Release Manager
Description
Overview:
You will own the Release Management lifecycle which includes scheduling, coordinating and the management of releases across the enterprise for multiple applications across various Workstreams. The releases can be inclusive of application updates, operating system patches, security improvements, Projects and Programs. Where necessary you’ll provide tools and services to help product management and project teams manage and deploy releases into production.
You will be responsible for implementing and managing release processes for code through development, test, and production environments. The Release Manager Job function works collaboratively with all participants in software development projects and is supportive of developers and testers as they set up their build dev/test environments.
This position also works with IT management to improve the software engineering processes and practices associated with continuously building, deploying, and updating software and environments.
Responsibilities
Implements the change management plan, following defined processes and appropriate procedures
Plans the deployment of the changes, a process that can vary immensely in scope and includes reviews at key interim milestones
Responsible for source and version control tools including their use, function, processes, and procedures
Confirmation that what is tested is migrated to production
Work on scope of the items that are to be controlled and deployed
Ensures that changes to the configuration management methods and processes are properly approved and communicated
Manages and communicates all changes that have upstream and downstream impact to appropriate stakeholders
Administering and effectively using tools for code deployments, version control, and automated testing.
Documenting and storing release artifacts, including, but not limited to, release notes, release features, release dependencies, resolved bugs, etc.
Continuously improving our release process by adopting new methods and tools to reduce cycle time, increase automation, and deliver more features, functionality, and bug fixes.
Providing feedback to admins and developers on release related work to ensure best practices.
Perform the release workflows and detailed steps to ensure on-time and effective delivery of high-quality releases
Create and maintain a process for documenting releases, bug-fixes, etc. for mixed audiences (stakeholders & technical team)
Communicate and plan for high-risk deployments including ensuring support team is ready to handle any issues
Define and manage change control processes for development and release readiness criteria and ensure all changes meet criteria prior to deployment
Assume ownership and continuous improvement of the release process by documenting release issues and developing plans to improve process or automation
Ensure the SFDC scheduled updates are considered when deployment schedule is planned
Review SFDC release notes to understand new features and communicate release progress/status to Stakeholders
Refresh planning - manage environment restoration processes to keep all environments healthy, coordinated and populated with environment specific data
Data-loading/seeding of sandbox environments to provide functional environments for development and testing
Forward Plan the release windows and cycles across a portfolio
Manage risks and resolves issues that affect release scope, schedule and quality
Measure and monitor progress to ensure application releases are delivered on time and within budget, and that they meet or exceed expectations
Coordinate release content and effort based on the service request backlog, pending service requests, third party applications, or operating system updates
Communicate all key project plans, commitments, and changes including requirements, QA plans, schedule, and scope changes
Manage relationships and coordinate work between different teams at different locations
Conduct Release Readiness reviews, Milestone Reviews, and Business Go/No-Go reviews
Produce Deployment, Run Books and Implementation Plans
Weekly Release Reporting
Communicate release details and schedules to the Business as required
Negotiate, plan and manage all release activities
Work with release engineers to understand impacts of branches and code merges
Maintains the release schedule for all core services and ensure alignment across key partners and vendors.
Continually work towards making improvements in the release process
Lead and co-ordinate the Go-Live activities including the execution of the deployment Plans and checklists.
Develops scripts and automation tools used to build, integrate, and deploy software releases to various platforms
Participate in CAB meetings to discuss release scope and/or roadblocks
Maintains a release repository and manages key information such as build and release procedures, dependencies, and notification lists
Researches new software development and configuration management methodologies and technologies and analyses their application to current configuration management needs
Qualification
Bachelor's degree (technical degree preferred)
2-6 years of previous release and/or project management experience, (Solid understanding of project management principles preferred)
8-10 years of experience in information systems operations environment in systems analysis or development
6+ years of experience implementing, configuring, and administering SaaS business systems release
Familiarity with Agile methodologies
Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, hardworking, and an effective team player with excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required, including experience meeting with, and presenting information to senior leadership
Proven ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving scenario
Proven ability to plan, schedule, and execute release windows and cycles across a variety of applications and teams.
Excellent communication skills to work with different teams for the release collaborations
Demonstrates the ability to lead system release life cycles for software implementation projects
Experience managing simultaneous projects with differing requirements
Possesses effective troubleshooting skills and the ability to creatively solve problems.
Displays strong work ethic and due diligence when completing tasks
Hands on testing, packaging, deployment and roll back functions for every deployment.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
Advanced knowledge of software development lifecycle
Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional work teams toward task completion
Demonstrated effective leadership and analytical skills
Good to have
Knowledge in Salesforce
Knowledge of Agile methodologies.
Knowledge of Application Lifecycle management tools like Jira, etc.
EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled