JCL Experts in Germany
for reliable mainframe workloads, matched in minutes with vetted professionalsHire experts who manage z/OS batch processing, JES2 or JES3 workflows, and IBM mainframe migrations with precision. FRATCH connects you with vetted, available freelancers whose JCL experience fits your systems and delivery goals.
Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used JCL
Robert K.
Last position:
Interim Manager | Group Manager in the IT Operations & Digitalization division „Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS) at Landwirtschaftliche RentenBank
- Functional management and further development of a team of 28 IT employees (internal & external) in the areas of HelpDesk / HelpLine, RHEL (Red Hat), MUREX (trading system & applications), SAP basic operations
- Management of external service providers (including FI-TS for SAP basic operations)
- Personnel, resource and budget planning for the IT department and projects
- Introduction and establishment of regular communication formats (regular meetings, team and cross-departmental meetings)
- Ensuring application operations in a hybrid environment (Windows / Linux with database and web/application servers)
- Support for transformation projects to modernize the application landscape (e.g. DevOps approaches)
- Building and introducing digital IT procurement for hardware & software (e.g. with DELL)
- Development and management of the „IT Operations DOS" department based on the company strategy
- Preparation of management reports & decision papers on IT projects, optimization potential and automation opportunities
- Representing the department in Rentenbank committees and ensuring regulatory compliance (BaFin §44, DSGVO, BSI, MaRisk)
Hans-Dieter G.
Last position:
Training as an AI Expert
I continuously expand my expertise in AI and automation. I work with ChatGPT, OpenAI, Manus, Gemini, MS CoPilot, APIs, LangChain, Hugging Face, Manus, TensorFlow, and Auto-GPT, as well as Python-based ML frameworks and MLOps tools, to intelligently transform traditional software development, analysis, and testing processes.
Christian K.
Last position:
Service Catalog Manager at Deloitte Team
- Worked in the IT infrastructure of the Deloitte team.
- Planned assignment as Service Catalog Manager at an insurance company in Hannover.
Jürgen S.
Last position:
IT – Consultant / Analyst / Developer / Tester / Support at Automotive manufacturer
- Analysis, software development/adaptation and testing of various transaction and batch objects
- Execution of specialist integration and regression tests on TEST and QA platforms under z/OS for subsequent implementation in production
- Hardware / software / tools: IBM-MVS, z/OS, JES2/3, TSO-ISPF, JCL, DB2, SQL, SQL/PL, QMF, QMF for Work-Stations, 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
Alex V.
Last position:
CTO, Co-Founder, Cryptography(incl. Post-Quantum Cryptography) and AI Security Expertise at AISLEIPNIR
- Integration of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms into high level protocols.
- Security of implementations of Post-Quantum Cryptography algorithms.
- Transition to Post-Quantum public key infrastructures.
- Security evaluations of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) primitives.
- Drone Cybersecurity
- Satellite Cybersecurity
- AI Security
Hartmut U.
Last position:
Freelancer at Freelancer
Projects at Raiffeisen Software Group (RSG), Linz from 2022-01-01 to 2025-03-31: application development on mainframe with PL/1, DB2, JCL, Tabex; development environment with idz, Jira, Dimensions, Confluence; execution of projects in banking reporting (own funds, capital requirements, large exposures, leverage ratio)
Project at Airbus, Hamburg from 2020-01-01 to 2022-12-31: mainframe system enhancements (TAKSY) in agile environment (Scrum, SAFe); business analysis; technical design; implementation (PL/1, DB2, IMS, JCL); test management; deployment
Christian W.
Last position:
Technical Senior Tester and Test Manager at Christian Wegener Beratung
Creation and review of test conditions
Execution of functional tests
Defect management
Supplier management
Team coordination
Estimation of test effort and reporting
Test planning
Further development and new development of integrated schedule systems
Java web client/Linux server, Oracle Instantclient/Oracle Database Appliance Server, Unix, ESB – Enterprise Service Bus, SQL, TIBCO EMS – Enterprise Message Service/JMS, REST, Impero Guest
HP ALM / Micro Focus Quality Center, Citrix, JIRA, XRAY, Impero Guest, MobaXTerm, Confluence, Sharepoint, MS-Teams, MS-Office
Alex O.
