Release Manager

The role of the RDM Release Manager is to be accountable and coordinate cross-functional, multiple phase network implementations, engineering support and service delivery work.  They will coordinate tasks, gather and facilitate delivery requirements, manage communications and updates, escalate/ take escalations, track and manage synergies and dependencies supporting network implementation deliverables, and work closely with assigned Engineers, Program and Project Managers and other support/ service providers.  The RDM Release Manager focuses and forecasts the delivery track of multi-phase work against change and release calendar(s) and needs to fully understand the bank change processes.  The technology areas of concentration include Data Center/DMZ, B2B, VOR, Enterprise/ Corporate, Wealth Management and Branch/Financial Center End User networks and Building Networking solutions including Wireless LAN, Structured Cabling, Cable Systems and Pathways, Public and private transport systems, WAN, Optical systems and emerging technologies such as Switched-Ethernet, LTE, (etc.), SDWAN, Cloud and Virtualized services.  Knowledge in related technology areas such as Network Appliance, Video, Voice and Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, UC and Collaboration services is important. Key to this role is having a “better than general” understanding of networking technologies and functions including Operations, Architecture and Engineering, Product and Service Management, Business Services and Finance.  The RDM Release Manager must be mindful of how their role impacts the firm’s business and reputation.  Being mindful of concepts such as driving value, always delivering quality, keeping commitments, being on-time and under-budget, providing effective and detailed communications, managing time, developing and completing tasks efficiently is the key to success.  This role is part of a global solutions and service delivery organization that interfaces directly with internal and external customers/suppliers/providers, Architecture, Product Engineering, Design/Implementation engineering, Change, Service and Product Management, finance and business management, Operations teams and various levels of Senior Management.  Strong written, verbal and presentation skills are a must.  The candidate must be able to work on their own and successfully in team settings in various sizes and locations.  Adherence and use of standards, product sets, templates, systems and artifacts are important to the success of the engineer, the department and the firm at large.          

·       Strong Project and program management skills.

·       Manage multiple related and interdependent projects to collectively deliver a desired business outcome based on varying degrees of complexity.

·       Manage end-to-end network infrastructure delivery life-cycle including the collection and translation of business requirements to enable technical execution of network programs and projects.

·       Rigorously manage scope to ensure agreed/approved/appropriate value is delivered and commitments are achieved within time, cost, and quality parameters.

• Plan and coordinate project deliverables across multiple service providers in support of network infrastructure project requirements
• Develop and manage the network related tasks within the overall work plan
• Must have the ability to understand and translate business requirements into engineering and or implementation details. 
• Ability to manage Network technical/engineering/implementation resource tasks and service delivery.  This includes FTE/FTC/vendors and partners.
• The candidate must have excellent client interfacing skills, vendor/third-party resources, strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work with all levels of management. Candidate should have experience operating with colleagues across different time zones with a flexible approach to working hours (ability to work varied hours and weekends a must) to successfully interact and communicate on a global level if needed.
• Accountable to manage the “end to end” successful technical or solution delivery of assigned tasks partnering with Network engineering/implementation teams, program/project manager or directly with the requestor.
• Take direct accountability for the engineering resources and all assigned work tasks. 
•  Accountable for the STI/Release and Deployment tasks (prior to; up to, during and post the change window through Production Day-One). 
• Develop, track, report and manage engineering delivery tasks. 
• Anticipate and proactively resolve issues and conflicts within and between engineering delivery workflows and all other stakeholders.

• Provide regular and pro-active status to STI/Release and Deployment management.
• Anticipate issues and report them to STI/Release and Deployment management and escalate as needed or appropriate.

·       Responsible for communicating project status across delivery teams, senior leaders, and cross- functional stakeholders.

·       Work with the various program/project managers to establish release/impact/risk trackers and calendars for the work they are accountable for.  Work with other program/project managers and the engineering and delivery teams (i.e. field services) to understand internal/external and associated dependencies.   Reacts to them proactively and effectively.

• Report and monitor progress against the release calendar; communicate release details and schedules to the stakeholders as required.  Proactively manage conflict.
• Identify and/or challenge schedules that could create conflicts; evaluate all recommended changes and ensure implementation schedules do not interfere with business operations/other changes.
• Work with engineering/implementation to ensure that all the necessary documentation has been successfully completed for each implementation, release and/or task.

·       Ability to manage Network technical engineering resources tasks and service delivery.

·       Work with engineering/implementation to raise Request for Change (CRQ) for engineering specific changes.  Ensures appropriate change details are documented.

• Review change requests for completeness, from description, documentation, risk/impact, and post-implementation
• Participate in the change management board; conducts release readiness reviews as appropriate.
• Arrange and facilitate appropriate post-implementation review activities if/as needed
• Maintains 100% compliance to all firm-wide Change Management policies (pre, during and post change).
• Participate in incident and problem analysis for possible consequences of a change and its implementation

Soft skill characteristics of the ideal candidates include:

·       Leadership: be a self-starter, self-directed and shows initiative.

·       Focused on execution, delivery and commitment to dates.   Ability to work in a high paced environment.

·       Can manage risk; is a good decision maker.

·       Understands the big picture; can relate to the firm’s strategy and actions and how they support our business results.

·       Demonstrates ownership: Is accountable and influence/can hold others accountable (professionally).

·       Strong written and verbal communications skills.  Ability to communicate and influence upward as well as laterally.

·       Organized and detail oriented.

·       Have a strong technical acumen.

·       Ability to partner with others for the good of the initiative.

·       Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, finance or related field/technical training.  Must have strong analytical skills.

·       Minimum of 5 years’ experience required in Technical role supporting network project/programs.   

·       Industry Certifications in PMP, ITIL are strongly preferred, technical certifications such as CCNA are a plus. Experience with Change Management and CAB processes and procedures a must.

·       Strong background in IT service delivery role.

·       Financial services (Insurance, Banking, Investment banking), is a plus.

·       Ability to be nimble and flexible; prioritize workload, proactively react to issues and consistently react to shifting deadlines. 

·       Ability to create meaningful data that contributes to the Change Management and Service Delivery processes.