Assoc Manager IT Operations(IBM i (AS/400) COBOL)

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Programmer with extensive experience on IBM i (AS/400 / iSeries) systems, with a strong focus on COBOL development. The ideal candidate will play a key role in the integration, maintenance, and onboarding of existing and new customers as well as 3PL Distribution Centers (DCs) into our ERP platform OMNI.

This role requires deep technical expertise, strong understanding of EDI-driven processes, and close collaboration with business and project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

8+ years of experience

Design, develop, enhance, and maintain COBOL applications on IBM i (AS/400 / iSeries)

Integrate and support existing and new customers into the Mattel OMNI ERP system

Implement and maintain interfaces for 3PL Distribution Center (DC) and Logistics

Develop, support, and troubleshoot EDI integrations (inbound and outbound)

Ensure system stability, data integrity, and performance across ERP and EDI processes

Actively participate in weekly EDI functional meetings to align IT and business requirements

Attend daily EDI project status meetings with the EDI Project Lead to communicate priorities, progress, and risks

Collaborate closely with internal IT teams, EDI specialists, business users, and external partners

Analyze requirements, provide technical solutions, and support go-live and post-implementation phases

Document technical designs, interfaces, and operational procedures in SOP Documents

Required Skills & Experience

Long-term, hands-on experience with IBM i (AS/400 / iSeries) environments

Advanced expertise in COBOL programming

Strong experience with ERP system integration, ideally within logistics or supply chain environments

Proven experience integrating customers and 3PL DCs into enterprise systems

Solid understanding of EDI standards and processes (e.g., orders, shipments, invoices)

Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Strong analytical skills and a structured, solution-oriented mindset

High level of reliability and accountability. Strong communication and coordination skills. Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.

We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.

We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:

We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Videos to watch:

The Culture at Mattel

Corporate Philanthropy