Last position:
Contractor at Telefonica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
- Data-analysis, Preparation, gathering and coordination of business requirements for retrieval of monthly- and long term (CLV – relevant) cost- and revenue-components per contract for a customer–base–grouping project (HUB–Project) for B2C-Postpaid-Controlling
- Concept and Implementation of cost- and revenue-KPIs calculation and corresponding CLV–reports (Oracle, Perl, SVN, MS SQL Server, MS Power BI, Serviceware Performance Analytics)
- Operational support of the HUB-Project – various ad-hoc reports, deployments, job-scheduling etc. (Oracle, SVN, BICSuite–Scheduler, DWSODA etc.)
- Analysis, implementation, retrieval and reporting of various physical and financial KPIs for B2P-Prepaid Business on an existing data-mart (Oracle, Perl)
Jörg S.
Last position:
Software Developer at Commerzbank
- Created interface programs between mainframe and distributed online screens
- Modified and created batch programs for daily data processing
- Provided advice on program setup, database structures, and programming tools
- Performed error analysis for the overall project
- System: OS/390, ISPF, TSO, IMS DB, IMS Connect, COBOL, DB2, SQL, SPUFI, IBM debug tool, Confluence, Jira, Eclipse, Rational Developer for Z Systems (RDZ)
Benedikt T.
Last position:
Actuarial Analyst at Standard Life
- Preparation of implementation concepts based on predefined technical business plans and actuarial requirements
- Testing of changes made to the policy administration system
- Carrying out individual actuarial calculations
- Carrying out portfolio and system corrections
Dalia C.
Last position:
Oracle Developer at Freelance
- Design and implementation of an OCI-based DWH and ETL system to replace legacy mainframe applications
- Development of a database optimization strategy and planning the rapid conversion of JCL and COBOL routines to PL/SQL with the help of AI
- Development of an Oracle Apex-based app for internal administrative processes in the public sector (office equipment, employee training)
- Implementation of PL/SQL workflows for approval processes and creation of a responsive mobile version with JavaScript and CSS
- Use of Azure DevOps for backlog and documentation, as well as Git for version control
- Development of REST interfaces for CRM systems
- Replacement and reprogramming of Oracle Forms screens with Oracle Apex and upgrading to the latest Apex versions
- Design of a Git branching strategy and conducting code reviews
- Maintenance and further development of an EDI-based data exchange system based on Oracle Advanced Queuing for the public sector in Austria
- Data analysis and creation of charts in the Oracle Apex frontend; installation of standalone ORDS and Apex 23.1
- Agile working according to the Spotify Model; development of complex Apex screens with the support of Oracle JET
- New development and customization of existing PL/SQL packages, workarounds for database version differences and query optimization
- Development of Apex applications for broker pools to manage and optimize Oracle databases in the banking sector, including SSO-based authorization systems with OAuth2 and Keycloak
- Development of extensive Oracle Apex applications for BI and data mining modernization projects, as well as development of manual and automated projection methods in the frontend
- Implementation of data warehousing projects in the banking sector and use of Scrum and Kanban in team-oriented projects
Ulm P.
Last position:
DataStage ETL Expert at ING Bank
- Datastage 11.7, dbt, Oracle 19, Python 3.12 / PySpark 3.5, Azure GitHub, Azure DevOps, Automic
- Development of migration jobs to transfer data from the collection DWH to the new Risk Mart, as well as development of ETL pipelines to migrate historical data from the old Mart to the new Risk Mart.
- Storage of the silver layer on Hadoop and the gold layer in Oracle.
- Translation of DataStage jobs into dbt to publish reporting data in Google Cloud to a PostgreSQL database.
- Creation and optimization of complex SQL queries for data extraction from a data vault, taking into account historical data in the point-in-time tables.
- Creation of Oracle table definitions (DDL) and adjustment of existing stored procedures.
- Versioning changes in GitHub and deployment via the CI/CD portal.
- Refactoring long-running DataStage jobs into Python using PySpark to reduce server load.
- Migration of SAS scripts to PL/SQL, including new development of distribution functions that have no direct equivalent in Oracle.
- Development of Automic jobs to run DataStage pipelines and Python scripts (PySpark jobs) that control the population of the SME and institutional risk tables in the Risk Mart and perform business calculations.
- Participation in the agile process, including creating user stories, estimations, and planning in Azure DevOps.
- Handling Azure DevOps tickets and close collaboration with testers and business teams for error analysis and resolution.
Sebastian H.
