Manager, Technology Product Manager (Mainframe Middleware)

Technology Product Manager, Mainframe Middleware If you're passionate about being part of a dynamic organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to drive innovation and adopt new technologies that deliver business results, then Nationwide's Technology team could be the place for you! At Nationwide, "on your side" goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. This role will work a hybrid schedule coming into the Columbus, Ohio or Des Moines, Iowa office 2 days per week on Mondays & Wednesdays. Role Summary The Technology Product Manager, Mainframe Middleware, is responsible for the overall leadership, stability, and strategic direction of the organization's critical middleware systems and a wide range of independent software vendor applications and tools. This role manages daily operations, lifecycle management, modernization efforts, and ensures high availability, and compliance for critical Mainframe business applications. Key Responsibilities: Provide day-to-day management and oversight of the Mainframe middleware environments, ensuring platform stability, performance, and availability aligned with business SLAs. Manage, coach, and develop a team of Mainframe Middleware engineers. Establish performance goals, conduct regular performance reviews, and support career development and succession planning. Ensure appropriate on-call coverage and resource allocation to support 24x7 operations. Define and execute the middleware roadmap, including version upgrades, tooling enhancements, and integration with enterprise modernization initiatives. Collaborate with application development, infrastructure, and architecture teams to enable modernization patterns such as API enablement, service integration, and hybrid connectivity. Evaluate new technologies, vendor offerings, and best practices to optimize the Mainframe middleware ecosystem. Partner with cybersecurity and risk teams to remediate vulnerabilities and ensure secure middleware operations. Serve as the primary point of contact for business and IT stakeholders regarding middleware capabilities and issues. Communicate platform health, risks, and roadmap updates to leadership. Coordinate with procurement, finance, and vendors (e.g., IBM) for support, licensing, budgeting, and strategic alignment. Typical Skills and Experiences: Education: Undergraduate studies in computer science, management information systems or a related field is strongly preferred. License/Certification/Designation: Technology certifications or designation are not required, but encouraged (i.e.: AWS, Azure, scripting and development languages, delivery methods, security). Experience: Eight years knowledge of project management concepts and techniques. Experience leading multiple teams and assets across various technology platforms. Three years of management experience is preferred. Experience with concepts and solutions: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS and package solutions. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of project management concepts and techniques. Extensive knowledge of budgeting and financial analysis concepts and techniques. Ability to develop, implement and present application development strategies. Skills/Competencies: Ability to lead a staff. Strong analytical and decision-making skills, interpersonal savvy, sound verbal and written communication and negotiation skills, and well-developed leadership ability. Ability to perform financial and risk analysis. Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence. Staffing exceptions to the above to be approved by the hiring manager's leader and HR Business Partner. Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values. Job Conditions: Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt) Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Non-standard or extended work may be required based on project needs. Some travel may be required. Benefits We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here. Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law. Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.