system based on Oracle Advanced Queuing for the public sector in Austria
- Performed data analysis and created charts in the Oracle Apex frontend; installed standalone ORDS and Apex 23.1
- Worked agile using the Spotify model; developed complex Apex pages with support from Oracle JET
- Rebuilt and customized existing PL/SQL packages, created workarounds for database version differences, and optimized queries
- Developed Apex applications for broker pools to manage and optimize Oracle databases in the banking environment, including SSO-based authorization systems with OAuth2 and Keycloak
- Built extensive Oracle Apex applications for BI and data mining modernization projects and developed manual and automated projection methods in the frontend
- Carried out data warehousing projects in the banking sector and used Scrum and Kanban in team projects
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using COBOL
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
36 years (Germany: 31 years)
Position duration
2.8 years (Germany: 3.2 years)
Positions per freelancer
18 (Germany: 19)
Top business areas
Information Technology, Product Development, Business Intelligence
Top industries
Information Technology, Banking and Finance, Transportation
Certification focus areas
Business Intelligence, Information Technology, Quality Assurance
Bachelor's degree or higher
75% (Germany: 78%)
Master's degree or higher
75% (Germany: 49%)
Doctorate
25% (Germany: 7%)
Certifications per freelancer
1 (Germany: 3)
Most common languages
German, English, Spanish
Speak two or more languages
83% (Germany: 95%)
Based on our profile pool as of 19 Sep 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this technology in Dusseldorf are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range.
Average rates of experts in Dusseldorf using COBOL
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 19 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
COBOL experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Information Technology (100%)
- Banking and Finance (83%)
- Transportation (83%)
- Retail (83%)
- Government and Administration (67%)
- Telecommunication (67%)
- Automotive (50%)
- Energy (50%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
What COBOL does
COBOL is still the backbone of many business systems that process transactions, invoices, payroll, and account records. Strong specialists work on batch programs, online transaction flows, and the rules that keep older systems reliable.
Where it fits
- Mainframe applications in banking and insurance
- Batch processing for finance, billing, and reporting
- Legacy integration with APIs and newer services
- Data handling on z/OS and related environments
Skills that matter
A strong COBOL professional understands file layouts, copybooks, JCL, SQL, and debugging in mainframe toolchains. Many also know CICS, DB2, VSAM, and how to trace issues across programs that were built over many years.
When to bring help
Companies usually bring in freelance COBOL expertise when a system needs urgent fixes, careful refactoring, or a controlled migration. It also helps when internal teams know the business logic but need outside support for testing, documentation, or release work.
Good signs of quality
- Clear understanding of business rules hidden in old code
- Careful changes that avoid breaking batch runs
- Strong testing habits and readable documentation
- Experience with production incidents and recovery
Dusseldorf hiring
In Dusseldorf, COBOL work often touches finance, insurance, logistics, and enterprise back offices. Companies may want on-site support for sensitive systems or remote specialists for analysis, code cleanup, and modernization planning.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about COBOL? Start with the answers below.
COBOL is used for business systems that need stable transaction handling, especially in banking, insurance, payroll, and government-style back offices. It is common in batch processing, reporting, and applications that move high volumes of records with strict rules.
COBOL is often part of mainframe work, but it is not the same thing. A project may also involve JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, and mainframe operations, so the best specialist understands the wider environment, not just the language syntax.
COBOL usually remains the source of record for long-lived business logic, while Java or C# are often introduced around it for new services and interfaces. A good modernization plan keeps the existing rules intact and changes the surrounding architecture in small, controlled steps.
A strong COBOL specialist often also knows JCL, SQL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, and basic mainframe debugging. For migration or integration work, it helps if they understand REST APIs, data mapping, and test case design as well.
COBOL projects usually need more than general programming ability, because the business rules are often old and tightly coupled to production processes. Even a small change can affect batch schedules or downstream reports, so look for someone who has worked on live enterprise systems, not just training examples.
Yes, much of the COBOL analysis, coding, and testing work can be done remotely if secure access is in place. In Dusseldorf, some companies still prefer on-site time for sensitive systems, workshops, or handover sessions with business and operations teams.
COBOL is the language, while Enterprise COBOL and GnuCOBOL are common implementations or toolchains around it. Enterprise COBOL is often linked to IBM mainframe environments, while GnuCOBOL is used in other runtime setups and modernization efforts.
A strong COBOL freelancer explains old code in business terms, not just technical terms. Look for careful testing, clear documentation, comfort with production constraints, and examples of fixing real systems without causing avoidable risk.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects is 90 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 722 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects, 75% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 75% hold at least a Master's degree, and 25% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects have 36 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.8 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects are German (100%), English (83%), and Spanish (17%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Banking and Finance (83%), and Transportation (83%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Product Development (83%), and Business Intelligence (67%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used COBOL
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
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