Delivery & Release Management Lead

Rev & Regs are recruiting for a Delivery & Release Management Lead for a large multinational Financial Services company.

The Delivery & Release Management Lead will be responsible for managing the end-to-end delivery of product software and IT solutions, ensuring that all projects are executed successfully and aligned with business objectives. The role also manages the release management process, ensuring that software releases are planned, tested, and deployed efficiently and with minimal disruption to business operations.

Responsibilities:

• Portfolio Planning & Strategy: Lead the portfolio planning process by working closely with business stakeholders and IT leadership to ensure that projects and initiatives align with business objectives and strategic goals.
• Resource and Capacity Management: Manage resources and capacity across the portfolio, ensuring that projects are appropriately staffed, and timelines are realistic. Make sure resources are optimally allocated across multiple projects and initiatives.
• Release Planning: Oversee the release planning process, ensuring that all application releases (new features, bug fixes, patches, and system upgrades) are scheduled, communicated, and coordinated across the organization.
• Release Coordination: Manage the end-to-end release cycle, including the preparation, testing, deployment, and post-release support for software updates and new releases.
• Deployment Automation & Best Practices: Advocate for the use of automation in deployment processes (e.g. DevOps, CI/CD) to reduce time to market and minimize human error.
• Change Management: Ensure that release management processes adhere to organizational change management policies, including proper documentation, risk assessments, and rollback plans.
• End-User Support: Work with support teams to ensure that end-users have the necessary training and documentation for new releases. Ensure that post-release support is adequately planned.
• Toolset Management: Manage and optimize the tools used for portfolio management (e.g., Jira, MS Project), release management (e.g., GitLab), and change management (e.g., AutoTask, ServiceNow). Ensure these tools are effectively integrated and utilized.

Experience:

• Significant experience, ideally within the funds industry (preferred) and broader financial services industry, in highly regulated environments.
• Significant experience in IT project management, release management, or a similar role, with proven ability to deliver projects on time, within scope, and within budget using methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall.
• Experience leading enterprise-wide programmes or portfolios, preferably in large, complex organisation.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and interacting with senior business and IT leadership.
• Experience in release management practices and understanding of ITIL best practices for release management and change control.
• Knowledge of IT governance, security practices, and compliance regulations to ensure that applications meet security and regulatory standards.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive in identifying areas for improvement and driving continuous enhancement of enterprise applications and IT processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2 certification.
• ITIL Foundation or Expert certification is desirable.
• Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is desirable.

Location: Hybrid (2 days per week in Leeds office)

Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 plus bonus