ITSM Change and Release Manager

Position: Release Manager and ITSM Change

Location: Chicago, IL or Dallas, TX (Hybrid Model)

Job Type: 12+ Months Contract

Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced ITSM Change and Release Manager with a strong background in the banking or finance services sector. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the change and release management processes, ensuring that all changes to IT services are conducted in a controlled and efficient manner, minimizing risk and disruption to business operations.
Required Skills:

• Bachelor s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field; A master s degree is a plus.

• Minimum of 9+ years of experience in IT Service Management.
• At least 5+ years in a Change and Release Manager role, preferably within the banking or financial services sector.

• Strong knowledge of the ITIL framework and best practices.

• Familiarity with ITSM tools such as ServiceNow, JIRA, or similar platforms.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively
  collaborate with diverse teams.

• Certifications such as ITIL, Change Management (PROSCI), or Project Management
  A professional (PMP) is preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain change management policies and procedures in
  alignment with ITIL best practices.

• Review and assess change requests, ensuring alignment with business objectives and
  risk management protocols.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to schedule and facilitate change implementation,
  ensuring minimal disruption to services.

• Monitor change success rates and identify opportunities for process improvement.

• Plan, schedule, and manage releases, ensuring that all release processes are followed and
  documented.

• Collaborate with development, quality assurance, and operations teams to ensure that releases
  are delivered on time and meet quality standards.

• Conduct pre-release and post-release review sessions to gather feedback and assess
  the effectiveness of releases.

• Conduct risk assessments for proposed changes and develop mitigation strategies to minimize
  potential impacts.

• Maintain a change advisory board (CAB) to review and approve significant changes,
  ensuring stakeholder involvement and communication.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all change and release management
  activities, including change logs and release notes.

• Produce regular reports for senior management and stakeholders summarizing change and
  release metrics, compliance, and incident trends.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all change and release-related inquiries,
  maintaining clear communication with IT and business stakeholders.

• Facilitate training and awareness sessions on change and release management processes
  for relevant teams.

• Ensure that all change and release activities comply with regulatory requirements and internal
  policies within the banking and financial services industry.

• Stay informed about industry s best practices and regulatory changes that may impact the
  change and release management processes.