Chris Knowles
About Chris Knowles
Chris Knowles is an IBM z/OS Systems Programmer at Nationwide Building Society, where he has worked since 2017. He has held various roles within the organization and is actively involved in professional development and community engagement in IBM Z technology.
Work at Nationwide Building Society
Chris Knowles has been employed at Nationwide Building Society since 2011, holding various positions over the years. He currently serves as an IBM z/OS Systems Programmer, a role he has held since 2017. Prior to this, he worked as a Knowledge Specialist, Fraud Consultant, Management Information Analyst, Financial Crime Risk Consultant, Insights Analyst, Business Analyst, and Web Consultant. His extensive experience at Nationwide has allowed him to contribute to significant projects, including the migration of application servers and enhancements in SAP.
Education and Expertise
Chris Knowles has pursued various educational qualifications relevant to his field. He is currently studying at the Business Continuity Institute, where he achieved the Certificate of the Business Continuity Institute (CBCI) in 2019. Additionally, he has been studying at RSM, obtaining certifications in z/OS JCL and z/OS TSO/ISPF since 2018. He also holds a Diploma from the International Compliance Association, achieved in 2017. His foundational education includes A Levels in Ancient History, American History, English Language, Media Studies, and General Studies from New College Swindon.
Background
Chris Knowles has a diverse background in technology and business continuity. He began his career at Nationwide Building Society in customer service roles before transitioning to more technical positions. His involvement in various capacities has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of IBM z/OS systems and business continuity practices. He has also played a key role in significant migrations and enhancements within the organization.
Achievements
Chris Knowles has made notable contributions to Nationwide Building Society, particularly in the area of IBM Mainframe technology. He co-chairs the GSE IBM Z '102' Working Group, focusing on education and skill development in IBM Z technology. His involvement in the transfer of application servers from AIX to Linux on Z and participation in the Nationwide SAP-Proactive Enhancements programme highlight his technical expertise and commitment to advancing the organization's technological capabilities.
Professional Involvement
Chris Knowles actively engages with the wider professional community through participation in business partner events such as GSE and RSM. He collaborates with Mainframe experts and veterans, fostering knowledge exchange and professional development. His role as a qualified Business Continuity representative further emphasizes his commitment to ensuring effective incident response and disaster recovery within Nationwide.