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- Tasks: Manage software releases across IT environments, ensuring smooth collaboration and compliance.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading global retailer in sports fashion with over 90,000 colleagues worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, discounted gym memberships, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and operational excellence in a thriving company.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in technology release management; experience with cloud platforms and CI/CD tools required.
- Other info: Embrace an inclusive culture where your contributions are valued and recognised.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Established in 1981, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms. We aim to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. As a Technology Release Manager, you will play a crucial role in planning, managing, and overseeing software releases across various IT environments.
This role is key to ensuring efficient, standardised release processes across the organisation while driving stability and reliability in IT services. The Technology Release Manager will oversee release management across Digital, Retail, and Supply Chain business areas, collaborating closely with project managers, development teams, QA teams, and key stakeholders.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Release Management: Manage the outsourced Digital Release execution layer, ensuring alignment with Retail and Supply Chain release processes. Develop, implement, and oversee release management strategies and processes.
- Governance and Compliance: Establish governance frameworks and best practices for release management. Ensure compliance with internal policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with development, QA, operations, and business teams to ensure smooth releases. Communicate release schedules, risks, and impacts to relevant stakeholders.
- Risk and Issue Management: Identify potential release-related risks and develop mitigation strategies. Conduct post-release reviews to analyse issues and drive continuous improvements.
- Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Track key release metrics and provide regular reports on release performance to senior management.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience working in hybrid IT environments, managing releases across both on-premises data centres and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Extensive experience in end-to-end release management execution.
- Strong understanding of release governance frameworks and best practices.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and leadership skills.
- Experience with release automation tools and CI/CD pipelines.
Desired Qualifications:
- Degree in Information Technology or a related field.
- ITIL Foundation or ITIL Intermediate certification.
- 7+ years of experience in technology release management, governance, and execution.
The JD Group is an equal opportunities employer who embraces and values differences. We recognise the importance of an inclusive workplace culture. We offer amazing benefits including staff discounts, discounted gym membership, and personal development opportunities.
If you are interested in this position, please press the Apply Now button. Applications that meet the skills criteria will be contacted for a 1st stage meeting with the talent team.
IT Release Manager employer: JD Sports Fashion
Contact Detail:
JD Sports Fashion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Release Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with JD Sports' business model and their approach to omnichannel retail. Understanding how they integrate digital, retail, and supply chain processes will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of JD Sports on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the IT Release Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in release management and DevOps practices. Being knowledgeable about tools like Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines will allow you to speak confidently about your expertise and how it can benefit JD Sports.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed large-scale releases. Highlighting your ability to handle risks and ensure compliance will showcase your fit for the governance aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Release Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in IT release management, especially in hybrid environments. Emphasise your skills in managing releases across both on-premises and cloud platforms, as well as your familiarity with tools like Jenkins or Azure DevOps.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at JD Sports and how your background aligns with their goals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage release processes and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Highlight Governance Experience: Since the role involves establishing governance frameworks, be sure to include any past experiences where you implemented structured release management processes or compliance measures. This will show your understanding of the importance of governance in release management.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application of how you've identified and resolved issues in previous release management roles. Highlight your analytical skills and proactive approach, as these are key attributes for the Technology Release Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Sports Fashion
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an IT Release Manager. Familiarise yourself with release management processes, governance frameworks, and the specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as CI/CD pipelines and release automation tools.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing releases across hybrid IT environments. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully coordinated large-scale releases and collaborated with cross-functional teams, particularly in retail or supply chain contexts.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've aligned release expectations and outcomes, and how you've managed risks and issues during the release process.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to discuss how you've driven continuous improvements in release processes. Share any experiences where you've implemented best practices, automated processes, or used metrics to enhance performance and reliability in release management.