Last position:
Overall Project Manager; Turnaround Manager & Coach at Statutory Health Insurance Fund
- Taking over the troubled project from the internal project management and successful turnaround of project phase 1 (cutover of approx. 1000 servers (VMs)/standard desktops, specialized desktops)
- Responsible project management for the successful phase 1 transition (planning in the shortest possible time followed by implementation (very successful with low ticket volume))
- Stakeholder management – taking over direct (daily before cutover) communication with the client from the Chief Operation Manager in the format of regular meetings in taskforce mode. Rapid rebuilding of the previously lost trust base and restoration of the client relationship for optimal satisfaction
- Taskforce mode to eliminate all existing issues/showstoppers before cutover
- Scope clarification, setup, and scheduling of phase 2 activities (e.g. silo/admin servers)
- Kick-off of phase 2 / handing the project back to the success line for the internal project management/line to handle the remaining defined topics
- Establishing, preparing, and conducting steering committees with V-1 management to align the guardrails
- Moderation of various regular meetings and operational workshops
- Participation in the lessons learned with the client to address dissatisfaction related to the internal project management (before my start! They are extremely satisfied with my work)
- Tools: Atlassian Suite (Confluence/JIRA), MIRO, Sharepoint; MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, MS Project)
Georg D.
Last position:
Senior Project Manager at Apleona GmbH
- Project review, restructuring and PM for the migration of a total of 12,000 Windows workstation systems (650 applications) from SCCM or Empirum/Matrix42 to MS-Intune following a merger.
- Took over a significantly delayed and poorly managed project in the role of “firefighter”.
- Completely revised and adjusted/updated the planning of the customer and the service provider involved.
- Introduced planning baselining and the recording/mitigation of current risks.
- Introduced an efficient, partly automated planning/reporting interface between MS-Project Planning (service provider) and Jira (customer).
- Restructured meetings to increase efficiency and eliminate redundant appointments.
- Completed the analysis and design phase and prepared basic data for migrations from the heterogeneous systems of the two merged companies.
- Started the User Acceptance Test (UAT).
- Technologies: MS Autopilot, Zero Touch.
Thorsten O.
Last position:
Workstream Lead (WS) at Bank-Verlag GmbH
- Introduction of giro card with Visa Debit card payment function (Combocard) for Commerzbank
- Support for the Card Processing Team (card processing; Clearing & Settlement incl. Dispute Management teams) in project work
- Creation of requirements for the Clearing & Settlement team, Authorization team (AZ) and Card Production team (KP) as part of a requirements catalog
- Requirements engineering (requirements management) with business contact person
- Participation in workstream meetings between VISA Inc., SRC Security Research & Consulting GmbH, Commerzbank AG and consulting firms (PwC and Senacor Technologies AG)
- Sprint planning with Jira tickets of type Task and use of Confluence
- Creation and presentation of weekly status reports for the Clearing & Settlement, Dispute Management and Reporting & GUI workstreams
- Coordination with network and file transfer teams for connection tests of new interfaces, e.g. setup of host keys, use of VPN or sipnet connections
- Coordination of the delivery of test files, e.g. exchange rates (FX rates; TC 56 of VISA rates), VISA Debit and Credit transactions (format Base II) and EANSS/ISS Base II clearing files to the Debit Clearing System (DCS)
- Conducting coordination meetings on the use of Visanet Settlement Service (VSS) and PSD2 reports and payment traffic statistics (ZVS)
- Organizing workshops with FiServ (First Data) on Dispute Management and complaint handling
- Setup and maintenance of Open Point List (OPL) in Confluence
- Technologies/methods: Jira, Confluence, giro card, VISA Debit card, payments, Kanban board, BIN, routing, CIQ, VPAY, ScalaTest, Dispute Management
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using JCL
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
36 years
Position duration
2.6 years
Positions per freelancer
19
Top business areas
Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence
Top industries
Banking and Finance, Information Technology, Insurance
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Project Management
Bachelor's degree or higher
61%
Master's degree or higher
35%
Doctorate
13%
Certifications per freelancer
3
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
88%
Based on our profile pool as of 29 Oct 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts in this technology in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.
Average rates of experts in Germany using JCL
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 29 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
JCL experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Banking and Finance (85%)
- Information Technology (85%)
- Insurance (70%)
- Manufacturing (52%)
- Automotive (39%)
- Government and Administration (39%)
- Professional Services (36%)
- Healthcare (30%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
Mainframe Job Control
JCL, short for Job Control Language, defines how batch jobs run on IBM mainframes. It tells z/OS which programs to execute, which data sets to use, and how input and output should be handled. JCL is declarative: it describes the job structure while the operating system and utilities perform the work.
