IT Release Management Lead
Post Office About the role
As an IT Release Management Lead, you will join us on our transformation journey and undertake a high-impact role responsible for leading and governing the end-to-end Release Management function across our technology estate. You will ensure technology releases are planned, managed and deployed safely, efficiently and in line with business priorities, enabling the successful delivery of change while protecting service stability and customer experience.
Working collaboratively with business stakeholders, project teams, service operations, suppliers and technology partners, you will coordinate complex release activities, manage risks and dependencies, and provide clear oversight of release performance across the organisation. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact by driving continuous improvement in release governance, processes and tooling, helping to shape the future of our technology services and the communities we serve. You will play a critical role in delivering technology innovation safely and effectively, ensuring releases support both current business needs and long-term strategic objectives.
How our people behave is as important to Post Office as what is delivered. The IT Release Management Lead will role model Post Office behaviours, demonstrate a Postmaster First mindset, and champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement and service excellence.
What you'll do
- Own and govern the end-to-end Release Management process, ensuring alignment with ITIL v4, Change Enablement practices and organisational governance standards.
- Manage and maintain the enterprise release calendar, coordinating multiple releases across projects, technology teams and third-party suppliers.
- Ensure all releases are effectively planned, risk assessed, approved, communicated and deployed with minimal impact to live services and customers.
- Lead release planning, readiness reviews and deployment activities, ensuring operational acceptance criteria and business preparedness are met.
- Coordinate internal and external delivery teams, proactively managing dependencies, risks, conflicts and competing priorities across a complex technology landscape.
- Act as the primary escalation point for release-related issues, driving timely resolution and informed decision-making.
- Chair release governance forums and provide oversight of release quality, compliance, deployment readiness and risk management.
- Produce and present release performance metrics, KPI reporting and management information, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Drive continual improvement across release processes, controls, tooling and ways of working to enhance service stability, efficiency and delivery outcomes.
- Work closely with Change, Incident, Problem, Project Delivery and Service Operations teams to ensure effective service transition and operational readiness.
- Support post-implementation reviews and major incident investigations, identifying lessons learned and implementing actions to improve future release success.
- Lead, coach and develop the Release Management team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and professional growth.
What we can do for you
Our business is changing and we understand that attracting the right talent is pivotal in driving the positive change needed, to help us achieve our ambitious goals. Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 27.5 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 2 years), plus bank holidays
- Up to 18% on target bonus opportunity
- Annual car allowance
- Generous pension scheme with minimum 9% employer contribution
- Access to 24/7 digital GP services and our Employee Assistance Programme
- 6 x Life assurance and income protection after 12 months service
- Over 400 online courses, mentoring, apprenticeships, and development programmes
- Access to our benefits platform for exclusive discounts & savings
What you’ll need to succeed
To be successful in this role you will have the following:
- ITIL v4 qualified with strong knowledge of Release Management, Change Enablement and Service Transition best practices.
- Extensive experience managing end-to-end release processes within large, complex and multi-supplier IT environments.
- Strong understanding of release governance, CAB processes and organisational risk controls.
- Proven ability to coordinate releases across technical teams, business stakeholders and third-party suppliers while managing complex dependencies.
- Experience working across Agile, Waterfall, DevOps and CI/CD delivery environments.
- Expertise in release planning, scheduling, deployment coordination, release readiness and dependency management.
- Strong analytical and risk management skills, with the ability to identify, assess and mitigate release risks and service impacts.
- Experience managing enterprise release calendars and delivering successful production deployments with minimal business disruption.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, suppliers and business partners.
- Proven experience chairing release governance meetings, readiness reviews and managing escalations in a fast-paced environment.
About us
At Post Office Ltd, we’re proud to be at the heart of communities across the UK, upheld by the dedication and service of our postmasters. We offer essential services that people rely on every day, from parcels and banking to identity and government services. While we continue to evolve with digital innovation, our commitment to personal, face-to-face service remains core to who we are. Our journey is one of reflection, growth, and meaningful change. We’re looking for people who think differently. Those with resilience, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to our postmasters, partners and the communities they serve. If you're driven by the chance to make a real impact and help shape a future, built on progress and integrity, we’d love to hear from you.
Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. While we’ve outlined key skills above, we recognise that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident Employer, we recognise the value people with disabilities can bring to our business. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process or would like further details on the job description, please contact talentacquisition@postoffice.co.uk.
We’re thrilled by your interest in this opportunity and truly value every application we receive. Please note the advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide individual feedback on all submissions.
Your tasks
Lead and govern the end-to-end Release Management process for our tech projects.
Your profile
ITIL v4 qualified with experience in managing complex release processes.
What's also included
Enjoy 27.5 days leave, competitive salary, bonuses, and extensive development opportunities.
Tech stack & ways of working
IT Release Management Lead employer: Post Office
Post Office is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering flexible shifts and a supportive work environment. With a strong focus on customer service, you will receive comprehensive training and have opportunities for personal growth while working in a dynamic team. The company promotes a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
Your perspectives
Make a real impact by driving technology innovation and improving service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Post Office values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Post Office might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Post Office!
Direct Apply to Post Office
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Post Office website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Post Office.
Highlight Relevant Certifications
Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Post Office. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise
We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Post Office
Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
