Release Manager

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My client who are based in Knutsford are looking for a release manager to do a 3 month contract with the potential to extend.

Release Management plays a vital role in managing the successful delivery of Change to the Bank whilst maintaining the stability and protection of Barclays' IT services. The role owner will take on responsibility for leading and managing the delivery of change through managing regular releases for stakeholders in the business and Infrastructure Services. They will work closely with BCS colleagues to deliver successful releases according to the relevant Release Process and Global Change Management Process. The role owner will be involved in the following areas:

* Utilising and developing skills in managing the successful delivery of Release through applying appropriate control, management and governance through the Change and Release Processes.

* Identifying and feeding back continuous improvements to the Release processes whilst maintaining the rigour and governance required ensuring protection and stability of Service.

* Responsible for ensuring only authorised versions of Configuration items (CI's) are released to stakeholders during formal testing and no unauthorised CIs are released without suitable documentation.

Key Accountabilities:

Release Management (50%)

* Lead, manage and own the delivery of Releases in line with the Release Management Processes.

* Planning, scheduling and scoping of regular releases according to business requirements and maintaining stability of infrastructure.

* Ensure adherence to the Release processes at all times.

* Maintain Release plans for each owned Release and manage all tasks to successful completion.

* Obtain sign off from the supply chain for all dates required to deliver each release

* Produce and maintain appropriate Release Acceptance Criteria with the input of all suppliers in the supply chain.

* Establish and maintain relationships with all of the required key stakeholders across all Client Clusters and with stakeholders within the supply chain.

* Ensure testing is completed for operational acceptance e.g. performance and that issues that may impact the release are fed into the Go/No Go decision.

* Manage the Go/No Go decisions and the underpinning Release Acceptance Criteria.

* Review Release scope and confirm readiness for implementation.

* Present to CABs to gain Change approval and obtain any additional approvals required.

* Understand and follow the Global Change Management Process for each release.

* Interface with others to share technical knowledge and expertise and resolution of issues.

Consultation and Stakeholder Management (40%)

* Proactively work with stakeholders in business clusters and also within BCS to ensure smooth implementation of applications according to business requirements and maintaining stability of infrastructure.

* Work with stakeholders to identify and address weaknesses in the Release process and feed this back to process reviews.

* Encourage forward planning in partnership with business areas to keep escalated requests to a minimum.

* Review and verify management information (MI).

Support the continuous development of the Release Management function and process (10%)

* Champion the use of Release Management technical standards, procedures and best practice within BCS.

* Champion the use of the Release Process towards ITIL alignment.

* Proactively identify opportunities for toolset and process training (e.g. new users; new projects etc.).

* Proactively solicit feedback on all aspects of the Release Process from stakeholders.

* Arrange and run feedback forums with process users and governance functions.

* Coach and develop the skills of other staff, supporting them in their development, to ensure the team is effectively positioned to meet demands.

* Support the work of members of the management team as appropriate.

* Support audit preparation and field work as necessary.

Person Specification:

Technical

* Can display End to End Release Management experience

* Experience with Incident, Problem and Change Management

* Experience of the ITIL Framework desirable / preferred (not essential)

* Experience with all stages of application migration

* Understanding of Packaging Technologies - MSI; App-V

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills which is transferable between business customers and technical colleagues

* A ' Team Player' who can be flexible when required

* Experience in working in the financial services industry although this is not fundamental

Stakeholder Management

* Proactively works with the towers to develop and suggest new and innovative ideas

* Work with stakeholders to identify and address weaknesses in the Application Delivery process, drive protection and stability of Service, deliver more Change through Release and reduce unplanned Change

* Review, produce, verify and act on management information (MI)

* Presents a positive, professional, constructive image to all customers and suppliers alike, including very senior stakeholders

* Understands the needs and challenges of stakeholders involved in projects, and can negotiate satisfactory resolution to complex issues surrounding creation and implementation of technology solutions

* Working with peer group in the business, can identify customer satisfaction gaps through regular communication

* Able to work with other Application Delivery leads to represent department to senior business stakeholders

* Knows what risk issues should be communicated, when, and to whom

* Able to lead presentation of solutions and options to the business, chair discussions and meetings, and construct clear document packs

It would be beneficial to be competent with one or more of the following technologies:

* Desktop & VDI

* Citrix

* IT Packaging & Software Deployments

LA International Computer Consultants Ltd is an HMG Approved Consultancy and operates as an IT & Engineering Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency, depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, we welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds. Award Winning LA International Computer Consultants Ltd (Recruiter Awards for Excellence - Best IT, Best Public Sector & Gold Awards) and the most prestigious award that any business can receive The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2015.