Core Components
A JCL stream is built from JOB, EXEC, and DD statements. JOB identifies the submission and accounting context, EXEC calls a program or procedure, and DD connects logical files to data sets, devices, or temporary storage. Strong practice also covers symbolic parameters, condition codes, cataloged procedures, and restart behavior.
Ecosystem And Tools
JCL work sits within the IBM z/OS ecosystem and commonly touches JES2 or JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, RACF, and IBM utilities such as IEBGENER, SORT, and IDCAMS. Specialists may also use schedulers, source control, automated testing, and deployment tooling around the mainframe estate.
- Create and maintain batch job streams
- Configure data set allocation, disposition, and retention
- Diagnose abends, return codes, and scheduler dependencies
- Refactor procedures for safer, repeatable execution
Typical Workloads
Companies use JCL for high-volume, repeatable processing in banking, insurance, logistics, retail, manufacturing, and the public sector. Common workloads include payments, claims, billing, reporting, data conversion, reconciliation, and nightly file exchanges. In Germany, these systems often support established enterprise operations that cannot be interrupted during modernization.
When Specialists Help
Freelance expertise is useful during z/OS upgrades, application releases, data migrations, batch performance work, and recovery planning. It also helps when documentation is incomplete or a small group carries critical operational knowledge. Remote collaboration works well for code review, incident analysis, and release preparation; on-site access may be needed for controlled environments or workshops.
Quality Signals
Strong JCL professionals understand both syntax and the business process behind each job. They trace dependencies across schedulers, programs, data sets, and return codes instead of treating isolated statements as the whole problem. Look for clear restart and rollback plans, careful handling of sensitive data, readable procedures, useful logs, and tested changes that fit existing z/OS controls.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure where to start with JCL? These answers cover the essentials.
JCL is used to define and run batch jobs on IBM z/OS mainframes. It specifies programs, data sets, execution order, resource needs, and handling for normal or abnormal completion. Companies rely on it for repeatable processing such as billing, settlement, reporting, and data exchange.
Job Control Language is designed for z/OS batch execution and integrates directly with JES, mainframe data sets, procedures, and return codes. Shell scripts and modern workflow tools may offer broader scripting or orchestration features, but they do not replace JCL where core processing depends on IBM mainframe services. The right choice depends on the platform boundary and migration plan.
A strong JCL specialist often works with COBOL, PL/I, DB2, CICS, IMS, VSAM, and IBM utilities. Knowledge of JES2 or JES3, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, scheduling products, RACF, and change management is also valuable. These skills help connect a job stream to the applications and controls around it.
The required depth depends on the risk and scope of the work. A small job change may need focused knowledge of procedures, data sets, and return codes, while a migration or production redesign calls for broad z/OS experience and strong recovery planning. Ask candidates to explain comparable batch flows and the safeguards they used.
z/OS JCL work can often be completed remotely when secure access, logs, test environments, and clear release processes are available. On-site collaboration may still matter for restricted systems, operational handovers, or workshops with business and infrastructure teams in Germany. Agree on access controls, communication routines, and support coverage before work begins.
A capable JCL professional starts with the job log, step completion codes, messages, and allocation details. They check data set names, permissions, procedure parameters, utility output, scheduler dependencies, and the program's own diagnostics. The fix should address the cause while preserving restartability and preventing a similar failure.
Maintainable IBM mainframe JCL uses clear naming, consistent formatting, meaningful symbolic parameters, and well-structured procedures. It documents dependencies, data set disposition, expected return codes, and restart steps without hiding important behavior in unexplained overrides. Small, testable changes are easier to review and safer to release.
JCL expertise is especially valuable when batch workloads are being moved, automated, wrapped with APIs, or connected to cloud services. A specialist can identify hidden data set dependencies, scheduler assumptions, encoding issues, and recovery requirements before they cause production problems. This knowledge helps teams modernize gradually without losing reliable mainframe processing.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used JCL in their recent projects is 97 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 777 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used JCL in their recent projects, 61% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 35% hold at least a Master's degree, and 13% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Germany who have used JCL in their recent projects have 36 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.6 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used JCL in their recent projects are German (100%), English (88%), and French (21%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used JCL in their recent projects are Banking and Finance (85%), Information Technology (85%), and Insurance (70%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used JCL in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Quality Assurance (85%), and Business Intelligence (64%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used JCL
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.
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a free demo
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FRATCH CEO
