IBM i Technical Consultant

An IBM i Technical Consultant at Fortra is responsible for planning, installing, implementing, and training on our Fortra Systems Management software solutions. This includes delivering complex software projects, guiding clients through best practices, creating testing plans, configuring software settings, and providing user training. The role also involves documenting issues, communicating with project stakeholders, and addressing escalations.

To become an IBM i Technical Consultant at Fortra, candidates should ideally have a four-year degree or equivalent experience. At least 2 years of IBM i Administration and High Availability experience is required, along with experience in implementing and supporting software products. Familiarity with Fortra’s Robot suite, MPG, CL programming, IBM i Save/Restore, IBM BRMS for i, and DB2 SQL is also highly desirable.

An IBM i Technical Consultant at Fortra should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and effective presentation skills. Being organized and capable of managing multiple tasks is essential. A confident attitude in dealing with complex organizations and the ability to build strong customer relationships will also benefit candidates in this role.

Yes, the IBM i Technical Consultant position at Fortra requires some travel, sometimes up to 25% or more. This travel typically involves visiting customer locations to ensure successful implementations and training sessions.

At Fortra, the work culture for IBM i Technical Consultants is characterized by collaboration, support, and empowerment. The company values diversity, resilience, and provides ample opportunities for personal and professional development. Employees enjoy competitive benefits and a supportive environment, making it a great place to grow your career.

I would start by thoroughly understanding the client's requirements and expectations. I'd collaborate with the Project Manager to outline a detailed project plan, setting clear milestones and timelines. Effective communication with the customer would be vital throughout the process to ensure all expectations are aligned, and I would conduct regular check-ins to keep the project on track.

During a previous implementation, I encountered a configuration conflict that hindered the deployment. I quickly analyzed the issue and coordinated with the development team to address the configuration setting. Implementing a workaround allowed us to proceed while developing a permanent fix, ensuring minimal disruption for the client.

I prioritize hands-on training and utilize various learning materials, such as step-by-step guides and video tutorials. I also encourage questions during sessions and provide follow-up support to reinforce learning, tailoring my approach based on the user's proficiency and comfort level with the software.

I use project management tools to prioritize tasks and track progress. By breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, I can focus on completing each step while keeping an eye on overall deadlines. Regular communication with team members also helps avoid bottlenecks.

Building trust is key, so I make a point of being responsive and reliable. I actively listen to customer needs, ensuring I address their concerns promptly. Consistent follow-up and providing added value through insights or resources help strengthen these relationships further.

I regularly attend industry conferences, participate in online forums, and pursue relevant certifications. Staying connected with peers and following tech news allows me to remain informed on trends and updates, which I can then leverage to benefit my clients.

Documentation is crucial for ensuring clarity and continuity in projects. I maintain comprehensive records of implementation processes, configurations, and known issues, which aids in training and acts as a reference for future projects. This practice also supports effective communication with stakeholders.

I have been working with Fortra’s Robot and MPG software for over two years. My experience includes setting up automation processes with Robot to optimize system performance and utilizing MPG for managing data efficiently. This hands-on experience allows me to provide insight and guidance to clients during implementations.

In my previous roles, I was actively involved in designing and implementing HA solutions to ensure minimal downtime. I conducted regular tests to enhance system performance and resilience, and I have hands-on experience managing HA environments daily.

When managing change requests, I assess the impact on the project timeline and resources. I maintain open communication with stakeholders, getting their input and ensuring everyone understands the potential implications of the changes. This collaborative approach helps in making informed decisions that benefit all parties involved.