Location: Portland, OR
Description:
Summary:
The Software Release Program Manager (SRPM) is responsible for the planning, management and execution of software releases for development, testing, and production environments. They work closely with Professional Services, Engineering, Systems and Network Engineering, and Quality Assurance departments to thoroughly document and manage code as it moves into production. The SRPM is a self-motivated and collaborative IT professional with a strong background in software development lifecycle methodology and demonstrates a working understanding of change and release management processes.
Career Development Path:
The SRPM may exercise an opportunity to progress to a Program Manager or Senior Program Manager deploying customer-based solutions and / or may elect to move into technical management as their career progresses.
Essential Functions:
• Ensure planning, management, and deployment of software releases into the development, testing and production environments is completed successfully
• Manage the release of simultaneous high-priority projects from initial planning thru deployment. Monitors projects from initiation through delivery, interfacing with different department resources on matters related to scope and effort
• Provide day-to-day management of project activities between departments involved in the release cycle
• Plan, manage, and track project schedules using industry standard project management methods and tools
• Provide project status reports describing the state of the project, progress and accomplishments, and significant risk items
• Ensure environment, materials, and resources are in place for the success of the project
• Identify, mitigate, and monitor project risk, creating contingency plans and advising all levels of management, as appropriate
• Work with each department and management to prioritize and scope scheduled releases with completion dates for each phase
• Accountable for and manages the change management process for the software release to compile, review, and gain approval for any scope changes related to a software release
• Works in conjunction with the Project Management Office to define, document, and improve processes supporting software releases
• Work within the Project Management Office to determine resource requirements, work with the department resource managers to determine staffing needs and implement staffing plans
• Maintain technical knowledge and understanding of all products and services, how they are implemented and used by customers
• Works effectively at low levels of detail, while understanding product direction for products and services
Shift/Work Hours:
While this position primarily works during standard business hours, there will be occasional extended hours in order to meet project deadlines and deployments as with any such role. Standard business hours are Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm. Some flexibility in work hours may be granted. MINIMAL TRAVEL MAY BE REQUIRED.
Skills
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of equivalent business related work experience with IT projects
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Project or Release Manager
• Proficient in MS Project, issue and risk tracking systems, and status reporting
• Experience managing software development projects using industry standard methodology and tools
• Experience in facilitating software requirements gathering sessions
• Proven track record of successfully managing relationships across the organization at executive and senior management levels
• Able to provide strong cross-team collaboration, set appropriate expectations and provide alternative approaches for consistent and quality software releases. Demonstrate positive orientation and excellent teamwork skills at all times
• Self-directed and creative resolution seeker, accomplished risk assessor
• Strong working knowledge of technology systems, software development operations, and best practices
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Able to prioritize workloads, must function quickly and efficiently at multiple tasks and projects, as well as take initiative in a fast paced business environment
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Master’s Degree a plus
• PMI Certification desired
• Experience with Microsoft Enterprise Project Management highly desired
• Experience with HP Quality Center and Load Runner highly desired
