KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of release management processes, methodologies, and best practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple releases with competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of ITIL processes and frameworks.

EDUCATION

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent post-secondary education) in computer science, information technology or a related discipline.
• Relevant industry certifications in software development, project management or release management.

Work Experience

• At least 10 years experience working in a software development or related IT role at a large organization with a complex technology environment.
• At least 3 years experience as a hands-on Release Manager involved with the successful delivery of complex software and system releases.
• Experience with Agile Release practices in cloud, and on premise systems deployment practices.
• Experience with both enterprise cloud platforms (preferably Microsoft Azure PaaS Resources) and complex on-premise technology environments.
• Experience with DevOps practices and software version control, build and deployment tools such as Azure DevOp Repos (Git, Team Foundation Version Control, Branching Strategies, Branch Management and Permissions), Artifacts (Package Managers), and Pipelines (YAML and Bicep, ARM Templates)
• Exposure to API Managers, and APIOps practices and processes

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Release Manager is responsible for managing the end-to-end software release process in a large, complex enterprise technology environment. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of software development and release management in complex cloud and on-premise technology environments. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in coordinating multiple teams and streams of activity to ensure seamless and successful releases.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Release Planning and Coordination

• Develop comprehensive release plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies for major software deployments, environment refreshes and hotfixes.
• Coordinate with project managers, development teams, QA teams, and Operations teams to ensure all release activities are aligned, understood and on schedule.
• Facilitate regular release planning meetings, maintain a release calendar and ensure all stakeholders are informed and understand release timing and target environments.
• Coordinate release deployment tasks and activities.

Process Management

• Implement and maintain standardized release management processes and tools to support enterprise scale CI/CD practices for the organization.
• Ensure all release processes are documented, well-understood, repeatable, and scalable.
• Continuously review and improve release processes to enhance efficiency and reliability.
• Ensure all releases comply with security and organizational standards and controls.
• Conduct post-release reviews to identify areas for improvement and ensure lessons learned are incorporated into future releases.

Communication and Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all release-related activities and communications.
• Facilitate communication between development, QA, operations, and business stakeholders to ensure smooth and coordinated releases.
• Provide regular updates to key stakeholders on release status, risks, and issues.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks and issues related to releases and develops mitigation strategies.
• Conduct impact assessments for changes, hotfixes and new releases to understand potential impacts on existing systems and processes.
• Ensure sound contingency plans are in place for critical releases.

Work Experience

• At least 10 years experience working in a software development or related IT role at a large organization with a complex technology environment.
• At least 3 years experience as a hands-on Release Manager involved with the successful delivery of complex software and system releases.
• Experience with Agile Release practices in cloud, and on premise systems deployment practices.
• Experience with both enterprise cloud platforms (preferably Microsoft Azure PaaS Resources) and complex on-premise technology environments.
• Experience with DevOps practices and software version control, build and deployment tools such as Azure DevOp Repos (Git, Team Foundation Version Control, Branching Strategies, Branch Management and Permissions), Artifacts (Package Managers), and Pipelines (YAML and Bicep, ARM Templates)
• Exposure to API Managers, and APIOps practices and processes.